Which dogs bite? A case-control study of risk factors

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Dog bites are a significant public health concern, causing numerous injuries annually, with children being the most frequent victims.
• An estimated 585,000 dog bite injuries require medical attention each year.
• Identifying specific dog-related factors associated with biting non-household members is crucial for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine specific dog-related factors that are independently associated with a dog biting a non-household member.
• To identify breeds, sex, neuter status, and environmental factors linked to increased biting incidents.

Main Methods:

• A matched case-control study design was employed, involving 178 pairs of dogs.
• Case dogs were identified from animal control records for first-bite incidents involving medically treated non-household members.
• Control dogs were neighborhood-matched and had no history of biting non-household members; owners were interviewed via telephone.

Main Results:

• Children aged 12 and under were victims in 51% of cases.
• Biting dogs were significantly more likely to be German Shepherds or Chow Chows, male, unneutered, living with children, and chained in the yard.
• Specific adjusted odds ratios (ORa) were reported for breed, sex, neuter status, presence of children, and chaining.

Conclusions:

• Pediatricians should counsel parents on the risks associated with owning male, unneutered dogs, and specific breeds like German Shepherds and Chow Chows.
• Failure to neuter dogs and breed selection are modifiable factors that can reduce the risk of dog bites on non-household members, particularly children.
• The high frequency and potential preventability of dog bites warrant further public health attention and intervention strategies.