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Animal Bites Archives

Animal bites may quickly lead to serious infections, tetanus

Each year, more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs and more than 400,000 people are bitten by cats across the country, and many of these incidents take place in California. Though cat bites account for fewer animal bites, they have a greater risk of being infected. Approximately 50 percent of cat bites will become infected while only 10 to 15 percent of dog bites result in infection. Experts believe this could be because cats have sharp teeth that cause deep punctures.

Researchers link increase in animal bites to climate change

Researchers at Stanford University believe the frequency and number of animal bites will likely continue to increase due to changes with the climate. What's referred to as a developmental sprawl has already been associated with increases in exposure to mosquitoes and ticks. Researchers also warn that the available habitat for some animals will likely continue to overlap with areas where humans live and enjoy recreational activities.

The importance of timely cat bite treatment

California residents or anyone else who has been bitten by a cat should be seen by a medical professional. This is because roughly 50 percent of cat bites can be infected, which can lead to serious negative health consequences. In addition to a skin infection, it is also possible for the bone to become infected if the wound is deep enough. Sepsis can also take place, and extreme measures may need to be taken to prevent it from spreading.

One-third of homeowner claims caused by dog bites

California residents are not alone in their love for man's best friend. There are over 78 million dogs in the United States. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of bites. There are roughly 4.5 million dog bites per year in America which means one in every 72 people is on the receiving end of a painful exchange. Most bites don't require medical attention but about 900,000 become infected and in 2016, there were 41 deaths directly attributable to canine attacks.

Mail carriers face increasing risk of dog bites

The number of postal workers who are attacked by dogs each year appears to be on the rise with two cities in California making the list of the top five cities for mail carrier attacks in 2016. According to the United States Postal Service safety director, continuing education in the area of dog bite training and prevention may help people who visit homes safely and happily coexist with pets and the people who care for them.

The danger of keeping dogs around young kids

In California and around the country, parents are starting to worry about the dangers dogs may present to their children. These pets are a major part of the lives of many families. However, many parents are facing the reality that their dog could physically harm their children or other kids. In fact, statistics show that more than 50,000 children 6 and under suffered injuries from dogs in 2014 alone.

How can animal bites be prevented?

Pet owners in California often face large expenses when injuries result from their animals attacking people. According to the department of public health, $20.3 million in liabilities resulted from 527 California homeowners' insurance claims relating to animal bites in 2011. An animal owner bears responsibility for an animal bite no matter where the attack takes place. Because of the potential for high medical fees, everyone in a community should take steps to limit these injuries.

The symptoms of rabies

California residents may think of dangerous dogs when the subject of rabies is raised, but most modern cases of the disease are blamed on bats and wild carnivores such as raccoons, foxes and skunks. Rabies killed more than 100 Americans each year at the turn of the twentieth century, but efforts to contain the disease lowered the death toll to only one or two per year by the 1990s. Particular attention was paid to eliminating the disease in domestic animals, and more than 90 percent of modern rabies cases occur in wildlife.

Educating owners does not prevent dog bites, study finds

It has been argued that the best way to prevent dog bites and dog attacks is to educate California owners about their canine friend's body language. However, researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered that this type of education may not be all that effective.

Punitive damages and California dog bite cases

A court ruling in Pennsylvania may help plaintiffs obtain punitive damages in cases where they are attacked by a dog. In the case, the plaintiff claimed that he was bitten by a dog that had been involved in another attack a week earlier. In addition, the plaintiff alleged that others had complained to the defendant about potentially vicious tendencies that the dog displayed.

Preventing dog bites in California

Many people are bitten by dogs each year, and a large number of those who are bitten are children. Dog bite injuries can be very severe, and while fatalities from dog bites are rare, they unfortunately do occur. It is important for California dog owners to take preventative measures to keep others safe from their dogs. It is also important that people know what to do in the event that an attack occurs.

How people should protect themselves from dog attacks

Each year in California, many people are seriously injured or killed when they are attacked by dogs. Dogs can be unpredictable, and it's important for people to know what they should do around strange dogs as well as when a dog attacks.