HOW TO PREVENT DOG BITES

Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  has a brief but specific set of parental recommendations to avoid becoming one of these victims.

They include:

•    Never approach an unfamiliar dog
•    Never run from a dog and scream
•    Stay still when an unfamiliar dog comes up to you  (Be still like a tree)
•    If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (Be still like a log)
•    Do not look a unfamiliar dog in the eye
•    Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
•    Do not pet a dog without letting it sniff you first.
•    Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

Because of their size, children are often bitten on or about the head and face. This can cause severe injury and or infection.

The CDC has further recommendations regarding working with your veterinarian to reduce the chances of a dog bite.

 

VISIT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION WEB SITE

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