Three Things to Know
Researchers analyzed a national dataset spanning over 50 pediatric hospitals from 2015 to 2020 to identify trends in dog bite injuries amongst children across the U.S.
The study revealed over 56,000 cases during this five-year period, with a notable 0.8% of emergency department visits occurring between May and September 2020 showing an increased caseload compared to 0.33% during the entire study period.
Peak incidence of bites occurred in the summer. Head and face injuries were most common (62%), particularly in toddlers, whereas older children more frequently sustained extremity injuries.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners
The increasing trend of dog bite injuries, potentially linked to rising pet ownership, can be traumatic for both children and animals. In severe cases, this can lead to owner surrenders or even euthanasia. To address this issue, dog welfare organizations, including shelters and humane societies, should proactively implement and widely promote dog bite prevention programs for all pet owners. This requires establishing well-structured programs and employing robust marketing strategies to maximize awareness. Furthermore, organizations should explore innovative delivery methods, such as Turkey’s successful “Be A Tree” campaign, which effectively taught preschoolers how to stay safe during potentially risky dog encounters.
The Full Picture
Each year, around 3.9 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, with 850,000 seeking medical care. Children are most affected, with dog bite-related emergency department (ED) visits costing an estimated $252 million annually. Beyond financial costs, these injuries often cause lasting physical and emotional trauma.
Recent evidence suggests a rise in pediatric dog bites during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly linked to societal shutdowns. However, most existing data are limited to single institutions or regional studies. This study, titled “Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries: A 5-Year Nationwide Study and Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic”, aims to use a national multicenter dataset to analyze trends in pediatric dog bite injuries during the pandemic.
Study Methods
This study analyzed dog bite injuries in children under 18 using data from the Pediatric Health Information System, covering over 50 U.S. pediatric hospitals from September 2015 to September 2020. The dataset included demographic, diagnostic, procedural, and imaging information. Key variables collected were age, gender, race/ethnicity, geography, insurance, income (based on zip code), injury date, injury location, fractures, and whether surgery was required.
Study Results
The study analyzed 56,106 pediatric dog bite cases from U.S. hospitals over five years. Dog bite cases rose annually, with a notable increase in their proportion among emergency visits during the COVID-19 pandemic (tripling to 0.8% of emergency department visits from May to September 2020). Dog bite risks likely intensified during this period due to prolonged child-dog interactions at home, rising stress among caregivers, and increased dog adoptions. Bites peaked in summer, especially July, when children are outdoors more often. On the other hand, cases were lowest in February. Interestingly, the South had the least seasonal variation, likely due to milder winters.
Most patients were young (median age 6.8), male (55%), and White/Non-Hispanic. Nearly a third of cases involved children under 3 years old. The head and face were the most commonly affected areas (62%), particularly in toddlers, while older children more often had extremity injuries. Fractures occurred in 2.9% of cases, mainly in the head/neck and upper limbs. About 8% of patients required surgery, especially those with injuries to the head or multiple regions. Head injuries had the highest likelihood of needing surgery, while injuries to extremities or torso were less likely to require operative care.
Most injuries occurred in urban areas (93%) and the South (41%), with the Northeast showing the lowest per-capita incidence. Interestingly, there was a small rise in median household income among bite victims during the pandemic, possibly reflecting adoption trends among financially stable families or underreporting among lower-income groups.
Conclusion
This study, the largest of its kind, confirms that pediatric dog bites remain a significant and growing public health concern in the U.S., with increased rates over the past five years and a notable spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. Age strongly influenced injury location: toddlers, often close to ground level and unaware of dog cues, were more likely to sustain facial injuries, while older children suffered more limb injuries. Educational efforts should address supervision, especially in households with new dogs and young children.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Owned Dogs > Offering Better Care > Statistics on Dog Bites
Year of Publication:
2022
External Link:
Plana NM, Kalmar CL, Cheung L, Swanson JW, Taylor JA. Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries: A 5-Year Nationwide Study and Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Craniofac Surg. 2022;33(5):1436-1440. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000008670