Dog Bite Prevention
Often when we entertain guests at our home, when they see our cats, one of the first questions they ask, especially by their children is, "Do they bite?" This always reminds me of an interaction between a young man and one of the grooms at the barn in which I kept my horse, when asked about a horse standing in the aisle on cross ties awaiting his rider, "Does he bite?" to which the groom nonchalantly replied, "he has teeth."
I am not generally that terse with our guests, but the fact of the matter, this is one of the most straightforward answers to this questions I have ever heard. While I am more compassionate with our guests and try to educate them about how to approach our cats the correct way, accidents can happen, especially if upon approaching a strange cat can be frightening to them.
So it is with the Canine species. Dogs can appear cute and cuddly, but even the most well mannered dog can be unpredictable at times, depending on the circumstances. We all remember that famous incident with one of the White House correspondents who approached Barney, the former President Bush's adorable Scottish terrier with poor "dogequette". He immediately received an unexpected painful nip.
In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, with one in five bites requiring medical attention. It was reported that over 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery after being bitten, in 2006.
Dr. Nick Jourlies, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians commented, "Most dogs are friendly, with no intentions to cause harm to anyone. But sometimes, they act aggressively toward strangers for a variety of reasons."
So how can dog bites be avoided?
1. Avoid startling a dog. Be quiet in their presence, and make no sudden moves.
2. Do not run from a dog or startle it. If approached by a strange or threatening dog, remain motionless.
3. Do not pet a strange dog without letting it see you. Always allow the dog sniff you first.
4. Always avoid eye contact with a dog.
5. Roll into a ball if knocked over by a dog. Cover your head, and if possible, remain still.
6. Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or a female caring for her puppies.
7. And most importantly, avoid unfamiliar dogs or any dog that is behaving strangely. Stay away from them if possible to prevent confrontation and injury.
8. Share this information with your children so they are fully informed about how to and how not to interact with unfamiliar dogs, making their outdoor playtime safer.
If you or your child are bitten:
1. Clean the wound with running water and apply pressure.
2. Teach children to immediately seek assistance from an adult to get any necessary medical attention.
3. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room if a fever develops or the wound becomes red, painful, swollen or exhibits other signs of possible infection.
4. Call 911 in the case of a severe attack. Facial wounds can be very dangerous and immediate medical care is prudent.
5. Most dogs with owners have been vaccinated for Rabies. However, contact your local health department, or animal control. Contact your physician. Tetanus shots for adults and children are often recommended.
For more information about dog bite prevention visit the CDC Dog Bite Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Dog-Bites/biteprevention.html
Also listen to their podcast at http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=11206
Have you been bitten by a dog? Leave a comment to share your experience.
Recent Posts
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with your Pets
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPIONS: Monroe and Buckeye
Introducing Caplin: The World's Largest Rodent
Loyal Canine Rescues Drowning Kitty
Shakti: The Cat that Lived Up to her Name
"You're Fat": Vet Hits Me With Hard Truth
The Cat who Owns an R.V.: Luxurious Travel
Lazy Dog Owner Arrested for Walking His Dog
Petside: Get Started
-
- 2010 NCAA Mascot Tournament
Vote for your favorite pet mascots to determine the ultimate NCAA mascot champion!
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (3)
Vicki June 4, 2009 1:52 PM
A few years ago we had two Cocker Spaniels that looked very much alike, especially in the dark. One was a male, the other a female. The female, Annie had been to the vet with some gum problems. The vet pulled sixteen teeth. One night I was getting all the dogs reaady for bed and Annie, who I thought was Spanky because the lights were out, was going into the den and I didn't want her to go in there. I reached down to pick her up and she turned around, and with sixteen teeth missing bit the snot out of my hand. So never think that just because a dog does not have all of it's teeth, it can't bite. I have the scars to prove it.
Diana June 4, 2009 1:53 PM
There is a series of rabies vaccine shots that people can get to prevent rabies in case they are bitten. It is quite expensive, but if someone works in a field where animal bites often occur it's a good idea to get them. I would hope that animal control officers are provided the vaccines by their employers. (My son has had the vaccines because he has worked with bats.)
Amy June 5, 2009 2:53 PM
Even the best owners can be bit by their pet. It all depends on the circumstances involved. I have 3 dogs and I never let them anywhere near anyone who enters my house. I am very cautious and want to protect my dogs and my guests. I have a large gate that closes off a couple rooms so the animals and guest can be seperated until we figure who will get along.
I have been bitten by my own dog under a strange situation. Molly is a very sweet tempered easy going dog that loves everyone she meets and they lover her as well. I have sleep apnea and was sleeping on the couch with her right by the side of the couch which I didn't realize at the time. I had to get up and use the bathroom an I stepped on her quite hard, in turn she bit my almost all the through my foot.
The first thing I did was to make sure she was ok and not injured and then looked at my foot. It was bleeding like crazy and I decided a trip to the emergency room was needed.At the hospital they had to treat it and report it to the police department, who called my vet to make sure she was up to date on all her shots which she was. I had to keep her quarenteed for 10 days even though she belonged to me. I was tickled that she was able to be with me through the 10 days. Needless to say I am extra vigilant when I have to get up in the middle of the night. The total thing was an accident and I never held any kind of resentment towards my Molly.
add your comment