Dog Bites in Children Less Than 4 Years Old

Abstract

Few situations are more anxiety provoking than that of a small child being attacked by a dog. On occasion dogs have been known to save human lives. Conversely, dogs have actually been known to kill (references 1 and 2; Chicago Sun-Times, March 31, 1980). Unfortunately, the incidence of dog bites has increased in recent years, and more than 1 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year.3-5 In addition, children are the most frequent victims.1,4-8 With the rising crime rate, more citizens are buying or even renting large and sometimes vicious dogs to protect their family or property. (Chicago Sun-Times, March 31, 1980, and reference 5).