Key Information About Dog Bites
Dogs are important companion animals that can add so much to our quality of life; however, they can become frightened or aggressive. Bites from dogs and other pets pose a serious health and safety risk:
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An estimated 2 to 5 million bites from pets occur annually
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Dog bites account for 80 - 90% of all animal bites
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Animal bites account for 1% of all emergency room visits
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About 10,000 people are hospitalized annually due to animal bites
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Infections can be transmitted by animal bites, especially cat bites
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Annually, between 15 and 20 human deaths occur due to animal bites, mostly in children
To help prevent dog bites:
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Spend time with a dog before you decide to buy or adopt it
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Never leave infants/small children alone with a dog
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Spay or neuter all dogs
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Socialize and train your dog to be comfortable with and enjoy people
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Don t play aggressive games with dogs
Safety Tips for Children:
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Never approach an unfamiliar dog
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Never try to pet a dog that is in a car, behind a fence, or tied up even one you know
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Never run from a dog and scream
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If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, remain motionless like a tree
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If you are knocked over by a dog roll into a ball and lie still act like a rock
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Avoid direct eye contact with a dog
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Don t disturb a sleeping, eating, or nursing dog
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Allow a dog to sniff you first before petting
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If bitten, let an adult know immediately
Other Sources of Information:
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