Children are often the target of dog attacks.
Dog Enters Home, Attacks Toddler, Ripping Out His Front Teeth in Houston
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a three-year-old suffered severe injuries in a vicious dog attack inside his Houston home.¹
The attack happened on Tuesday, November 18th, when Valeria Capetillo heard noises at her front door and found a neighbor’s dog on her patio. As she snapped a photo to post online in hopes of locating the dog’s owner, the dog lunged through the door and attacked her three-year-old son, Santiago, who had come up behind her.
Santiago’s father was able to pull the dog off and throw it outside. The child was rushed to the hospital, where he was treated for scratches to his eyes and eyelids, multiple facial fractures, and two missing front teeth.
The neighbor later claimed the dog belonged to him but denied the attack. Authorities took the dog into custody when it was located two weeks later, and the owner was fined for delaying a rabies test for more than a week.
The dog may be declared dangerous, though current law does not require it to be euthanized.
Did You Know?
Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are the most likely victims of dog attacks in the United States.²
Why Are Children the Most Common Victims of Dog Attacks?
Dog attacks involving very young children happen far more often than most people realize. In fact, children between the ages of 1 and 4 are statistically the most likely age group to be seriously injured by a dog. The terrifying attack on little Santiago in Houston underscores why this age group is so vulnerable — even inside their own home.
Children Don’t Recognize Warning Signs
Most adults can spot red flags before a dog becomes aggressive: stiff posture, growling, lip curling, raised hackles, or backing away. Young children, however:
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Cannot interpret canine body language
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Often move quickly or unpredictably
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May try to hug, grab, or pet a dog too forcefully
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Don’t understand when a dog wants space
To a dog already frightened, stressed, or off-leash, these behaviors can be misinterpreted as threats.
Children Are at Face Level
A toddler’s small size puts their head and face directly at the height of a dog’s mouth. This is why:
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Facial fractures
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Eye injuries
- Dental trauma
Are tragically common in child dog attacks.
Children React Quickly and Loudly
Running, screaming, crying, or falling can trigger predatory or defensive instincts in dogs — even those that are otherwise calm.
Many Attacks Involve Familiar Dogs
Many people assume dog attacks only involve aggressive or unknown animals. But studies show most childhood dog bites come from dogs the child already knows — a neighbor’s dog, a relative’s dog, or even a family dog in the home.
In the Houston case, the dog belonged to a neighbor, and the attack happened in moments — fast, unexpected, and without warning.
This is why experts stress that no child under 10 should ever be left unsupervised with a dog, even “friendly” ones.
Preventing Dog Attacks on Young Children
Parents and dog owners can greatly reduce the risk of attacks with a few key precautions:
For Parents
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Supervise all interactions between dogs and children — even familiar dogs.
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Teach children never to approach a dog without an adult’s permission.
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Show them how to stand still (“like a tree”) if a dog rushes or jumps.
For Dog Owners
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Never allow dogs to roam off-leash, especially in neighborhoods.
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Repair gaps in fences and secure gates to prevent escapes.
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Understand your dog’s triggers (visitors, loud noises, and children running).
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Seek training or behavior evaluation if your dog shows fear, reactivity, or aggression.
Simple habits can prevent devastating injuries.
Was Your Child Injured in a Dog Attack in Texas? Call Shaw.
Dog attacks involving children are devastating — physically, emotionally, and financially. If your child was injured by a dog, whether in your home, a neighbor’s yard, or a public space, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency medical care
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Surgeries and dental reconstruction
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Pain and suffering
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Psychological trauma
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Long-term treatment needs
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And more
You don’t have to fight this alone.
📞 Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Texas child injury attorney. No fees. No pressure. Just the expert legal advice your family needs.
We look forward to serving you.