Dog-to-dog bites inside and outside the biting dog's household

Abstract

Dogs biting other dogs have been investigated less than dogs biting people. The aim of this study was to examine the association of biting dog-related factors with the bite to the specified body part (head, neck, trunk, or limbs) compared to other body parts using dogs that bit inside their own household and, separately, for those that bit outside their own household. We also assessed potential risk factors for whether the victim dog received medical treatment. Data on 347 incidents of a dog biting another dog were analyzed. Companion and guard dogs had 2.7- and 2.8-times lower odds, respectively, for biting to limbs outside their household rather than to other body areas compared to hunting dogs. Small and medium-sized dogs had 3.4- and 2.2-times lower odds, respectively, for biting to the trunk outside their household rather than to other body areas compared to large dogs. Small dogs had 3 times the odds for bites to the head outside their household and 7.8 times the odds for biting to limbs inside their household rather than to other body areas compared to large dogs. Females had 3.1 times the odds for bites to the head inside their household rather than to other body areas compared to males. Dogs bitten outside the biting dog's household by male dogs had 2.5 times the odds for seeking medical treatment than those that were bitten by females. Dogs bitten inside the biting dog's household by large dogs had 6.3 times the odds for seeking medical treatment than those that were bitten by small dogs. In conclusion, the biting dog's sex and size can influence the bite at different areas of the dog's body and the need for medical treatment.