Paediatric dog-bites: Are 'pandemic puppies' a cause for concern?

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There has been a substantial increase in dog ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part due to national lockdowns prompting many to seek canine companionship. Published studies from the US have associated this with increased paediatric presentations with dog-bites to the emergency department (ED). However, this has yet to be elucidated in the UK. Method: All attendances to ED and referrals to our regional paediatric plastic surgery service with paediatric dog-bites between 23/03/2020 and 01/06/2020 (UK national lockdown) were compared with the same period in 2019 (control). The location of bites and total ED attendances were also collected. Chi-squared test was used to determine statistical significance, p≤0.05 taken as significant. Results: Fewer overall paediatric attendances to ED were noted between the lockdown period compared to control (4429 vs 9620). Similarly, fewer children presented with dog-bites during lockdown compared to control (25 vs 45). Proportionally, this data represents 5.6 bites per 1,000 ED attendances during lockdown vs 4.7 during the control period (p=0.44). Facial bites were more common during lockdown accounting for 60% vs 47% in the control period (p=0.28). Conclusions: Despite reports of increased dog ownership, our findings do not demonstrate significantly more paediatric dog-bite presentations. Although not statistically significant, more facial bites were noted during lockdown. We speculate this may be due to parents presenting with self-perceived more 'serious' injuries. Thorough research and careful consideration are essential prior to bringing a new dog into a home with young children.