Dog bites aren’t random events. They tend to occur in certain places, seasons, and routines—and understanding these patterns can help reduce risk. A nationwide study by The Texas Law Dog suggests that the U.S. sees an estimated 4.5 million dog bites each year, with around 1,000 people daily requiring emergency care. Geography, seasonality, and daily routines all appear to play significant roles in when and where bites happen.

The Scope of the Problem

• Annual cases: It is estimated that around 4.5 million dog bites occur each year.
• Medical care: Approximately 850,000 people seek medical treatment, with around 370,000 requiring emergency care.
• Demographics: The average age of victims is 28.9 years, with men accounting for just over half of the incidents.

Postal Workers: A Barometer of Urban Risk

Postal service data consistently highlights urban bite hotspots. In 2023, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago were among the cities with the highest recorded postal worker attacks. Statewide, California (727 attacks) and Texas (411) led the nation, followed by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

High population density, large dog populations, and frequent door-to-door deliveries are believed to contribute to these numbers. Carriers often encounter dogs at gates, stoops, or mail slots—which can be prime opportunities for defensive reactions.

Cities with Postal Worker Attacks (2023): Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, San Diego, Dallas, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Columbus.

States (2023): California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Missouri.

Children Face the Highest Stakes

Children account for approximately 70% of bite victims, and their smaller size means injuries are often more severe.

Age group most affected: 5–9 years old.

Fatalities: An average of 16 child deaths annually.

Psychological toll: More than half of child victims report developing PTSD, with many also experiencing long-term dog phobias.

During the pandemic, pediatric cases increased due to more time spent at home and more frequent dog-child interactions.

Where and When Bites Happen

• Setting: Roughly 80.2% of bites occur at home.
• Timing: Incidents typically peak in summer and on weekends.
• Cause: Most incidents are likely unintentional, involving familiar dogs in familiar environments.

Breeds, Bite Force, and Context

While any dog has the potential to bite, fatalities are disproportionately linked to certain breeds:

• Pit bulls: Reportedly involved in a significant percentage of recorded fatalities, around 65.6%.
• Rottweilers: Linked to approximately 10.4% of fatalities.

Bite force: The Kangal breed, with its measured bite strength of 743 PSI, ranks among the highest.

Context remains important: The majority of incidents occur at home, underscoring that supervision, training, and responsible ownership matter more than breed alone.

Practical Prevention for Families and Communities

• Secure entry points: Use fences, self-closing gates, and exterior mailboxes to reduce direct encounters.
• Training and socialization: Begin early and maintain consistently throughout a dog’s life.
• Supervision: Keep pets leashed or indoors during deliveries.
• Child education: Teach kids to avoid approaching tethered, feeding, or unfamiliar dogs.
• Routine and exercise: Regular physical activity lowers stress and may reduce bite risk.

Cities with high housing density and heavy delivery volumes may benefit most from coordinated campaigns across HOAs, schools, and delivery services. Even small adjustments—such as keeping dogs in another room during expected delivery times—can help reduce incidents.

Why It Matters

Postal carriers are among the more visible victims, but their experiences point to a broader public safety concern. In high-density urban areas, daily interactions between people and pets can escalate without proper prevention measures.

Understanding the “when” and “where” of dog bites can provide communities with a roadmap for reducing risk. And with an estimated 4.5 million annual incidents, the need for action is clear.

This article draws on research and nationwide analysis conducted by The Texas Law Dog.

You can read the research at the link.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on available research and nationwide studies. The statistics and findings referenced reflect general trends and should not be considered as absolute or universal. The views and conclusions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant authorities and experts for specific concerns or situations.