Studies have shown that dog-bite injuries most commonly affect children, who are typically bitten in the face. This study sought to determine human behavior prior to a dog bite to the face and collect demographic data associated with the incidents. It was found that, of the 132 dog-bite incidents to the face analyzed, humans bending over a dog (76%), putting a face close to a dog’s face (19%), and gazing between a dog and human (5%) were activities that occurred prior to the incident. None of the victims stepped on, pulled the hair of, punished, or scolded the dog or trimmed its nails before the incident. Seventy percent of victims were children; 84% of these were <12 years old. Adult dogs were responsible for all bites to the face. Male dogs and large dogs were overrepresented. In 48% of cases, bites were from large dogs. Being in the dog’s home, yard, or garden were also major associated factors, as was the dog being off-leash. People bitten by a large dog were more likely to seek treatment compared to those bitten by a small dog. Parents (43%) and dog owners (62%) were present when children were bitten. The authors observed that adult presence does not imply adequate supervision; adults may be unaware of or may underestimate the risks for bites. They conclude that known risk factors for dog bites to the face should be avoided and children should be constantly and carefully supervised around dogs.
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