Most people love dogs, and the proof is in the numbers: According to Statista, 65.1 million U.S. households have at least one pet dog. Studies have shown that dogs help ease stress, lower blood pressure, and encourage an active lifestyle.

However, even our canine companions can sometimes bite. Dog bites are not only painful and frightening, but they can also cause injuries, nerve damage, and infections, depending on the severity.

The key to living or working around dogs is understanding the risks of dog bites and how to prevent them. If you, a family member, or a friend suffer a dog bite, it is important to know the best ways to treat it.

Who Is at Risk of Dog Bites?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the risk of dog bites is greatest for:

• Children: Children are more likely to be bitten by a dog than adults, and the injuries are often more severe.
• People who own a dog: There is a correlation between having a dog in the household and the risk of being bitten.
• Owners with multiple dogs: The more dogs in a home, the higher the chance of being bitten. In fact, dog bites are five times more common in multi-dog households than in homes with no dogs.

How to Avoid Getting Bitten by a Dog

• Only pet someone else’s dog if they give you permission.
• Report strays’ dogs or those displaying unusual behavior.
• Keep small children away from dogs unless they are being closely supervised.
• Never disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for its puppies.
• Let a dog see and sniff you before you pet it and offer your hand with the palm facing up.

If a strange dog approaches you:

• Do not panic, run, or make loud noises.
• Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog.
• Say “Go home” or “No” in a firm, calm voice, but avoid shouting.
• Wait for the dog to pass or back away slowly.

How to Treat a Dog Bite

If you are bitten by a dog, wash the wound with soap and water as soon as you are in a safe place. After thoroughly cleaning the bite, apply antibiotic cream and cover the wound with a clean bandage.

See a doctor if:

• The wound becomes painful, warm, swollen, or red.
• You develop a fever.
• The dog that bit you behaved unusually.
• The wound continues to bleed.
• You experience extreme pain.
• Muscle or bone is exposed through the bite.
• You don’t know whether the dog has had rabies vaccinations.
• You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last five years and the bite is deep.

What If My Dog Bites Someone?

The risk of dog bites comes with sharing space with animals. If your dog bites someone or another dog, regardless of the location, this incident may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy as a liability claim. We recommend carrying the highest liability limit available on your homeowners, renters, or condo insurance policy to avoid paying out-of-pocket in the event of a lawsuit.

If you have a dog, please let us know if you have not already. Some insurance companies we require to note if you own one.

For added protection, we also recommend having an umbrella policy for additional liability coverage if you own a dog. Even if your dog is the calmest, friendliest animal, one incident could lead to a lawsuit if it bites someone or another dog.