National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Next week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Nearly 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year, mostly because they are unaware of how to approach and play with dogs correctly. Unfortunately most of the bite victims are children, and bites occur when they are interacting with dogs they know. Here are some facts about dog bites that may surprise you:

• 4.7 million people in this country are bitten by dogs every year
• Children are by far the most common victims
• 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites each year
• Children are far more likely to be severely injured; approximately 400,000 receive medical attention every year
• Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs
• Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims

National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 16th - 22nd, is about raising awareness for dog owners and dog lovers alike. Here are a few things you can do if you are a dog owner:

• Carefully select your pet. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse.
• Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
• Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.
• Train your dog. The basic commands "sit," "stay," "no," and "come" help dogs understand what is expected of them and can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of trust between pets and people.
• Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation - a tired dog is a well behaved dog.
• Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war unless you have the respect of your dog.
• Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog.
• Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and other health care are important because how your dog feels affects how it behaves.
• Neuter your pet.
• If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gates are secure.

How can you protect your family?

• Be cautious around strange dogs, and treat your own pet with respect.
• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
• Be alert for potentially dangerous situations.
• Teach their children – including toddlers – to be careful around pets. Children must learn not to approach strange dogs or try to pet dogs through fences.
• Teach children to ask permission from the dog's owner before petting the dog and to approach the dog sideways; a less threatening position to the dog.

Knowing how to interact with your four-legged friends means that everyone involved will have a great time. For more tips and dog bite prevention resources, visit the AVMA's dog bite prevention page.