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DOG BITES Every year approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. Almost one in five of those who are bitten, a total of 885,000, require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries. A great majority of dog bite victims (80%) are familiar with the dog that bit them and regularly interact with it. Children under 13 are at least three times more likely than adults to receive a serious bite and account for more than half of the dog bite victims every year.  Most dog bites can be prevented as long as people interact with the animals properly and react appropriately should the dog appear aggressive. Always ask permission before petting someone’s dog.Before you reach to pet the dog, allow it to sniff you first.Always speak quietly and move slowly. Quick movements and loud voices can frighten the animal, making it more likely to try and defend itself.Do not try to pet a dog that is eating, sleeping or playing with a toy. You could easily startle it and dogs are likely to be protective of their toys or food.Do not try to pet a dog that is in a car, behind a fence or tied up.If you are approached by a dog that may attack:Do not scream or run – the dog’s natural instinct will be to chase.Stand still with your hands at your sides, avoiding eye contact.When the dog loses interest back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.If the dog does attack, “feed” it your jacket, purse, bicycle or anything else that you can put between yourself and the dog.If you fall to the ground, curl up in a ball with your hands over your ears and remain still and quiet.If you do receive a dog bite:Wash the wound immediately with soap and warm water.Contact your physician for additional care and advice.Contact animal control to report the bite. Tell them everything you know about the animal, the owners name and address or if the dog is a stray, where the attack happened, and in what direction the dog left.
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