May 19, 2016
By John Lewis, VMD, FAVD, Dipl. AVDC
Diana Sweeney is the parent liaison in the Division of Plastic Surgery at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is the only such parent liaison for pediatric plastic surgery in the United States.
Diana and I worked together to create the Best Friends Bash, a project I wrote about in my October 2013 column.1 Diana approached me recently to ask if we can shed light on an important topic: May 15 to 21 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week.
As a veterinary dentist whose hands and face are in the mouths of dogs daily, I have a healthy appreciation for the damage that can be done by their teeth and jaws, especially by large-breed dogs. When dog bites happen, children are often the victims. One study found that 72 percent of bitten children knew the dog.2
Bites can create a series of life-altering events for the child and the family. The physical impairment that is sustained can cause loss of function. Aesthetic changes can be significant. Psychological long-term effects can be most damaging, both for the child and the parents.
Diana speaks of this: “In our experience, we have seen families actually break up over this huge physical and emotional trauma. A great deal of this stems from the guilt experienced by the dog owner and the child’s caretaker at the time of the accident, which many times is a grandparent or babysitter.
“The grueling decision of whether to euthanize the dog afterwards can tear families apart due to differing opinions,” she added. “The long-term effects for the child and family can be devastating: facial scarring, facial palsy and loss of eye, ear or limb. Treatment requires multiple surgeries to correct, if correction is even possible. The psychological implications can last a lifetime.”
One study found that facial bites predominated (70 percent) in children up to 7 years old, and bites to extremities occurred in 72 percent of children older than 7 years.2 In a study that looked at motivations for biting, children less than 6 commonly were bitten in association with resource guarding, whereas older children frequently were bitten in situations involving territory guarding.3
Jim Brown, DVM, a general practitioner at The Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Amherst, N.Y., sees the scenario all too often.
“When a pet bites for the first time, I routinely advise owners to arrange a consult with a veterinarian who is board certified in veterinary behavior,” he said. “We do not recommend dog obedience classes or nonveterinary trainers for this problem. Boarded behaviorists can provide pet owners with a diagnosis, steps to take in handling the problem, and a summary letter, which might end with a very strong statement such as ‘You can never trust this dog.’”
Dogs are not toys to be disposed of when they don’t function as expected, but euthanasia may be warranted.
Dr. Brown emphasized: “Most clients do not have prior experience with dog bites. They use their emotions to make decisions and judge the behavior. Statements like ‘He didn’t mean it’ or ‘He’s really a good dog’ indicate that pet owners are thinking with their hearts. Most veterinarians have ample experience with dogs that bite. Those experiences, in the absence of a strong emotional attachment to the dog, often lead to very different conclusions about the behavior: ‘He did mean it’ and ‘He’s not a nice dog.’”
Brown discussed one patient: “A young couple brings in their new baby, a 10-week-old puppy. The problem occurs when the pet shows signs of aggression in the exam room, such as pinning its ears, curling its lips and trying to bite. The clients look at me in disbelief when I recommend a behavior consultation with a specialist.”
We, as pet owners, want to give puppies the benefit of the doubt, but it’s not a good sign when a puppy shows hints of aggression at this early age. When Brown sees these behaviors, he documents them in the medical record. If a patient has a known history of behavioral issues that were not addressed by the owner, the owner might be at a higher risk of litigious action if the owner’s pet bites someone.
Putting a beloved pet to sleep can be a heart-wrenching decision. Dogs are not toys to be disposed of when they don’t function as expected, but euthanasia may be warranted.
Brown’s approach is this: “I ask clients: What clear sign would you use to decide to euthanize a dog that bites? Should a child lose a finger, a part of a cheek or an ear? It is easy to make that decision the day after a disaster occurs, but not so easy the day before.
“Sometimes I can emphasize the gravity of the situation by putting it in a different context. Imagine your son goes off to a camping weekend with the Scouts. You receive a call from the chaperones telling you he brought a Scout knife on the trip (i.e., your dog has teeth). Now imagine the chaperone said your son opened the knife and threatened someone with it (i.e., your dog growls at someone). That is a problem at a whole new level.
“Now imagine the Scout leader telling you that your son stabbed someone (i.e., your dog bites someone). That is a critical behavioral problem that requires serious attention by trained specialists. Similarly, dogs that bite people have a serious behavioral problem that should not be ignored or rationalized.”
