Understanding why dogs bite

It is important to be careful and respectful around dogs to prevent your child from getting hurt. Any dog, no matter its size, breed or age, can bite. When it comes to biting, the dog's history and behavior are the most important factors.

Dogs bite for different reasons. They might bite if they are in a stressful situation or feel the need to protect themselves or their territory. Dogs also may bite because they are scared, startled or feel threatened. They might bite to protect something they value, like their puppies, their food or a toy. If they are sick or injured, dogs might bite because they want to be left alone. Sometimes dogs nip or bite during play. Even though it might be fun for the dog, it can be dangerous for people.

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States need medical care for dog bites each year. Children statistically are more likely to be bitten than adults. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to prevent dog bites. To learn more, check out the tips below from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dog bite prevention tips

How pet owners can prevent dog bites

When deciding what type of dog would be a good fit for your family, take time to research and carefully select your pet. Don’t get a puppy on impulse. Your veterinarian is your best resource for information about behavior, health and suitability.

After you bring your pet home:

  • Help your pet get used to being around people and other animals. Slowly introduce your dog to different situations in a safe way and keep doing this as your dog gets older. Never put your dog in a situation where they feel threatened or teased.
  • Take extra care with young children. If you have a dog and young children, always supervise them, even with your own dog. Be careful introducing a child or new dog to your home. It might be good to wait until your children are at least five years old to get a new dog.
  • Train your dog. Use fun activities to teach basic commands, like “sit,” “stay,” “no” and “come” to build a bond of obedience and trust with your dog. Avoid high-energy games like wrestling or tug-of-war. Always use a leash in public, even if your dog is well-trained.
  • Keep your dog healthy. Vaccinate your dog for rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Take care of parasites and overall health because how your dog feels affects how it behaves. Dogs in pain are more likely to bite, so have your vet take care of painful conditions such as arthritis or injuries.
  • Be a responsible pet owner. Obey leash laws. If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gates are secure. Exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation. Studies show spaying or neutering your dog may help reduce the chance it will bite.
  • Be alert. Recognize when your dog is stressed, uncomfortable or showing signs of aggression.  Remove your dog from situations that may lead to biting. If you don’t know why your dog is afraid or aggressive, talk to your vet to figure out the cause and get treatment.

How to protect yourself and your family

Be cautious around strange dogs and be kind to your own pet. Protect your children from dog bites by keeping these tips in mind:

  • Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
  • Be alert for potentially dangerous situations and take steps to prevent or stop them from getting worse.
  • Teach children including toddlers to be careful around pets and to be kind to them.
  • Teach children to avoid strange dogs and petting dogs through fences. Dogs might see reaching through or over a fence as a threat and act to protect their territory.
  • Teach your children to ask a dog’s owner if it is OK to pet their dog.
  • Don’t run past a dog. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch moving targets. 
  • Don’t give them a reason to become excited or aggressive.
  • Never disturb a dog that’s caring for puppies, sleeping or eating. 
  • If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. In most cases, the dog will leave when it sees you are not a threat.
  • If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don’t scream or yell. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact with the dog. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don’t turn and run.
  • If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

How to read dog body language

  • Dogs can’t talk to us, but they use sounds, body gestures and postures to communicate. They rely on these signals to let people and other dogs know their emotions.
  • We can’t always read a dog’s body language accurately. Like people, dogs have their own personalities and don’t all express themselves in the same way. One dog wagging its tail might be happy or want to play, while another dog might do the same when it’s anxious or nervous.
  • Sometimes, dogs will yawn, put their ears back or raise a paw if they feel worried. That behavior will change as the dog gets more concerned about the situation. For example, if a dog tucks its tail under its belly or leg, lies down with a leg up or stiffens its body and stares at you, it could feel frightened or threatened. When the dog reacts by growling, snapping or biting, it is telling you to leave it alone – right now!
  • Remember, no one can predict whether a dog will bite based on its size and breed. Always focus on its behavior.
  • Ask yourself a question next time you’re around a dog and want to play with it: Does the dog seem like it wants to be with you? If the dog is relaxed, friendly and seems happy to see you, it’s probably in a playful mood and will welcome your attention. If the dog won’t look at you or avoids you by walking or turning away, it’s best to leave it alone. If it seems tense, nervous or stares at you, stay away.
  • If it’s not your dog, rely on its owner to understand the pet’s mood. Always ask their permission before petting a dog you don’t know.

How to respond to a dog bite

What do I do if a dog bites me or my child?

  • If the dog's owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner's name and contact information. Contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records.
  • Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible. Seek medical attention if needed.

What do I do if my dog bites someone?

Dog bites are scary for everyone involved – the person the dog bit, the dog owner and even the dog. If your dog bites someone, help the person and remove your dog from the situation. Follow the recommendations below:

  • Restrain your dog immediately.
  • Separate your dog from the scene of the bite and confine your dog in a safe place.
  • Check on the bite victim’s condition.
  • Wash the wound with soap and water.
  • Encourage the bite victim to see a doctor to assess the wound and risk for rabies or other infections.
  • Call 911 if an urgent medical response is needed.
  • Give the dog’s most recent rabies vaccination information to the bite victim or others with them at the time of the incident, as well as your name, address and phone number.
  • Follow local rules and laws for reporting dog bites.
  • Talk to your veterinarian about dog behavior to prevent future incidents.