According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4.7 million victims are bitten by dogs throughout the country each year. Approximately 20 percent of bite victims suffer injuries serious enough to require medical attention. Children are the most common victims and are more likely to bear brutal wounds. Dog bites can lead to nerve damage, amputations, permanent disfigurement, and even death in severe cases. People are often shocked to discover that most bites involve domesticated dogs, as opposed to stray dogs. Almost 80 percent of bite victims are the dog’s owners or their children, friends, or relatives.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Any dog, whether big or small, young or old, can bite. Even the friendliest, cutest, and most playful dogs have bitten people. While dogs bite for various reasons, typically biting is a reaction to something. Dogs can snap because they feel nervous, afraid, or have been startled. When a dog finds itself in a stressful or threatening situation, it may attack to protect itself or its territory. They sometimes bite to defend something precious, such as their puppies, food, or even a favorite toy.