Beware of Familiar (Not Stray) Dogs

Severe dog bites resulting in hospitalization or death occur most frequently in children younger than 5 and usually involve large dogs, particularly German shepherds, which are known to the child, according to a study published recently in the journal Pediatrics.

The study, conducted by doctors at Harborview Hospital in Seattle and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., reviewed data involving 40 children younger than 16 who were admitted to three hospitals between 1985 and 1994 for treatment of serious dog-bite injuries. Three of the children died of their injuries.

Researchers led by Dr. Thomas V. Brogan, a pediatrician, analyzed various factors to determine the characteristics of the children and dogs involved in such attacks, and the nature of the injuries.

They found that stray dogs were involved in only three of the attacks. In most cases the dog was a pet of the child’s family or of a neighbor and the attack occurred inside a home.

One-third of the children required treatment in the intensive care unit; 88% of children younger than 5 had head injuries including fractures or intracranial hemorrhages; 60% of the victims were boys.

The authors noted that the belief that strays are more dangerous may cause dog owners and adults who supervise children to relax their guard around familiar animals, rendering children more vulnerable to attack. All dogs that perceive themselves to be threatened are capable of biting, the authors said. Dogs bite people typically because they are jealous, fearful, overbred or inadequately trained.

Researchers estimate that 500,000 to 2 million dog bites occur each year.