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DOG BITES

Who is most at risk?
  • Children: The rate of dog bite–related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years old. Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.
  • Adult males: Among adults, males are more likely than females to be bitten.
  • Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims.
  • People with dogs in their homes: Having a dog in the household is associated with a higher incidence of dog bites.
Most dog bites can be prevented as long as people interact with the animals properly and react in the right way 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 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, then 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.






Acknowledgments:
American Veterinary Medical Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention