Dog bites are a serious and costly workplace and community hazard. Here are the numbers behind why prevention training matters.
Roughly 4.5 million dog bites occur across the U.S. annually.
Department of Health & Human Services
About 800,000 to 885,000 people seek professional medical attention for their injuries.
National Institutes of Health
1,000 / Day – Nearly 1,000 people go to hospital emergency rooms every single day, totaling around 334,000 to 368,000 visits per year.
American Veterinary Medical Association
Roughly 12,500 annual hospitalizations and 27,000 reconstructive procedures noted in clinical tracking. DogsBite.org
A smaller percentage of those injured require formal overnight hospital stays or specialized reconstructive surgery. Proper training helps employees recognize warning signs and avoid becoming one of these numbers.
First Aid for Pet Bites and Scratches
If you are bitten by a cat or a dog, your first step should be to wash the wound with soap and water.
If it’s been more than five years since you had a tetanus booster, you’ll likely need another one. Tetanus, also called lockjaw, causes painful muscle spasms throughout the body and can be life-threatening.
Confirm that the pet that bit you has been vaccinated for rabies.