Dog Bites In Pennsylvania Among The Highest In The Country

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - National Dog Bite Safety Week is wrapping up, but one local official says everyone can take precautions to make sure they don't wind up included in next year's statistics.

State Farm spokesperson Dave Phillips says unfortunately Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for dog bites.

"This year, Pennsylvania is number five up from number six. New Jersey has fared better though - they are number 16."

"There's no significant trending to show why the numbers vary but one thing that seems to come into play is whether there is more exposure to the dogs than previously, perhaps based on weather," said Phillips.

Phillips says a dog bite is expensive. State Farm paid out $4.9 million in Pennsylvania in dog bite claims.

"Unfortunately there is quite a bit of damage that can occur, especially to the face. And this also includes cost for litigation and liability issues."

Phillips says statistics show those most vulnerable to a bite are the elderly and children. He advises everyone to check to make sure your homeowners policy sufficiently covers you and your pet.