Man's Best Friend Can Bite

Even though they can be furry, cuddly and sweet, some of man’s best friends will bite. Every year, more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), will sponsor National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 15 to 22.

“There is no such thing as a good or bad breed of dog,” said Ron Warner, DVM, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. “All dogs can bite if they are provoked and the key is educating you and your family, especially your children about the severity of the problem.”

As many as 800,000 people annually require medical treatment for dog bites, according to the AVMA. Children should be taught to never approach strange dogs to pet them without first asking permission from the pet’s owner.

Warner said if there is ever a case where a dog attacks you, fall to the ground, curl yourself into a ball and cover and protect your neck and face.

According to the AVMA, there are many things a person can do to be a responsible pet owner:

• Neutering your dog can help. Neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.
• Keep your dog healthy by having your pet vaccinated against rabies.
• Train your dog to respond to the basic commands.
• Don’t put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.
• Socialize your dog so it feels at ease with strangers.
• Be alert to signs your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.
• Never leave your dog alone with a baby or small child.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is sponsored by the AVMA, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Postal Service.

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