Ohio ranked number 3 in the country last year for dog bite insurance claims, with 187 claims totaling $6.7 million in damages. That’s an increase of $1.3 million over 2019, according to new data from State Farm Insurance.

The average amount paid for each claim in Ohio was just over $36,000.

The highest month for claims was last March, at the start of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Experts believe another disruption—this time caused by the easing of COVID restrictions and more people going back to work outside the home—could lead to another spike in dog bite incidents.

The top state for dog bite claims in 2020 was California, with 402 claims totaling $26 million, followed by Illinois at #2 with 258 claims for $12.6 million. Rhode Island saw the fewest bites, with just one dog bite claim last year.

There are things you can do to prevent dog bites.

Focus on the dog, not the breed:

Every dog has a unique personality that influences how it reacts. Heredity, health, pain, training, fear, and aggression can all affect behavior, so don’t base your treatment of a dog on its breed alone.

Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog:

Children make up more than 50 percent of all dog bite victims, with injuries highest among children age 5-9.

Always walk your dog on a leash:

A dog can be startled at any time, whether by a loud noise or an unfamiliar person.

Actively supervise your dog:

Don’t just put your dog outside alone or on a chain. Go out with them to monitor and observe their behavior.