The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal agency which monitors and controls human diseases, estimates over 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. While most of those bites do not result in severe injury, one in five of those bitten requires medical attention.
In addition to physical injuries, people can be emotionally scarred as well. This is especially true when the bite involves children. It is sad, indeed, when a person who has suffered a dog bite no longer feels comfortable around animals and may even be terrified of them. Such people lose the chance to have a meaningful relationship or to experience the human-animal bond with a pet.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Biting
Unfortunately, your dog may bite someone at some point during her life. But there are steps that you can take to significantly reduce the risk:
Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Spaying or neutering your dog may reduce your pet's desire to roam and fight with other dogs. Neutered dogs are 2.5 times less likely to bite than intact dogs.
Socialize Your Dog
Introduce your dog to many different people and situations so she is not nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances. Many pet parents think socialization is only for puppies, but socialization can be an ongoing process. It is true that there is a window early in a puppy's life in which socialization easily occurs, but it can be something that is worked on throughout a dog's life.
Train Your Dog
Puppy socialization and dog training classes are excellent ways to help your dog learn good manners and obedience skills. Training your dog is a family matter. It is very important for every member of your household to be involved and to use the same training techniques.
Teach Appropriate Behavior
Avoid playing aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling, tug-of-war, or allowing your dog to play fight with another person. Do not allow your puppy to bite or chew on your hands. Set appropriate limits for your dog's behavior. Do not wait for an unacceptable behavior to stop, otherwise it will become a bad habit. Also, your puppy will not grow out of it. If you have taught your puppy that a particular behavior is acceptable by allowing her to do something she should not be doing, such as biting or chewing on your hands, she will continue to believe that it is acceptable when she is an adult.
If your dog exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, particularly toward children, seek professional help from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog trainer immediately. Your community animal care and control agency may also offer helpful services. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people, and is also a reason to seek professional help.
Be a Responsible Pet Parent
Most city ordinances require pet parents to obtain a license for their dogs. Responsible pet parents also need to provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. Dogs should not be allowed to roam or be unsupervised. Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied out on a chain are more likely to become dangerous because they lack socialization. Dogs who are well-socialized and supervised rarely bite.
Be Cautious
If you do not know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave her at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep her in another room. Work with professionals to help your dog become accustomed to these and other situations. Until you are confident of her behavior, avoid stressful settings. Many dog bites occur because the dog is fearful. Avoid putting your dog in any situation which may cause her undue stress or fear.
What to Do If Your Dog Bites a Person
There are several actions that should be taken if your dog bites a person. First, confine your dog immediately and check on the victim's condition. If necessary, seek medical help. Be sure to provide the victim with your name, address, name of the dog, the date of your dog's last rabies vaccination, and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.
In most bite cases, an animal control officer will be assigned to investigate the situation and determine if your pet must be quarantined. Cooperate with the animal control official responsible for acquiring information about your dog. If your dog must be quarantined for any length of time, ask whether she may be confined within your home or at your veterinarian's hospital (this is usually determined by the dog's rabies vaccination status). Strictly follow quarantine requirements for your dog. You may need to have your dog examined by your veterinarian multiple times during the quarantine period to be sure your dog is not showing any signs of rabies.
It is also a good idea to seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Dogs can bite for many different reasons. Pain, fear, and other behavioral conditions can cause a dog to bite under certain circumstances. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer.
In a worst case scenario, do not give your dog to someone else if your dog's dangerous behavior is uncontrollable. Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage she does even when she is given to someone else. Do not give your dog to someone who wants a dangerous dog. If you must give up your dog due to dangerous behavior, consult with your veterinarian and with your local animal care and control agency about your options. New pet parents may be possible if they have a good knowledge of dog behavior and training, and are fully aware of the dog's behavior problems.
Tips to Avoid Being Bitten
The following tips can help you avoid being bitten by a dog. Try to follow these tips if you are presented with a situation in which you feel a dog may be inclined to bite.
Be Cautious Around Strange Dogs
To avoid being bitten, never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one who is tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Do not pet an unfamiliar dog without the pet parent's permission, and make sure to let the dog see and sniff you first. Always assume that a dog who does not know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat and act aggressively.
Never Run Away
Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. Instead, remain motionless, with your hands at your sides. Avoid direct eye contact. When the dog loses interest, slowly back away to safety.
Do Not Disturb
Do not disturb a dog while she's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. Be sure the dog is aware of your presence before you touch the dog - even your own. A startled dog may bite as a reflex action.
Be Careful with Kids and Dogs
Unfortunately, many dog bites involve children and many of these bites could be prevented. Teach children not to tease or chase dogs. Children, including infants, should never be left unsupervised with a dog.
If you ever find yourself in a situation in which a dog attacks you, put something between you and the dog to try to block the dog. Use your coat, purse, book bag, bicycle, or other object to separate yourself from the dog. If you are knocked down, cover your head and ears with your hands and curl into a ball. Try not to move or scream. If the dog inflicts any injuries, wash the wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention. Also, remember to report the attack to the police or animal control agency. Try to remember as much as possible about the attack.
The happiness and safety of you, your pet, and the people around you is important. By responsibly taking care of your dog and educating other pet parents, you can help prevent dog bites. You can help by supporting dog bite prevention educational programs in schools and teaching others the proper way to approach unfamiliar pets to avoid being bitten.