Source: Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Child Injury Prevention Network and Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter are developing new strategies to prevent pediatric dog bites, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain a persistent public health concern. Dog bites are a leading cause of childhood injury, particularly among children under six, who are at greater risk for severe facial and head injuries and long-term psychological trauma. The collaborative project combines emergency medicine, public health, Veterinary medicine, and community outreach to better understand why bites occur and how to prevent them.
Researchers are analyzing hospital data, emergency department notes, and child fatality reviews to identify common risk factors, including children disturbing dogs while eating and approaching unfamiliar dogs. The team hopes to create targeted educational tools for parents, children, and pet owners, potentially delivered through community programs, with the goal of promoting safer interactions while helping families and pets remain together.
Read the full story HERE: https://magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/keeping-kids-and-canines-safe-together