When the Dog Bites: A 5-Year Retrospective on Canine Bite Encounters.

OBJECTIVES

This study addresses two objectives: to describe the epidemiology of dog bite-related emergency department (ED) visits and to evaluate changes in the rate of dog bite visits from 2019 to 2023.

METHODS

Dog bite visit data from the Children's Injury Database were analyzed. Descriptive statistical and epidemiologic analyses were conducted using Epi Info 7 version 7.2.4.0. ED visits cases containing code W54, "bitten by dog," were retrieved and reviewed for inclusion.

RESULTS

Between 2019 and 2023, our ED treated 1403 dog bite-related visits. There were 1252 initial visits and 151 return visits for follow-up care related to the same injury. Even though there were 34% fewer visits in 2020 than in 2019, the rate of dog bite injury visits increased by 70%. Nearly 12% (n=165) of patients required admission, and the median length of stay for these patients was 40 hours. Injuries occurred to the head/neck/face (64%, n=805). Patients were most often male (57%, n=711), with an average age of 6.5 years old. Dog breeds were identified in 43% (n=596) of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Dog bites are commonly seen in a pediatric ED, with 12% of patients with this type of injury requiring admission. Frequently consulted specialties included facial surgery services and ophthalmology. Primary care physicians and parents share a crucial role in reducing this type of injury.