How to Prevent Dog Bites

   This week has been set aside as Dog Bite Prevention Week. We thought it would be the perfect time to share a few tips on preventing a painful nip. Remember even the sweetest dog in the world will bite if frightened, hurt, confused or irritated.

Growls are a warning

   Dogs don’t have the verbal ability to ask you to leave them alone. They growl to convey that message. Respect their warning and stop doing whatever it is that is causing their discomfort. Never provoke a dog by teasing or scaring them. It is NOT funny!

Protect Your Dog on Walks

   Always walk your dog on a leash in public places. You never know what kind of trouble you might run into and it is important to have control over your pet. Caution others from walking up and getting in your dog’s face. You wouldn’t want strangers invading your space so don’t assume your dog does either. Daily walks are important to your dog’s well-being. Don’t let anyone ruin your time together. 

   The same holds true for you approaching dogs that you don’t know. Always ask permission before reaching for a pet.

Teach Your Children Well

   Did you know that someone is bitten by a dog every 75 seconds? That is a whole lot of biting going on and more than half of these involve children. Teach your children to respect dogs. Never allow your children to rough house with your dogs. Playing can quickly escalate resulting in an injury. Dogs are not horses and are not meant to be ridden. Do not allow children to pull a dog’s tail or ears. It drives me crazy to see videos of people filming their child harassing their dogs! What is wrong with them? The minute that dog retaliates, it will end up at the pound. We need to quit making these idiots "viral internet stars."
   Putting their hands near or in a dog’s mouth is never a good idea. When your dog is eating, chewing on their bone or playing with a toy, tell your child not to bother them. It is important to ALWAYS supervise your toddlers around your dogs and never leave them alone together. It only takes a second for a bite to happen and it is the dog that will be the biggest loser. 

   Children and dogs can be best friends if parents teach their children the proper way to treat animals. 

Sources:

DogTipper® http://www.dogtipper.com/blog/2015/05/national-dog-bite-prevention-week.html

AVMA® https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention.aspx

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