Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones From Dog Bites
Preventing a Dog Bite in Pima County
Someone is bitten by a dog every seven seconds in the United States. That's 4.7 million dog bites each and every year. Of these dog bite victims, over 800,000 require medical attention, with 386,000 requiring emergency treatment. Sadly, the majority of these dog bite victims are children and have an increased risk for head and neck injuries.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has labeled dog bites a public health epidemic. However, the CDC believes that dog bites are preventable. Dog bite prevention efforts can teach children and adults alike how to reduce the chances of being a victim of a dog bite.
Dog Bite Prevention Tips for Children (and Adults)
Children are the most likely victims of dog bites. Below are some dog bite prevention tips for children. Teaching children these tips can help protect their safety and well-being.
- Stay away from dogs you do not know.
- When approached by a dog you do not know, stay absolutely still. Do not run away from the dog and/or scream.
- If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball and stay absolutely still.
- Tell an adult if you see any stray dogs in the area.
- Do not play with any dog unless an adult is present.
- Tell an adult if you see any dogs behaving strangely.
- Do not make direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not try to break up a fight between two or more dogs, even if they are only play fighting.
- Never try to pet a dog that is chained up or behind a fence.
- Never try to pet a dog that is in a car or truck.
- Never try to pet a sick, injured, or scared dog.
- If a dog is sleeping, eating, or is caring for puppies, leave the dog alone.
- Make sure a dog is familiar with you and sees you before petting it.
- Tell an adult immediately if a dog bites or tries to bite you.
Dog Bite Prevention Tips for Dog Owners
A un-socialized dog puts the dog's owner and the owner's household at an unnecessary risk for dog bites and dog bite liability. Remember, a dog's owner is held responsible if the dog is involved in a dog bite incident. Dog owners must follow all applicable Arizona laws, which can be found on the Arizona state legislature website. Title 11, Chapter 7, Articles 6 and 6.1.
- Teach your dog non-threatening games, such as fetch in lieu of rougher games, such as tug-of-war.
- If your household has children, you should not have any dog with aggressive tendencies.
- Spay and neuter all dogs in the household. Spaying and neutering can prevent aggression in dogs.
- Prior to getting a dog, research which dog breeds would fit well into your household.
- Never leave an infant, toddler, or young child alone with any dog.
- If your household has children, verify that the children are not fearful of any new dog prior to brining the dog in to the family.
- Do not chain your dog up or leave it alone in a yard.
- If your dog becomes aggressive, seek the assistance of trained professionals.
- Do not wrestle or encourage aggressive behavior with your dog.
- When training a dog, emphasize submissiveness. Do not let your dog bare teeth or growl at you.
- Bond with a dog before brining it in to the family. Be especially careful if you have an infant or toddler.
For more information on dog bites, visit the dog bite prevention section of the CDC website here.
