The Dos and Don’ts of Dog Bite Safety
Dog bites are an unfortunate, yet common occurrence, especially to those who own dogs. In fact, a large majority of bite cases are from dogs that are familiar to the victim, such as a family pet or neighbor dog. In some instances, it can be hard to prevent a bite if it is from a dog that is familiar to you and who you would never suspect to display such aggression. However, in order to protect yourself and your family, here are some tips for preventing canine bites. What to Do There are a few things you should always be sure to do when around dogs. First, ask the owner if it’s okay to pet their dog and never reach out without asking. The dog might be friendly towards their owner but could be easily frightened and aggressive towards strangers. When petting a dog, make your presence known and allow the dog to sniff you before reaching your hand out. If you’re approached by an unfamiliar dog, do your utmost to remain still and calm. If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball and cover your neck and head with your hands. Additionally, if a dog is acting unusual and is showing visual signs of being aggressive, then back away immediately or call for help. Don’t Do The list of what not to do regarding dogs is much more extensive.- Don’t run from a dog
- Don’t approach a stray or unfamiliar dog
- Don’t make loud noises, such as screaming or yelling
- Don’t disturb a dog that is busy, especially if it is eating, sleeping, or caring for it’s young
- Don’t play rough with your own dog, as it encourages aggressiveness and increases the chances of an accidental bite
- Don’t let small children play with dogs unattended