Beware of the dog

Good dog…

Forget the stray mutt trotting down the street – most people are bitten by their own dog or one they know. Some owners actually promote aggression in their dogs or allow aggression to go unchecked. From nips to bites to actual attacks, dog bites are a serious problem. Dog bite victims requiring medical attention in the US number approximately 800,000 annually, and countless more bites go untreated.

Statistically, the number of recorded dog bites is significantly higher in children than adults. Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics has tips for how to address the problem…

Be a responsible dog owner

Dogs are wonderful companions. By acting responsibly, owners not only reduce the number of dog bites, but also enhance the relationship they have with their dog…

• Carefully consider your pet selection Puppies should not be obtained on impulse. Before and after selection, your veterinarian is the best source for information about behavior and suitability.
• Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other animals. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of situations under controlled circumstances; continue that exposure on a regular basis as your dog gets older. Don’t put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.
• Wait until your child is older Because so many dog bites happen to young children, it is suggested that parents wait to get a dog until their children are older than 4 years of age.
• Train your dog The basic commands ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘no,’ and ‘come’ can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of obedience and trust between pets and people. Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war. Use a leash in public to control your dog.
• Keep your dog healthy Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and other healthcare is important because how your dog feels directly affects how it behaves.
• Neuter your pet It’s a fact: neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.
• Obey leash laws and license your dog with the community as required. Obey leash laws.
  
  

Dogs are social animals so spending time with your pet is important. Dogs that are frequently left alone have a greater chance of developing behavior problems

Avoiding dog bites

Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your own pet with respect. Because children
are the most frequent victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog and should teach their older child to be careful around dogs.

• Teach your child not keep her distance Tell her not to approach strange dogs, and to ask permission from a dog’s owner before petting the dog. 
• Don’t run past a dog Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things. Don’t give them a reason to become excited or aggressive. If a dog approaches to sniff your child she needs to stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you’re not a threat.
• Never disturb a dog that’s caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.
• If you’re threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don’t scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don’t turn and run.
• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

Know your dog

A healthy pet is a happy companion. Your pet’s daily wellbeing requires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health.

• Watch for signs your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.
• Be alert to signs of illness that may affect your dog’s mood, including lumps or swelling, reduced or excessive appetite or water intake, marked weight loss or gain, limping, stiffness or difficulty getting up or down, head shaking, scratching, licking or coat irregularities, changes in behavior and fatigue.

If you or your child are bitten

The first thing you need to do is take steps to get away from the dog or confine it, and treat any wounds.

• If your own dog bit you, confine it immediately and call your veterinarian to check your dog’s vaccination records.
• If someone else’s dog bit you, first, seek medical treatment for the wound. Next, contact authorities and tell them everything you can about the dog: the owner’s name, if you know it; the color and size of the dog; where you encountered the dog; and, if and where you’ve seen it before. These details may help animal control officers locate the dog. In addition, consider asking your physician if post-exposure rabies treatment may be necessary.

If your dog bites someone

Even if the bite can be explained (perhaps someone stepped on the dog’s tail), it’s important to take responsibility for your dog’s actions by taking these steps…

• Restrain the dog immediately Separate it from the scene of the attack and confine it.
• Check on the victim’s condition Wash wounds with soap and water. Professional medical advice should be sought to evaluate the risk of rabies or other infections. Call 911 if paramedic response is required.
• Provide important information including your name, address and information about your dog’s most recent rabies vaccination. If your dog does not have a current rabies vaccination, it may be necessary to quarantine it or even euthanize it for rabies testing. The person bitten may need to undergo rabies treatment.
• Comply with local ordinances regarding the reporting of dog bites.
• Consult your veterinarian for advice about dog behavior that will help prevent similar problems in the future.

 

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