Any Dog Can Bite
More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), with nearly 1 in 5 requiring emergency medical attention. As one might expect, children are the most common victims, accounting for at least half of all dog bites, and they are more likely to suffer severe injuries — especially to the head, face, and neck — as a result. What might be surprising is that most bites affecting young children occur while interacting with familiar dogs during everyday activities. In a nation that keeps about 85 million dogs as pets (45% of households have more than one), the AVMA reminded everyone earlier this month during National Dog Bite Prevention Week that “dog bites pose a serious health risk to our communities and society.” Any dog can bite: big or small, male or female, young or old. Even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest pet can bite if provoked. Remember, it is not a dog’s breed that determines...