Hammerling: Dog bites take big chunk out of home owners insurance

Dogs are considered "man's best friend," but looking at dog bite statistics, people might want to reconsider that nickname.

Did you know that almost every minute in the United States someone seeks medical attention for a dog bite?

Each year approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur, and nearly 1 out of 5 bites becomes infected.

The injury statistics aren't the only numbers that are staggering. The cost of these bites is, as well.

Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2016, costing more than $600 million.

Almost $165 million is spent treating dog bites and 70 percent of dog bites occur on the owner's property. Unfortunately, children make up 60 percent of dog bite victims.

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Dog breed is a factor when dealing with insurers.

We believe you when you say your 150-pound pit bull is the most slobbery, loving lap dog that's ever existed — but that doesn't mean you won't have trouble finding homeowners insurance coverage if you own this particular breed.

Since it's hard for insurers to get to know your pooch on an individual basis, they typically have to consider studies and statistics when determining what breeds present more (or less) of a financial risk.

Out of 42 fatal dog attacks in 2014, pit bulls were responsible for 27 of them.

Attacks by pit bulls are associated with higher morbidity rates, higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than are attacks by other breeds of dogs.

That's why most insurers won't be able to offer homeowners insurance if you have pit bulls in your household.

Other breeds that often appear on dog exclusion lists for homeowners insurance include: Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Akitas, wolves and wolf hybrids, or a mix containing any of these breeds.

Some states have passed legislation aiming to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to homeowners based on the breed of their dog.

These states also try to deny coverage or raise premiums if your specific dog has a history of biting people or other violent behavior.

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However, most dogs don't exert violent behavior and most dog bites are unprovoked.

Severe injuries are most common in children less than 10 years of age, with face bites being the most frequent. Mail carriers are an exception with 97 percent of incidences involving the lower extremities.

In children, it's common to see dog bites from a family pet or neighborhood dog.

Dog bites can cause infection, cuts and lacerations, abrasions, crushing wounds, punctures and fractured bones. These wounds can often result in disfiguring scars.

Any dog may bite in certain instances. Some breeds have a genetic predisposition toward aggressiveness. There is less tendency for dogs to bite with early socialization to people, training, quality of care and supervision.

To avoid dog bites, do not place your face close to a dog or approach a strange dog, tease a dog, startle a dog or leave a child alone with a dog. Never run from or scream at a dog. Do not challenge the dog by staring it right in the eye. And be as still as possible if approached by an unfamiliar dog

Remember, a threatened dog bites.

But if you follow the tips above, there should be no problem enjoying a pet that's supposed to be our best friend.

Susan R. Hammerling, PA, MPAS, DFAAPA, works at Florida Dermatology Associates of Suntree.