Avoid dog bites in SC this summer by following these expert tips
As the weather continues to warm toward summer in South Carolina, more dog owners will be spending time outdoors.
Many of these dogs will be walked through neighborhoods or taken to parks to play. Others will be brought to dog-friendly restaurants or for car rides.
But while dogs are friendly in general, they can bite you or your children. And that’s true, regardless of breed.
Here’s what to know about dog bites and how to prevent them this summer.
Dog bite statistics
Below are statistics about dog bites and dog-related deaths, according to the American Medical Veterinary Association and the for.
- Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
- There are 90 million dogs in the U.S. and 45% of homes have at least one dog.
- Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are more likely to be severely injured.
- Insurers paid out $1.12 billion in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2023. The average cost for dog bite insurance claims was $58,545 in 2023.
- A total of 468 people were killed by dog bites or by being struck by a dog between 2011 and 2021 in the U.S. The annual number of deaths ranged from 31 in 2016 to 81 in 2021.
Why dogs bite
These are the most common reasons why dogs will bite:
- Defending themselves or their territory
- Being scared or startled
- Sensing a threat
- Feeling unwell or in pain
- Guarding against something valuable to them, like their food, their puppies or a toy
- Dogs might also nip or bite during play, which may be fun for them, but potentially dangerous to people if not properly managed
Dog bite prevention tips
These are recommendations on how to prevent dog bites, according to the AMVA and the CDC.
- Be a responsible dog owner. Socialize your dog with people and animals. Provide regular training and exercise to build a foundation for dog bite prevention.
- Always use a leash in public.
- Never leave a child unattended with a dog.
- Don’t try petting a dog if it is sick or injured, growling or barking, a stray, on the other side of a fence, sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
- Always ask permission to approach or pet some else’s dog.
- Never run toward, bark at or growl at a dog.
- Don’t run, stay calm, keep both hands at your sides and avoid eye contact when approached by a strange dog.
- Keep your dog healthy and vaccinated against rabies and other serious or common infectious diseases. Parasite control and regular checkups are important because how dogs feel can impact how they behave.
What to do if bitten by a dog
For minor wounds
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply an antibiotic cream.
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
For deep wounds
- Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding. Seek medical attention right away.
- Call 911 or your local medical services immediately if you cannot stop the bleeding or you feel faint.
This story was originally published April 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
