Many dog bites can be avoided - here are some tips that can help. Remember, you as an adult may know these tips, but make sure that your children do. Kids grow up around the family dog and think that all dogs are as friendly as your family pet - they are not. Teach your kids how to behave around dogs they are not familiar with. In the 2008 Center for Disease Control and Prevention Childhood Injury Report it was stated that, Dog bites, insect stings and other animal bites accounted for 6% of the nonfatal injuries among children 0 to 19 years.
Teach You Kids these Tips to Help Protect them from Dog Bites
- Always Ask Permission. Always ask permission before petting someone else's dog. Make sure you know the person and they are there to restrain the dog
- Wagging Tails Could Mean Danger. Remember that not every dog that wags its tail is friendly! Do not assume if the tail is wagging that it will not bite!
- Carefully Approach Any Dog. If you do not know the dog, it is always best to avoid it. If you must approach the dog, always approach a dog slowly and carefully.
- Let the Dog Smell You First. When meeting a new dog, always let the dog come to you and smell you first.
- Know Your Neighborhood Dogs. Get familiar with your neighborhood - find out where all the dogs in your neighborhood live and if any are known biters.
- Do Not Approach Stray Dogs. Always! leave stray dogs alone - do not approach them and stay away from them. Contact your local animal control to report stray dogs.
Know What To Do In Case of Dog Attack
- Climb. Get out of reach by climbing onto the roof of a car or onto playground equipment.
- Distract. Distract the dog by giving it a coat, hat, purse, book, shoe, or something else to bite.
- Protect. If you cannot get away, it is important to protect your face, neck, and arms.
Remember that even well-trained dogs can behave unpredictably in certain situations. Always exercise caution and respect when interacting with unfamiliar dogs. If you are bitten, clean the wound promptly and seek medical attention to prevent infection. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities if necessary..
