Dog Bite Prevention Week!

April 12 - April 18th is Dog Bite Prevention Week.

In the U.S., about 800,000 dog bites happen each year and children make up about half of these incidences. The next most common bite victim is delivery personnel, such as mail carriers and those that deliver packages. Many people may believe the myth that a dog’s breed will heavily indicate whether or not it is more likely to bite. However, the most important factor is each dog’s individual history and their behavior.

Dogs bite for many reasons, but the majority of dog bites are not completely unprovoked. 

The following situations or conditions may lead to a dog biting: 

• Fear, anxiety, and/or stress

• When feeling protective of their territory and/or humans

• Resource guarding 

• Illness, injury, and/or pain.

Owners and non-owners each have responsibilities when it comes to preventing dog bites. 

As an owner, you can do the following things to minimize the chances of your dog biting someone:

• Socialization - If you decide that getting a puppy is the right fit for you, it is highly important to socialize them early on. This means exposing your dog to different situations under controlled circumstances. Make sure you are still following age appropriate protocol in regards to puppy vaccines. 

• The right fit - Not every breed is a fit for every person! Each breed of dog (or group of dog breeds) has specific needs, such as the amount of daily physical activity, whether a dog can be a couch potato all day or needs a “job” to do (i.e. working breeds), and the amount of humans that a dog does well with. It is very important to put a large amount of time into breed research before adopting/purchasing a dog!!!

  • Belgian Malinois and huskies are considered high-energy breeds, whereas saint Bernards and chihuahuas are considered low-energy

  • Herding group breeds, such as border collies and cattle dogs, have a strong work drive.

  • Breeds such as the Akita, German Shepherd, and the Chow Chow tend to be “one-person” dogs that tend to be very protective of their “main” owner and are indifferent or protective in the presence of strangers 

• Extra supervision around children - It is always recommended to supervise children and dogs when they are in each other’s presence. The AVMA also recommends waiting until children are at least 4 years old before adopting a new dog.

• Training - Basic obedience commands, such as “sit”, “stay”, “come”, and “no” can build a dog’s confidence level and, when mastered, can be used in sticky situations to help prevent a dog bite taking place.

• Keeping your dog healthy - How a dog feels can heavily influence how a dog behaves. Dogs that are sick, injured, or are in pain are much more likely to bite. Keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations, yearly blood work, and monthly parasite preventions can help to keep them happy and healthy. Also, making sure to regularly exercise your dog (based on breed recommendations) can provide them with physical and mental stimulation.

• Be proactive & follow the law - 

  • Dog laws in the United States include leashing laws and “running at large” laws. It is a good idea to keep your dog leashed at all times when out and about, even if your state does not have a leash law. “Running at Large” laws prohibit dogs from running free, meaning that they must be leashed or contained, especially when they are off owner property. 

    • To see if your state has leash laws, you can go to this link: https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-leash-laws

  • To be proactive, spay or neuter your dog to decrease the likelihood of escape.

  • Fenced in yards with secure gates can also help in preventing escape.

• Be alert - Learning basic dog body language is very important. Dogs almost always show signs of stress, anxiety, or fear before they bite. In the case that your dog does bite unprovoked, call and set up an appointment with your primary veterinarian to find the cause and get treatment. 

How to protect yourself and your family around dogs:

• NEVER leave a young child or baby unsupervised in the presence of ANY dog.

• Always stay alert.

• Educate your children on how to be careful around and how to respect dogs.

  • NEVER approach a strange dog and NEVER reach their hands through barriers (such as fences) to touch the dog.

  • ALWAYS ask the owner permission before petting the dog. You can also ask where the dog does and does not like to be pet so the child can pet the dog appropriately.

• If you run into a dog without an owner that is freely roaming:

  • Avoid direct eye contact and do not approach them straight on - these actions are perceived as a threat to the dog.

  • Do not run past the dog as dogs love to play chase and catch. This can excite or agitate the dog.

  • If you are approached and sniffed by the dog, STAY STILL. Sudden movements or attempted petting can lead to bites.

  • Try your best to always remain calm if you feel threatened by a dog, and do not scream or yell at it. Dogs can sense our emotions and your fear can trigger fear or aggression in the dog.

  • If you are knocked over or fall to the ground, curl into a ball and place your hands over your head and neck. Do your best to protect your face.

So what happens if I get bitten?

• If the owner is present: 

  • request proof of current rabies vaccination

  • get the owner’s name and contact information

  • request the name of the dog’s primary veterinarian so you can double check the proof of rabies vaccination. To be considered legal and effective, the rabies vaccination must be given by a veterinarian. Any store bought or over-the-counter rabies vaccinations are not considered effective.

• Use soap and water to thoroughly clean the bite wound as soon as possible.

• Go to the nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care to get the wound evaluated.

What if my dog bites someone?

• Immediately get control of your dog and move it away from any strangers. It is recommended to contain your dog away from the place where the bite happened.

• Check the bite victim and make sure that they are aware, conscious, and not losing large amounts of blood.

  • If the victim needs paramedic response, call 911.

• If possible, make sure that they wash the wounds well with soap and water and encourage them to go to the nearest ER or Urgent Care.

• Provide your information:

  • your name and contact information

  • proof of current rabies vaccination administered by a veterinarian

• Obey the local laws regarding reporting of dog bites.

• Consult with your primary veterinarian on how to prevent similar incidents in the future.