For grown-ups
Dog safety for children: bite prevention for families and classrooms
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
Children aged 5 to 9 had the highest rate of dog bite injuries treated in US emergency departments in 2001, and in children under 4, 64.9 percent of those injuries were to the head or neck, the CDC reported. The CDC says to watch young children near any dog, even one they know, and to teach children to ask the owner before petting a dog.
Checked October 29, 2026.
What do the numbers say?
These come from the CDC's report on 2001 data (published 2003), the firmest age breakdown we found, so they are old:
- Injury rates were highest in children aged 5 to 9.
- The report counts 154,625 bites in children under 14, which is 42.0 percent of the total.
- For people under 18, the report says 80 percent of bites come from a family dog (30 percent) or a neighbor's dog (about half).
Rules for grown-ups
- Watch young children whenever they are near any dog, including your own, and don't let them play with a dog unattended, even one they know (CDC).
- The CDC says dogs may bite when scared, nervous, eating, playing, guarding toys or puppies, or feeling unwell. Give every dog a place to retreat.
- The AAP says children shouldn't put their faces near a dog's face, tease with toys or treats, or pull ears and tails (AAP).
- If a bite happens, the CDC says to wash the wound with soap and water, apply antibiotic cream and cover it. For a deep wound, press with a clean cloth and get medical care right away; call 911 if the bleeding won't stop. Report the bite to animal control.
After a bite
Deep or infected wounds, an unknown rabies vaccination record, or a tetanus shot more than 5 years ago all mean calling a healthcare provider (CDC).
Dog safety facts
How to be safe around dogs, from the sources below.
- Ask before petting someone else's dog, even if it looks friendly.
- Ask the dog's owner: 'May I pet your dog?' Don't reach out first.
- Let the new dog approach you first, and stay still while it does.
- Do not continue petting a dog that seems scared, sick or angry.
- Do not pet a dog that appears to be hiding or seeking time alone.
- Dogs may also bite when they aren't feeling well and want to be left alone.
Dog safety card
Dogs are fun, and every dog needs space. Remember Ask, Wait, Stroke.
- Ask. Ask the owner first: "May I pet your dog?" If the answer is no, say thank you and walk on.
- Wait. Hold out a closed hand and let the dog come to you and sniff. Stay still.
- Stroke. Pet gently on the shoulder or chest. Do not pet the top of the head.
A poster for home or class
Be safe around dogs
- Always ask the owner first, before you pet any dog.
- Let the dog come to you and sniff you first.
- Leave a dog alone when it is eating, sleeping or hiding.
- If a dog you don't know comes up: stand still, stay calm, look away, and say "No" or "Go home" in a firm voice. Then back away slowly.
- If a dog knocks you down: curl up like a ball and cover your head, neck and ears.
- Don't run or scream. Tell a grown-up if you are bitten or scratched.
Rules from the CDC's Healthy Pets pages.
Sources
- CDC MMWR: Nonfatal dog bite-related injuries treated in emergency departments, United States, 2001 (2003) (checked October 29, 2026)
- CDC: Dogs (Healthy Pets) (checked October 29, 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren: How old should our children be before we adopt a pet? (updated 22 April 2026) (checked October 29, 2026)