In Florida, dogs may not be man’s best friend.
According to a 2012 State Farm insurance report published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the state ranked the eighth highest in total number of dog bite insurance claims.
The release of the report coincides with National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which began Sunday and is dedicated to educating the public about safe human-dog interaction.
Floridians filed 123 insurance claims related to dog bites, according to the report.
Paul Myers, administrator of the Alachua County Health Department, said that every year, about 500 Floridians are hospitalized and two are killed due to dog bites.
Because many Florida activities revolve around the outdoors, he said, there are more opportunities for interactions with dogs, leading to more bites.
Children are the most vulnerable to attacks, he said, which is an important concern as summer break approaches and more children are outside.
Hailey Dunn, a UF biology sophomore who works as a veterinary technician in Gainesville, said she has been bitten by dogs multiple times on the job.
She said her worst experience happened in high school when a German shepherd, Jade, bit her leg while at a grooming salon.
She said the incident made her more mindful.
“I just watch the animals I’m around a little bit more closely,” she said.
