Preventing Dog Bites

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, "4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention." Many of these dog bite victims required reconstructive surgery because of disfigurement from dog bite injuries.

Who has the highest risk for dog bites?

Children are at the highest risk for dog bites. The most dog bite injuries occur in children from five to nine years old.

Adult men are also at risk because they pose more of a threat to dogs. Men are usually aggressive and will turn and face the snarling dog, rather than turn and walk away. Dogs attack when making eye contact with men.

Dog owners are at high risk of dog bites, also. A pet dog is not immune to aggressive behavior, especially if being teased by children or excited by aggressive adult play. Pet owners with more than one dog are more likely to be bitten by their dog than a one dog family.

Jealousy and competition between dogs and the children of the household cause many dogs to bite. When pet dogs see their owners hugging or playing with children, the child becomes a threat to the dog and this often results in the child being bitten by the family dog.

Preventing Dog Bites

Preventing or reducing dog bites is possible when adults and children learn few strategies how to behave around dogs.

Before bringing a pet dog into the home, talk with a veterinarian about which dogs are best suited for family life. Veterinarians can recommend dogs that are gentle with children, suited for apartment life if need be, which are excitable or calm, and which dogs are eager to please.

Adults need to be aware that aggressive dogs are not suitable for family life. Even if an adult has always wanted a Pit Bull terrier or a Rottweiler, these breeds have a history of aggression and should not live around children. Some aggressive breeds do end up making wonderful pets but why take the chance with a child's life?

Before bringing a dog home, make sure the children are not afraid of dogs. Wait until children are ready and looking forward to a pet dog. Bringing a dog into the home just to get children over their fear of dogs is never a good idea. The dog will sense the child's fear and react aggressively.

When buying or adopting a dog, have the whole family spend time with the animal. The initial meeting with the dog often reveals any aggressive or excitability issues the dog may have.

Spaying and neutering pet dogs helps decrease a dog's aggressive behavior and makes them better family pets.

Never leave an infant or toddler alone with a dog, no matter how calm or friendly the pet appears. It is unpredictable what might make a dog bite.

Socializing the pet dog is important for all family dogs. Attend basic obedience classes with the dog and continue training throughout its life. A few of the most important behaviors to teach a dog is: Leave It, Down, Go to Bed, and Stay. Crate training is also important because an overly excited dog calms down when given his own space in a crate.

Dog safety tips for children

There are several safety tips children should be aware of to prevent them from being nipped or bitten by dogs. Go over these strategies with children on a regular basis.

* Never go up to a strange dog

*Never run away from or scream at a dog

*Stay still, like a statue, when a strange dog comes near.

*Roll into a ball if the dog knocks you down and don't move

*Never play with a dog unless an adult is with you

*If you see a strange dog wandering in the yard or neighborhood, tell an adult.

*Don't look directly into a dog's eyes.

*Never go near a dog that is eating, sleeping, or a mother dog that is taking care of puppies.

*Always let a dog sniff you before petting it and only if you are with an adult.

References: Centers for Disease Control Prevention: "Injury Prevention and Control: Home and Recreational Safety"