Dog Bite Prevention

Most of us are animal lovers. More specifically, we are dog lovers. We remember the dog we had as a kid and we probably remember how sad we were when we found out that our faithful friend died. For many of us, the saying, "man's best friend" rings true. When we bring our dog home we focus on training him the basic commands like sit, stay and come. We also realize that there are lessons for us to learn. One valuable lesson focuses on dog bite prevention.

We may think it would never happen to us or our pooch would never do such a thing but dog bites do happen. Lets face it we love our dogs and they become a part of the family but it's important to remember that dogs are still animals and will do what comes naturally to them if they are frightened or feel threatened. You may be surprised to know that according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA), over 800,000 people are bitten by dogs and require medical attention each year. You may find it even more surprising that most people are bitten by their own dog or by one they know. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the chances of your dog biting someone or you being bitten.

Do Your Homework

When choosing a dog, give careful consideration to the breed of dog and to your lifestyle. Your local veterinarian is a great resource. He or she can give you insight as to breeds and suitability. Stop and think. If you know that you'll be gone for extended periods of time leaving the dog crated all day or cooped up in your house a dog may not be the best pet choice for you. If you travel a lot and want to take your dog with you, make sure your dog travels well. Taking some time to do your homework can prevent a potentially unhappy home for both you and your pet.

Let's Get Acquainted

There are many similarities between us and our pets and remembering that can lessen the chances for unwanted behavior. Most parents wouldn't think to drop their child off at the door to her school on her first day letting her fend for herself. We would spend time showing her where her classroom is, where to hang her coat, making sure she knows when and where she'll be picked up. We do these things to ensure our child feels safe. Dogs are no different. They need to feel safe just like humans do. Exposing your dog to different people, situations and other animals in a controlled environment helps to reduce anxiety. And just as we do for our children, avoid putting your dog in situations where they can be threatened or teased which can promote unwanted behavior.

School is in Session

Just as we go to school to learn how to read and write, our dogs need to learn the basics. Spend the time required teaching your dog the basic commands like sit, stay, no, off and come. Teaching these basic commands is two-fold. You will have the ability to control your dog as well as build a relationship of trust between you and your pet. Common sense also comes into play. If you don't want Rex to chew on your favorite pair of slippers, avoid games of tug-of-war that teach him to chew and shred things. If you're not sure how or what to train your dog, ask your veterinarian for a referral to someone who does.

A Little L and L

L and L refers to leash and license. My sister has five big dogs. When they're at home the girls have a few acres on which to run and romp but when traveling they use leashes. Dogs love to chase things. It's in their blood. Even the most well behaved dog can become so excited by that squirrel or person running by that she doesn't even hear you yelling, "No Pookie, come to mommy!". So whether you're on a road trip or at home taking a stroll down the street, use a leash. Also, make sure to license your dog as required by the community in which you live.

Staying Healthy

Talk to your veterinarian about getting your dog the necessary vaccinations for rabies and other infectious diseases as well as flea control and internal parasite prevention. Also talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s dental health. Good oral hygiene can have a huge impact on the overall health of your pet. You can add 3-5 years to your pets life by preventing periodontal disease which can lead to heart and liver disease. Be aware of changes in your dogs behavior. If Scruffy normally jumps for joy when you walk through the door but suddenly seems lethargic and glued to his dog bed, it could be a sign that something is not right. Let your veterinarian know about these changes in behavior if they persist.

The Gift of You

Dogs are social animals and they love to spend time with you. If you know that you only have 15 minutes a day to devote to your dog, please reconsider owning one. Dogs that are left alone have a greater chance of developing behavioral problems. Just like humans, unhappy dogs can become irritable. Irritability can lead to bad or even aggressive behavior. A good rule of thumb is a healthy dog is a happy dog. Neutering According to the AVMA, a neutered dog is three times less likely to bite. Enough said.

A Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T

As mentioned earlier, as much as we love our dog and he is a member of our family, he is still a dog. His intentions may not be to harm you but he will instinctively protect himself. Always treat your dog with respect and be alert when you are around strange dogs.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Let sleeping dogs lie is a good adage to live by. You could also add to that, let eating dogs eat. Simply put, avoid bothering your dog while sleeping, eating or if it is caring for puppies. O.K. So we've done our part. We've done all of the above but we find ourself faced with an angry dog. Now what? You guessed it, don't run! Trust me, you'll be chased (see A Little L & L above!) and the dog will always win that race. As difficult as it may be, stay calm and avoid eye contact. Stay still until the dog walks away or slowly back away. If the dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. More often than not the dog will leave you alone once he has determined you're not a threat. If you fall or are pushed to the ground, curl into a ball a place your hands over your head and neck.

If Your Dog Bites

Even if you understand why your dog has bitten someone, confine it immediately. The victim should wash the wounds with soap and water and seek medical advice to determine the risk of rabies or other infections. If the attack is serious, call 911. You'll want to give your personal information as well as your dog's vaccination information to the victim. If your dog has not have a current rabies vaccination, it may be necessary to quarantine it or even euthanize it for rabies testing.

If You are Bitten

If your own dog bites you, confine it and check your dog’s rabies records. If you can't find them, call your veterinarian for that information. If someone elses dog bites you, get medical attention. Contact animal-control to give them the details of the bite and the owner's information. Also, consider asking your physician if post-exposure rabies treatment is needed.

We all love our pets. Do your part to ensure they are healthy and happy. Acting as responsible pet owners not only reduces the chances of dog bites it also improves our relationship with our dogs.