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