It is Dog Bite Prevention Week! We have covered this topic before, but it is very important. Each year there are 4.5 million people in the U.S. bitten by dogs. 1 in 5 people require medical attention. Children are the most common victims of dog bites. Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims. The easiest way to prevent a dog bite is to pay attention to the dog’s body language. Easy steps to avoid getting bit include being polite and respecting the dog’s personal space. Never approach an unfamiliar dog. Don’t pet a dog without letting them see and sniff you first. You should not disturb a dogs while they are sleeping, eating, playing with a toy, or caring for puppies.
There are several signals that may indicate that the dog is uncomfortable and might feel the need to bite:
- Tense Body
- Stiff Tail
- Pulled back head and/or ears
- Furrowed BrowEys rolled so the whites are visible
- Yawning
- Flicking tongue
- Intense stare
- Backing away
If you see these warning signs, put a safe amount of space between yourself and the dog. Never turn your back on the dog or run away. The dog’s natural instinct will be to chase you.
What do you do if you think a dog will attack?
- Don’t scream and run.
- Remain still, hands at your sides, avaoid eye contact.
- Once the dog looses interest, slowly back away until the dog is out of sight.
- If the dog does attack “feed” it your jacket, purse, bicycle or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
- If you fall or are nocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
- What do you do if you are bitten by a dog?
- Wash the wound immediately with warm soapy water.
- Call you physician.
- Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency.