Common Dog Attack Statistics Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Dogs are part of the family in millions of American households, but even a friendly pet can bite when frightened, startled, protective, or placed in an unfamiliar situation. For victims, a bite or scratch can mean emergency medical care, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

Recent statistics show that dog-related injuries remain a significant problem nationwide and here in Iowa. Understanding when attacks happen and who faces the greatest risk can help owners prevent injuries and help victims understand their rights.

If you or your child has been attacked, the Des Moines dog bite lawyers at MSMC Injury Lawyers can explain how Iowa law applies and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

How Common Are Dog Bites in the United States?

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly one in five people who have been bitten by a dog require medical attention.

Dog bites also appear to have a seasonal pattern. A study published in the World Journal of Pediatric Surgery found that most dog bites occur during the summer months.

Recent insurance data show that dog-related injuries continue to carry substantial financial consequences. According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurers paid approximately $1.86 billion for dog-related injury claims in 2025, with an average cost of $65,450 per claim.

Dog Bite Statistics at a Glance

• Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S.
• Nearly one in five people bitten by a dog needs medical attention.
• Children are bitten more often than adults and tend to suffer more serious injuries.
• More than 6,000 Postal Service employees were attacked by dogs nationwide in 2024.
• Des Moines recorded 17 dog incidents involving postal workers in 2024.
• Dog-related injury claims resulted in approximately $1.86 billion in payouts in 2025.
• The average dog-related injury claim cost approximately $65,450 in 2025.

Children Face a High Risk of Serious Dog Bite Injuries

The CDC reports that children are more likely than adults to be bitten by dogs, and their injuries tend to be more severe. Most dog bites involving young children occur during everyday activities with familiar dogs.

A systematic review of 43 studies involving 86,880 patients found that children under 9 accounted for the greatest burden of pediatric dog bite injuries. Children under 6 were particularly vulnerable to more serious injuries involving the head, neck, and face.

These injuries can require extensive treatment. In one study of 356 pediatric dog bite patients treated at a Level I trauma center, approximately 25% required advanced reconstructive techniques.

Facial injuries can leave permanent scars and require multiple procedures, including reconstructive surgery and scar revision. Treatment may also involve stitches, antibiotics, and long-term follow-up.

Delivery Workers Regularly Encounter Aggressive Dogs

The U.S. Postal Service reported that more than 6,000 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2024. Des Moines recorded 17 dog bite or dog attack incidents involving postal workers, placing the city among the top 20 communities appearing in USPS’s national ranking.

A dog does not have to be roaming loose to pose a danger. Mail carriers, delivery drivers, and utility workers may encounter dogs that view unfamiliar visitors as a threat, which can put them at significant risk of being attacked.

Pedestrians and Visitors Can Also Be Injured

People who are walking, jogging, cycling, visiting friends, or simply passing a home can be vulnerable when a dog escapes from a yard or is allowed to roam without proper restraint.

A bite is not the only way a dog can cause an injury. A charging dog may knock someone down or cause a pedestrian or cyclist to fall while trying to get away. Under Iowa Code § 351.28, a dog does not have to bite someone for its owner to be responsible for the injuries. The law applies when a dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person.

What Situations Can Lead to Preventable Dog Attacks?

Dogs may react aggressively when they feel threatened, uncomfortable, or protective of something they value. The CDC advises using extra caution around dogs that are eating, caring for puppies, playing with toys, or showing signs of fear or illness.

Certain situations can increase the opportunity for an attack, including:

• Unsecured Yards: Open gates, damaged fences, and inadequate restraints can allow dogs to escape, putting people nearby at risk.
• Unfamiliar Visitors: Delivery workers, contractors, neighbors, and other visitors may trigger territorial behavior.
• Dogs Running Loose: An unleashed dog can approach pedestrians, children, cyclists, or other animals before its owner can regain control.
• Children Left Unsupervised With Dogs: Young children may not recognize growling, stiff posture, guarding, or other signs that a dog wants to be left alone.
• Poorly Controlled Entrances: A dog can slip through a front door or gate when someone arrives, or a package is delivered.

When these precautions are overlooked, the consequences of a dog attack can extend far beyond the initial injury.

The Physical and Financial Consequences of a Dog Attack

Dog attacks can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm.

Type of Harm	Possible Consequences
Physical Injuries	Puncture wounds, torn tissue, fractures, nerve damage, or infection
Facial Injuries	Scarring, disfigurement, and reconstructive surgery
Emotional Harm	Anxiety, nightmares, PTSD, and fear of dogs
Financial Losses	Emergency care, surgery, medication, therapy, and lost income
Long-Term Effects	Scar revision, additional procedures, and ongoing counseling

Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may provide coverage for a dog attack, depending on the policy and circumstances.

How Can Iowa Dog Owners Help Prevent Attacks?

Responsible pet ownership protects dogs as well as the people around them. Owners should keep yards and gates secure, supervise dogs around children and unfamiliar visitors, and follow local animal-control and leash requirements.

For example, Des Moines city ordinances prohibit owners from allowing dogs to run at large, and dogs in public parks must be appropriately restrained unless they are in a designated off-leash area and applicable requirements are met.

Owners should also take extra precautions when mail carriers and delivery drivers are expected. Putting a dog in another room or behind a secure barrier before opening the door can prevent a delivery from turning into a serious injury.

Injured by a Dog in Des Moines? We Can Help

A dog attack can leave victims facing painful injuries, lasting scars, emotional trauma, and mounting medical expenses.

MSMC Injury Lawyers protects the rights of children, delivery workers, pedestrians, visitors, and others injured by dogs. We can investigate what happened, determine who may be responsible, handle the insurance company, and pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Des Moines dog bite lawyer.