Avoiding Dog Bites
Sometimes man’s best friend will bite. In addition to causing pain or an injury, dog bites can become infected, putting the bite victim at risk for illness or in rare cases death.
Bites are scary
There are about 4.5 million people bitten by dogs every year. About 800,000 of them need medical care.
♦ Young children 5 to 9 years old are most likely to be bitten by dogs, with boys bitten more often than girls.
In 2025, homeowners insurers paid out $1.86 billion for dog bites and other dog-related injuries. The average claim was more than $65,000.
Although the idea of being bitten by a dog is scary, it doesn't mean you need to avoid dogs completely. Just be aware of the risks and learn how to enjoy being around dogs without getting bitten.
Know the risks
When children are bitten, the injuries tend to be more severe.
♦ Over half of dog bite injuries happen at home, with dogs we know.
Having a dog in the household is linked to a higher chance of being bitten than not having a dog.
As the number of dogs in the home increases, so does the chance of being bitten.
• Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs.
Among adults, men are more likely than women to be bitten by a dog.
Warning signs a dog may bite
Dogs usually tell you before they bite. Back off slowly if a dog:
- Goes stiff or freezes
- Growls, snarls or shows its teeth
- Raises the fur on its back
- Tucks its tail, flattens its ears or shows the whites of its eyes
- Yawns or licks its lips a lot when nobody's eating
How to avoid dog bites
• Always ask if it's okay to pet someone else's dog before reaching out to pet it.
• When approached by an unfamiliar dog, stay still ("be still like a tree").
• If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball with your head tucked and your hands over your ears and neck.
• Teach children to tell an adult right away about any stray dog, or any dog that's acting strangely.
Don't:
• Don't approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Don't run from a dog.
• Don't panic or make loud noises.
• Don't disturb a dog that's sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Don't pet a dog without letting it see and sniff you first.
• Don't encourage your dog to play aggressively.
• Don't let small children play with a dog unsupervised, even the family dog. Most bites to young children come from a dog they know.
What to do if an unfamiliar dog approaches
• Stop! Stay still and be calm.
• Don't panic or make loud noises.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the dog.
• Say "No" or "Go home" in a firm, deep voice.
• Stand with the side of your body facing the dog. Facing a dog head-on can look aggressive to the dog. Keep your body turned partly or completely to the side.
• Slowly raise your hands to your neck, with your elbows in.
• Wait for the dog to pass, or slowly back away.
Any dog can bite, but if you understand the risks and know how to protect yourself, you'll lower your chances of getting sick or hurt.
If you or your child does get bitten, see What to Do if Bitten by a Dog.
