6 Reasons Why Children Are at Greater Risk of Dog Bites
(Article originally published on March 29,2023. Updated October 10, 2025.)
By Brian Pushchak, Denver Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite attacks happen far more often than most people realize — and unfortunately, children are the ones most frequently hurt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and over 800,000 of those victims require medical treatment. Nearly half of all dog bite victims are children, many under the age of 10.
For parents, these numbers are deeply concerning — and they highlight how vulnerable children are when it comes to animal attacks. Understanding why children are at higher risk can help families prevent tragedy and know what to do if the worst happens.
The Statistics Behind the Risk
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51% of dog bite victims are children
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Children between ages 5–9 have the highest bite rate
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Dog bites are the second most common reason for ER visits among children
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Children are more likely than adults to suffer severe or disfiguring injuries
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Most bites occur with familiar dogs, not strays or unknown animals
These numbers reveal an important truth: even trusted family pets can cause serious harm if boundaries are misunderstood or supervision lapses.
Why Are Children More Likely to Be Victims of Dog Bites?
There are several physical, behavioral, and developmental factors that make children more susceptible to dog attacks.
1. Underdeveloped Judgment Skills
Children simply don’t have the same ability to interpret warning signs that adults do. A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is friendly, and a stiff posture or growl can be easily overlooked. Kids often make eye contact, stare, or reach for the dog’s face — actions that may seem harmless but can provoke aggression.
2. Improper Petting or Approach
Adults typically know to ask before petting a strange dog or to let the dog sniff their hand first. Children, however, tend to move impulsively. They may hug, grab, or approach quickly, startling the animal and triggering a bite reflex — especially in anxious or protective dogs.
3. Excitable Behavior That Startles Dogs
Many children react to dogs with loud voices, running, or jumping. These sudden movements can frighten even a gentle pet. A startled dog may react defensively, biting out of fear rather than aggression.
4. Fearful Behavior That Triggers Aggression
On the opposite end, some children exhibit visible fear — backing away, screaming, or trembling. Dogs are highly sensitive to body language and may interpret this fear as weakness or instability, potentially prompting a defensive or dominant response.
5. Unsupervised Encounters
Outdoor playtime, neighborhood walks, or visits to friends’ houses often lead to unsupervised interactions with dogs. Without an adult present to intervene, even minor signs of irritation can escalate into a bite before anyone can react.
6. Limited Ability to Defend Themselves
Children lack the size, strength, and reflexes to fend off an attacking dog or escape quickly. As a result, they’re more likely to sustain bites to the face, neck, and hands — areas that can cause lasting scars or require reconstructive surgery.
How Parents Can Help Prevent Dog Bites
Prevention starts with education and supervision. Parents can significantly reduce risks by:
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Teaching calm interactions: Encourage children to move slowly, use soft voices, and avoid sudden movements around dogs.
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Asking permission: Always ask the owner before petting a dog, even if it looks friendly.
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Respecting signals: Teach kids never to disturb dogs that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
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Supervising playtime: Never leave young children alone with a dog, no matter how well-behaved the pet seems.
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Practicing awareness: Remind children that not all dogs want attention and that some may be protective or anxious around strangers.
Despite every precaution, accidents can still happen — and when they do, the consequences can be serious.
Pushchak Law Can Help if Your Child Is Injured in a Dog Bite Attack
If your child has been bitten by a dog in Colorado, you have legal rights. Under Colorado’s strict liability law, a dog owner is responsible for damages if their dog injures someone — even if the owner didn’t act negligently or know the dog had aggressive tendencies.
At Pushchak Law Firm, Denver dog bite attorney Brian Pushchak has built extensive experience representing victims of dog bite injuries, with a special focus on cases involving children. He understands how emotionally and financially devastating these incidents can be for families — and he works tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for medical treatment, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future care.
Through his exclusive Informed Decisions Approach™, Brian ensures you remain in control at every stage of your case. He takes the time to listen to your goals, explain your options, and help you make the best choices for your child’s recovery and your family’s future.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a dog bite alone.
Contact Pushchak Law today to schedule your free consultation. Our team proudly serves families in Denver and throughout Colorado, helping victims recover with dignity and confidence.
Learn more about our approach and how we can help at Pushchak Law Firm.
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