Babies Are Most Likely to Get Bitten By a Dog

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

21 Jul 2008 12:40 PM

According to a 2006 study published by the Journal of Pediatrics, children less than one year of age were the most likely group to be bitten by a dog. What is even more disturbing, is that children less than nine years old are more likely to be bitten in the head or the neck area.

In that same study, that same group (they used 341 children that were bitten), a full 85 percent of these children suffered deep wounds. There were more boys bitten than girls.

So what does this tell us as parents? We need to take extra precautions when babies are anywhere near dogs. Even the family pet could be a threat. The study found that the majority of the dogs that bit the children either belonged to the family or belonged to a friend, and that most of the bites occurred at home.

What are some things that we can do to prevent our babies from being bitten by a dog?

• Never leave a baby alone with a dog
• Don't let your child pet a dog without the owner's permission
• Don't allow your baby to go near an unfamiliar dog
• Don't allow your baby to disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or one that has puppies
• Don't ever sneak up on a dog
• Don't allow your baby to run or scream around a dog
• Don't allow your child to hit, tease or pull at a dog
• Stay away from a dog that is growling or is bearing its teeth
• If a dog sniffs your baby, don't make any sudden movements

What type of dog is mostly likely to bite?

A male non-neutered dog A dog that appears overly excited A dog that is chained up A dog that is caring for puppies A dog that is disturbed while sleeping A dog that is poorly trained A dog that has not been socialized A sick or injured dog A dog that is a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, mixed breed or German Shepherd

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Samual (11722) 21 Jul 2008 01:43 PM

None of those dogs are in the top ten of most likely to bite, the labrador is most likely to bite, not due to agression but because people are more likely to approach them. Breed has nothing to do with aggression in the slighest.

Mary Ann Romans (26881) 21 Jul 2008 05:14 PM

The information for the breed of dog was taken from the survey given to families of victims of dog bites. I do agree with you, however, that the way a person approaches a dog may may the most influential factor when it comes to dog bites.

Samual (11722) 22 Jul 2008 04:30 AM

The latest most likely to bite list placed the first dog as a chihuaha and none of those dogs listed were on it as they are not aggressive breeds, like the terrior for example who nip to say no.

Mary Ann Romans (26881) 22 Jul 2008 01:21 PM

The survey was done on a small sample in 2006, so perhaps that is the reason? Thanks for the information.

Andrea Hermitt (5512) 17 Aug 2008 09:22 PM

This should be a notice to pet owners as well. I have two miniature schnauzers and I never let anyone under my height touch my dogs. They are herders by nature and will nip and pull on people to get them where they want them. My brother used to have a female pit, and he never let visitors, or children near his dog. He had high wooden fences and kept them well maintained.

Mary Ann Romans (26881) 25 Aug 2008 10:12 AM

Great point Andrea!