Risk factors for dog bites involving children

Abstract

Although children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, gaps remain in understanding of the factors that lead to biting incidents. Using a retrospective and victim self-report questionnaire, risk factors for dog bites with respect to younger and older children in Slovenia are examined. The results showed that younger children were more commonly bitten in a non-public place, outside or inside a house when the owner was absent. They had approached and interacted with a dog they knew, which had a history of aggression and had displayed tense or aggressive behaviour before the bite. Older children were mainly bitten outside in a public space, when the owner was not there. They were approached and bitten by an unknown dog while running or cycling, while entering the dog’s personal space, or it was completely unprovoked. The dog involved had a history of aggression and before the bite the victims had neither interacted nor attempted to interact with the dog. These results suggest that the risk factors for dog bites involving children might be age-related calling for due attention and further assessment.