Dog Bites Can Be Prevented

There are 4. 7 million people bitten by dogs every year, and this suffering, injury, disability and mortality is completely unnecessary. It’s up to people, not dogs, to stop dog bites.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has joined with the United States Post Office (USPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in sponsoring Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18-24th, 2008, to help prevent dog bites. 

According to the CDC, each year as many as 800,000 people, more than half of them children, require medical attention for dog bites and about a dozen people die from dog bite injuries. However, the good news is that most dog bites can be prevented. Whether you own a dog or have children, here are some tips to help keep everyone safer.

Dogs who spend a lot of time alone or chained up can become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized and supervised are much less likely to bite. To help prevent dog bites, make your dog part of your family.

Keep Your Children Safe

Teach your children basic dog safety:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one who’s tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.
• Never turn your back and run away from a dog. Don't scream.
• Be Still Like A Tree: When approached by an unfamiliar dog, remain motionless with your hands at your sides. Do not make eye contact with any dog.
• Be Still Like A Log: If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still with your hands over your ears.
• Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. Do not tease or chase any dog.
• Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Tips for Dog Owners

• Dogs with a history of aggression are not appropriate for households with children.
• If your child seems fearful or apprehensive about a dog, it is probably wise to delay bringing one into your home.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog or puppy into the home of an infant or toddler. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog. Read our tips about introducing a pet to a baby.
• Spay or neuter your dog; this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies.
• Properly socialize and train your dog. Teach the dog submissive behaviors such as rolling over to expose its abdomen and relinquishing food without growling.
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog like wrestling or tug-of-war.

If Your Dog Does Bite, Take Responsible Actions

• Confine your dog immediately. Check on the victim and seek medical attention.
• Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog’s last rabies vaccination.
• Cooperate with the animal control official. Strictly follow any quarantine requirements.
• Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer. Your community animal control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services.