DALLAS — With 2023 now well underway, you may find yourself hitting the local walking trails — home to athletes like yourself, and their well-meaning but sometimes aggressive dogs, which can deliver a serious bite if you’re not careful.
Even if you’re minding your own business while on a jog, dogs can bite you. More than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog bites present a serious health risk to humans, especially children, who make up half of bite victims. Nearly 1 in 5 victims require medical attention.
The good news is that most dogs attack humans only when provoked — and most bites are preventable. But even the sweetest of dogs can deliver a mean bite.
Here’s what to know about dog bites.
When and why do dogs bite? Just like other animals, dogs have self-defense mechanisms. When they find themselves in a stressful situation or feel threatened, dogs may bite to defend themselves and their territory, the American Veterinary Medical Association says.
“I would say, more often that not, the highest incident is fear-based,” said Ashley Navarrette, a director of primary care services at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science. “They’re fearful of whatever situation it is.”
During times of fear, dogs can either run away or fight. Often, they can’t run away, so they resort to fighting.
Mother dogs may employ aggression if they feel their puppies are in danger. Other dogs may bite if they feel sick, are injured or want to be left alone, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Which dogs bite? A dog’s ability to bite does not depend on its breed. Navarette noted that cats also have the capacity to bite people and other animals.
The American Veterinary Medical Association cautions that any dog can bite: big or small, male or female, young or old.
Navarette said she sees heightened levels of aggression in intact dogs, those that haven’t been neutered or spayed.
Who is most vulnerable to dog bites? Children face a much higher risk of getting bitten by a dog, especially those who are unsupervised and may not know how to act around dogs.
Due to their height, children are likely to be closer to the same level as a dog, which makes them more vulnerable to facial bites. These wounds tend to be more traumatic than injuries on hands and feet, Navarette said.
How to avoid dog bites: In order to avoid a risky situation, it’s important to pay attention to dogs’ body language, Navarette said.
Fortunately, there are tell-tale signs. In addition to barking and growling, dogs often lick their lips or try to lean away from a situation that could escalate. Other common indicators of impending aggression include dilated pupils and perked-up ears.
“Another thing you’ll notice is when they’re getting closer and closer, you will start to notice that their mouth will start to tense,” Navarette said.
She also recommends that parents educate their children on how to appropriately and safely interact with dogs. Not all dogs are comfortable around humans; some have a history of aggression.
“I think most of us were probably taught the way to greet a dog is to put your hand out … and that’s actually not great, because that’s entering their space,” Navarette said.
The clinician noted that it’s better for the dog to approach you instead and “make the conscious decision to interact with you.”
If you get bitten by a dog, it’s best to seek medical attention soon and consult with a physician on treatment.
