Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year, according to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
While many bites go unreported, 800,000 people seek medical attention each year following a dog bite. Dog bites are so common that Americans have a 1 in 50 chance of being bitten every year.
Children are particularly at risk. About 16 deaths occur each year from dog bites, and children account for 70% of bite-related deaths.
Dog bites come with an insurance cost too. In 2024, homeowners' insurance companies paid out $1.56 billion for injury claims related to dogs.
The cost of dog bites is going up too, as medical and legal expenses rise: from 2015 to 2024, the average cost per dog-related claim increased by 174.7%.
The slideshow above highlights six important things to know about dog bites, according to information from the World Animal Foundation.
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