Dog bites that occur with family members often are not publicized because they have no feel-good component. In fact, the situation might be ignored due to feelings of shame and guilt.
I hope this month’s column will encourage discussion and action about these difficult situations before life-changing bites occur.
Dr. John Lewis practices veterinary dentistry and oral surgery at NorthStar VETS in Robbins-ville, N.J. Columnists’ opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Veterinary Practice News.
Originally published in the May 2016 issue of Veterinary Practice News. Did you enjoy this article? Then subscribe today!
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My sister’s dog showed no aggression when he jumped and bit my son in the face. He had to have cosmetic surgery and is healing very well. I seen when it occured and it happened in a split second. My son was just standing there lost in thought when the dog just jumped up and bit him once in the face. There was no interaction between the two so its all very confusing. He did not growl, bark there were no warnings. Have you ever encountered any other cases like this? I feel bad because it was my sister’s dog and he is currently on a 10 day hold then will be euthanized.
Naomi,
The same exact thing happened with my two kids. My sister’s dog bit them in the face out of nowhere. There were no signs. What was the dog’s breed? This happened 3 times already. And the dog has grown up with my kids. He was friendly up until now.
I would appreciate andy advice you can give. Do you know what causes this behavior?
My sister thinks her dog will outgrow this.
Please help!
Our family dog attacked my 2 year old yesterday. We have had our dog for 10 years and he has been the most amazing and loving dog we could ever have wanted. With all 3 of our children he has always been very good with them. They have pulled his ears, rode him like a horse, hugged him everything. But that day something snapped. We had to take my son to the ER where he had to get stitches in his lip. We made the decision to put him to sleep because we also have a 1 year old daughter and we just couldn’t take that chance. I’m heart broken over it and feeling very guilty. Everyone is telling me we made the right decision but I can’t get over the guilt.
About 6 months ago we adopted a very sweet, abandoned puppy. Completely untrained, but she was a lovie with my kids. Our hearts opened and we figured we would teach the rest. We were fortunate to have a trainer to work with us. Our puppy was doing well – socializing and doing great on leash training. My kiddos could work with her easily. She got excited and made messes, but never aggressive. Until she was. One day, at doggie daycare and she was attacked. Emergency surgery for the puppy and denial from the daycare. I have no idea on the details. We began slowly reintroducing her again, intense training. She was now distrustful of strangers, but never aggressive to her family. Until she wasn’t. She bit my 10 year old for trying to reclaim a toy. My child is fine, just a scratch in the physical sense. My husband, vet and trainer spoke for hours – where was the line – puppy snapping, showing teeth, punctures, deformity? Puppy knew she was wrong. Basic dog training – everyone can take anything from dog and dog cannot show aggression. This was a bite and not mouthing, not playing gone too much, but a bite. This is heart breaking – but in the end – the decision was made with the bite. Having the strength to be responsible for the puppy and the children is really tough. Thank you for letting me write it down.
Can I ask how old your dog was. I have a simular situation and I’m u sure of what to do.
You didn’t make the right decision. You should have never gotten a dog. You’re an awful person and pet owner and do not deserve dogs again. You taught your children they could pull his ears and ride him and then when he gets older (10 years to be exact) you expect him to tolerate the same shit? Then you put him down like he was nothing. You taught your kids to be little shits to animals and he had to pay the price. Great Job. Really.
No you are a horrible person to tell someone it’s their fault that their dog bit their child. You are in no place to say that it was her fault and that she doesn’t deserve dogs. You should be ashamed of yourself. Who said she allowed her kids to ride the dog, how do you know she didn’t tell them to stop but they are kids so sometimes they do what they aren’t supposed to. A dog is still an animal and we don’t know what they are thinking. KIDS ARE KIDS!!! Yes it is sad that the dog has to be put down but I can assure you that she didn’t get the dog knowing that it would bite her kid and was planning on putting it down 10 years from then. You don’t know what’s going on so just shut up. Just be quiet.
Today our dog of 13 years bit our 2 year old grandson…they were dog sitting for us and he and his 5 year old sister were playing with Harley, when the 2 year old climbed over him and Harley bit him on the lip. We are devastated and now have to make that decision, do we put him down? My son is devastated that this happened to his son, his sisters are also concerned for their nephew, however don’t feel we should have to put Harley to sleep…anyway you look at this it’s going to be devastating…definitely going to cause tension between all family members….this breaks my heart.
