[gt-link lang="es" label="Se Habla Español" widget_look="lang_names"]
[gt-link lang="en" label="English" widget_look="lang_names"]
Dog bites are happening more often, and the injuries are getting worse. Many of these attacks result in serious wounds, some requiring stitches, surgery, or even long-term care. Children are often the ones who get hurt the most. These injuries can leave both physical and emotional scars.
At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how painful dog bite injuries can be. We help victims understand their legal rights and get the support they need after a serious bite. If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog, you may be able to recover compensation for medical attention, pain, and more.
Based on the recent data, here are some key statistics regarding dog bites in Utah that you should know:
More people are becoming dog owners for the first time, but many of them don’t know how to properly train or care for their pets. This lack of experience can lead to risky situations and more dog bite injuries.
Since the pandemic began, pet adoption has increased across the country. Many families brought home dogs for companionship during isolation, but not all were ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Some new owners were unaware of how to train their dogs. Others didn’t know how to read a dog’s behavior. Without the right knowledge, it’s easier for problems to grow.
More dogs living in less structured homes has led to an increase in dog bites and attacks. Even well-meaning owners can struggle if they don’t understand canine aggression or how dogs react under stress. This has raised the risk of preventable injuries, especially among children and guests.
Early socialization is key to helping dogs learn how to act around people and other animals. Puppies need to get used to new sounds, sights, and situations. If they don’t, they may react with fear or aggression later in life.
A dog that hasn’t been socialized is more likely to bite. They may feel threatened by strangers, sudden movements, or loud noises. This fear response can quickly turn into a bite, especially if the dog feels cornered.
Owners should expose their dogs to safe environments early on. Socialized pets are often calmer and more confident. When dogs are not socialized, the risk of bites increases sharply.
The pandemic changed life for both people and pets. Many dogs face sudden shifts in their routines, which can lead to stress and behavior problems, including aggression.
With stay-at-home orders, people were home much more often than usual. Dogs became accustomed to constant attention. When schedules changed again, some pets struggled with separation or confusion. In homes with more people around — especially children — dogs were exposed to more stimulation and stress.
Noise, movement, and less rest time can overwhelm even friendly pets. These factors can lead to aggressive behavior or bites. A stressed dog may show signs like growling, snapping, or avoiding eye contact. If these warnings are missed, a bite may follow. In many dog attacks, the dog showed signs of stress beforehand.
During the height of the pandemic, many dog training classes were canceled. Owners couldn’t access trainers or group socialization sessions. This meant fewer chances to correct risky behaviors early. Without guidance, some owners didn’t recognize the signs of stress or fear in their dogs. Others didn’t know how to respond when their dog growled, barked, or snapped.
Without proper tools, these situations often got worse. As more dogs missed out on early training, dog bites began to rise. The link between limited support and higher bite risk became clear, especially for first-time dog owners.
Heat affects more than just humans. As hot days become more frequent, dogs are showing more signs of stress and irritability. This can raise the risk of a bite, especially when dogs are in uncomfortable environments for longer periods.
Studies have shown a connection between heat and aggression in animals. When temperatures rise, dogs can become restless, uncomfortable, and more reactive. This can lead to sudden snapping or biting — even in dogs with no history of aggression.
Hot weather increases stress levels. Dogs may pant heavily, pace, or show signs of distress. If they feel cornered or are approached during this time, they may bite to protect themselves. Some fatal dog attacks have occurred during heatwaves when dogs were left without shade or water.
Watching for signs of overheating can help prevent dog bites. Understanding how weather affects a dog’s behavior is an important step in reducing risk.
Owners must take extra care of their pets during hot weather. This means providing shade, fresh water, and cool resting areas. A dog left outside for too long without relief may become anxious or aggressive. During hot days, avoid crowded places or long walks. Close quarters with other animals or humans can increase tension. If a dog is already stressed, even light contact could trigger a bite.
Dogs should not be forced into situations that raise their body temperature or cause frustration. Keeping pets calm and cool during the summer helps reduce canine aggression and keeps others safe from dog attacks.
Many dog bites happen not because of the dog, but because of human error. Irresponsible ownership and poor supervision are leading causes of serious injuries involving dogs.
Dogs that suffer neglect or abuse often develop behavior problems. They may become fearful, anxious, or aggressive. In many dog bite cases, the animal’s past treatment played a major role in its behavior. Abused dogs may react suddenly when they feel threatened. Loud noises, fast movement, or even a stranger’s touch can cause them to snap.
These reactions are not always predictable and can result in dangerous injuries. Every dog owner has a duty to treat their pet with care. When that care is missing, the risk to others grows. Neglect, lack of training, and abuse are all common causes behind aggressive dogs and repeated attacks.
Children are at higher risk of dog bite injuries. They may not recognize the signs of fear or discomfort in a dog. Some may pull on ears or tails without realizing the danger. A small child is more likely to be bitten in the face or neck, which can cause lasting harm.
Dogs must always be supervised around children and unfamiliar people. Even friendly pets can become defensive if they feel cornered or startled. In most cases, dog attacks could have been prevented with closer supervision.
Understanding dog body language, such as bared fangs, growling, or turning away, can help prevent dog bites before they happen.
Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dog bites send hundreds of thousands of people to emergency rooms each year. Many involve children. Some of these attacks require surgery or long-term care.
A stress smile is when a dog pulls back its lips in a way that looks like a grin. It can be a sign of anxiety or discomfort, not happiness. People often mistake this for friendliness and move in closer. Misreading this body language can increase the chance of a bite.
Yes. Human-dog staring contests can make a dog feel threatened. Prolonged eye contact is often seen by dogs as a challenge. Some dogs respond with growling or biting. It’s best to avoid staring directly into a dog’s eyes, especially if the dog is nervous or unfamiliar.
Yes. Dogs pick up on each other’s moods and energy. If one dog is aggressive or anxious, it can stress out other dogs in the same space. This can lead to fights or unpredictable behavior. Supervision is key when introducing dogs or managing tense situations.
Absolutely. Some bites cause deep wounds, facial damage, or tissue loss. In these cases, plastic surgery or craniofacial surgery may be needed, especially for young children. Scarring and emotional trauma can also follow, making recovery more complicated and costly.
A dog bite can cause more than just physical pain. It can lead to medical bills, emotional trauma, and a long recovery. If a dog has hurt you or a loved one, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
BAM Personal Injury Lawyers helps victims of dog attacks take legal action. We understand how serious dog bite injuries can be. Some people need surgery, counseling, or months of care. In the worst cases, the damage may be permanent.
Our team is here to fight for your rights. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and handle the legal side while you focus on healing. Whether the bite was caused by neglect, poor supervision, or a stressed animal, we’re ready to help.
Your consultation is free. You only pay if we win compensation for you. Call us today to speak with a trusted Idaho dog bites lawyer.
Kigan Martineau, a seasoned Partner at BAM Injury Law, is a champion for those injured in vehicular mishaps, including car, eScooter, and bicycle accidents. His legal journey is marked by notable victories against major trucking companies like Matheson, UPS, and Swift Transportation, where his strategic litigation has resulted in significant client settlements.
"*" indicates required fields