As the weather gets warmer and Illinois residents start spending more time outside, there is a larger chance of running into dogs that are also out enjoying the outdoors.

Dog bites are too common, with an estimated 4.7 million a year in the U.S. In Chicago alone, there were over 1,700 dog bite reports in 2011. With spring and summer just around the corner, it is a good time for outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners alike to take heed of preventing dog bite attacks.

 Dog Bite Injuries

A dog’s instinct is to protect its territory and its master. Even a “friendly” dog can become aggressive if it feels threatened or thinks that someone is encroaching on property that they deem is theirs. Dog bites can range from a slight scratch to severe and even fatal injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control, 800,000 dog bites each year require medical treatment. Many severe dog bites result in:

• Lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Torn skin, tissue and muscle
• Severe scarring

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