Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with dog bite injuries presenting to a pediatric emergency department from 2023 to 2025

Christine Lopez, MD
Meghan Davis, DVM, PhD, MPH
Vanya Jones, PhD, MPH
Joanna Cohen, MD
Justine Gately, MAT CPSTI-I
Mary Beth Howard, MD, MSc
Creason Walter, MPH, CHES, CPST
Laura Prichett, MHS, PhD
Debra Skultety- Robinson, DNP
Lindly Theroux, DO
Leticia Ryan, MD, MPH

Dog bites are a common cause of injury and emergency department visits in children. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of dog bite injuries among children resulting in emergency department (ED) evaluation.

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed data from the pediatric trauma registry of a level 1 mid-Atlantic pediatric trauma center for pediatric emergency department (ED) patients evaluated for dog bite-related injuries from January 2023-December 2025. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics including age, sex, race/ethnicity. bodily location of injury (as determined from ICD-10 codes), treatment and disposition.

During the three year study period, there were 391 emergency department encounters for dog bite injuries; the number of visits was similar yearly. Most patients arrived to the ED with their dog bite injury in the 18:00-23:59 time frame. Males accounted for the majority of injuries (59%) and the largest age group represented was age five to nine (35%). Head, face and neck injuries were present in 50% of patients and were common in younger children, affecting 85% of children < 1 year and 66% of children 1-4 years. Extremities were involved in 31.5% of patients, with hand injuries specifically involved in 9.7% of patients. The majority of patients were discharged from the ED (84%), but 14% had inpatient or operating room needs.

Our results are consistent with national epidemiologic data showing a higher prevalence of dog bite injury resulting in ED evaluation in children under 9 years of age and male children. Our data also demonstrate high rates of head, face and neck injuries. Further research should focus on prevention efforts prioritizing supervision around dogs, the importance of dog training and education surrounding risk to young children.

1. Describe epidemiology of pediatric dog bite injuries resulting in emergency department evaluation.
2. Identify common injury patterns by age group.
3. Recognize prevention strategies for pediatric dog bites.