Articles Posted in Dog Bite Prevention & Safety

Knowing how to report a dog bite to animal control is crucial for protecting public safety and preserving your legal rights after an attack. In Chicago, all dog bites must be reported to Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) or the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, depending on where the bite occurred.…

The latest USPS data identifies the cities with the most dog attacks involving postal workers in 2025. Los Angeles reported 70 incidents, followed by Dallas with 50, Denver with 45, Houston with 44, and Chicago with 43. These figures cover incidents involving USPS employees and do not represent all dog bites in those cities. To…

US dog bite statistics show that dog-related injuries remain a significant public health and insurance issue. Millions of people are bitten each year, thousands seek emergency care, and insurers pay billions of dollars annually for dog-related injury claims. The figures below summarize the available national data, fatal attacks, breed-reporting limitations, claim costs, and trends relevant…

Most common dog bite locations vary by age. A 2019 analysis of U.S. emergency department data from 2005 through 2013 found that arms and hands accounted for 47.3% of dog bite injuries overall. In children, head and face injuries are more common. These patterns matter because bite location can affect treatment, long-term function, scarring, and…

Dog attacks by breed are often discussed as if one breed alone determines whether a dog will bite. The available evidence is more complicated. Some breeds appear more frequently in studies of severe injuries, but breed identification, local dog populations, reporting practices, and the circumstances of each incident affect the results. For Illinois dog bite…

Dog bite prevention starts with supervising children around dogs, respecting an animal’s space, following leash rules, and teaching responsible pet care. In Illinois, families and dog owners can reduce bite risks by following practical safety guidelines at home and in public. Knowing what to do after an attack also helps protect your health and legal…

Understanding Canine Aggression to Protect Your Family Members Dog bites rarely happen without warning. Most dogs show clear warning signs before they react aggressively, but many people miss them. Recognizing the signs of aggressive behavior in dogs protects family members, visitors, and other animals from a dangerous behavior problem. Canine aggression is a major public…

A Guide to Safe Dog-to-Dog Greetings and Owner Liability Many Illinois dog owners want their pets to socialize with other dogs, but even a friendly meet-up can turn into a dog fight. Knowing when it’s safe to let your dog approach another dog can prevent injuries to both pets and humans. This guide shows you…

Last updated: September 25, 2026 | Reviewed by Jonathan Rosenfeld,  Under Illinois dangerous dog law, a dog is “dangerous” if it bites someone without justification but causes no serious injury. It is also dangerous if it seriously threatens people off its owner’s property. It is “vicious” if it causes serious physical injury or death or…

To protect yourself from a dog attack, stay calm, avoid running or sudden movements, and, when possible, use a backpack, jacket, or other object as a barrier. If the dog knocks you down, protect your face, head, and neck. Once you reach safety, seek medical care and document the incident. A Guide to Staying Safe…