Kriste Hall… You don’t feel you should put your dog to sleep after he bit your toddler grandson’s FACE?!
I hope your son decapitates your precious little monster in front of you… maybe that’ll set you and your husbands fucked up priorities straight.
Fucking selfish baby boomer cunt.
Chelsea, you are disguating. I can’t believe they actually allowed your remark on here. You obviously need some anger management. You are worse than any dog bite. You need to stay out of this person’s business, calling someone these horrific names. Your mom needs to turn your ass over and slap it with a belt!
Nah, she is right 100 percent. I just shot my 7 year old Dane that cost 5 grand for biting one of my children in the face. Popped her on the spot there is no middle ground you hurt my children and you are dead, dog, person, etc…. the fact you don’t share that opinion makes you a piece of shit!!!
What is wrong with you? You definitely need your mouth washed out with soap. Don’t think you would say something like this to someone’s face. that’s what’s wrong with your generation, self entitled, and social media where your actions don’t have real consequences for you.
Chelsea
You unintelligible swine, she said her daughters don’t feel as though the dog should be put down, not her. Learn to read and wash your mouth you foul mouthed twat.
You sibling-spawn, broken-condom, entitled moron! Maybe next time you release your ridiculous, biting comments, we’ll decapitate your little monstrous head! You must have been raised by dogs yourself, you little brat, if you are to go barking around in other people’s business. I’d take a bite to the face any day before I look you in the eyes, if it’s not covered by your big, dirty mouth!
hi did u keep ur dog ?? what decisions did u make if u did to prevent long term trauma to the child who got bit ?? ive called about euthanization and noone will assist me with this and i am looking for ways to help my chikd not fear the dog and for the dog not to do this again.
thank you
Our Doberman bit our 9yr old daughter in the face so bad we needed a plastic surgeon to fix her lower lip and lacerations to her face. I’ve Been trying to get rid of dog for 6 months. My wife and son dont feel how i do about this dog…so we argue about it. The dog and my daughter are like prisoners in our home. One can’t be around the other. I have two other kids and the dog never showed aggression towards them. I really want to euthanize this dog.
Hugo,
Call around. I’m sure there’s a vet that’ll do it. When grandmas Alhasa Apso bit my baby in the face, we called and asked if the vet would do it, even though the dog was healthy. They agreed, but we found it another home (no kids, not even nearby), the day of the euthanasia. It will probably cost money though. In a pinch you could try surrendering it to animal control or a local shelter (they may charge $ too though)
What state do you live in? Most vets will euthanize a dangerous animal! at the very least fin him a different home with no children
Hi, yesterday my dog who is 6 years old snapped my 3 year old son.i think my dog may be jealous of the kid , the thing is they are together since my child was born , never she would of hurt him , until yesterday , its the first time this as happened never would of tough that my dog could ever do that … dont really know what to do , i feel scared that she’ll do it again and sure dont want that , my dog is a big part of my family , make me sad to not know how to react to this… i just need know what to do , and get help. Thank you
My family dog of 7 years bit my 7 year old son multiple times on the arm. He had lacerations so deep you could see the fatty tissue and muscle underneath. My son had to have surgery on his arm to repair muscle tissue and make sure there was no nerve damage. I’ve never seen my dog be aggressive with any of my 4 kids in that way. They all are always playing with him but not in a mean way. I’m definitely a dog lover but when ANYONE or ANYTHING harms my children that’s where I draw the line. The dog can get all the behavioral analysis it wants I could never trust him around any of them again. I can’t get another child but I can damn sure get another dog.. IDC what you super dog lovers think.
Couldn’t agree with you more!
About a month ago my 3 1/2yr old bulldog bit my nephew in the face when he went to lean down to pet him while he was laying down approximately 2ft away from me. I only had my back turned for a split second to take food out of the microwave and it happened! When I went to go grab my dog after the incident he tried to attack me! I don’t know if he was startled by my nephew or what, but he gave no warning, a growl, or bark.. Thank goodness the bite wasn’t bad enough to require stitches, but I’m now uncomfortable being around my dog and constantly on guard, but at the same time I can’t bring myself to put him down, because I’ve had him since a pup.. I’ve thought about buying a muzzle, but he can’t wear that all the time.. Ugh. I don’t know what the best thing to do is…
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