THE FACTS:
- About 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, many of them children and the elderly.
- Nearly 1 million of those bitten require medical attention. This represents 5% of all emergency-room visits.
- Most dog bites happen in the home or at a friend’s house.
- Children (boys between the age of 5-9) are the most likely to be bitten.
- Dog bites to small children mostly happen on the child’s face, head, or neck.
- 50% of all children in the U.S. will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday!
DOG BITE PREVENTION TIPS:
When a Dog Approaches…
- Don’t run away. Dogs will naturally chase after you.
- Stand still with your hands by your side.
- Do not extend your hands. Allow the dog to approach and sniff you.
- Stay calm and still. If you scream or jump up and down, it might scare the dog and he will attack.
- Always face the dog. Do not let him get behind you. Do not stare.
- Back up slowly, always watching the dog, until you are out of sight.
Safety Tips for Parents…
- Don’t leave a baby or young child alone with a dog.
- Never let a child pull a dog’s ears, tail, etc.
- Never let a child walk or feed a dog by themselves.
- Do not allow your child to play rough with the dog.
- Never allow your child to reach into a car to pet a strange dog.
- Do not allow your child to discipline a dog.
Dogs are great companions, but they are still dogs. As parents, it is our responsibility to show leadership to the dog and to always keep them in a safe situation. Following our guidelines will keep them safe and prevent our kids from possible dog bites.
THE FACTS:
- About 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, many of them children and the elderly.
- Nearly 1 million of those bitten require medical attention. This represents 5% of all emergency-room visits.
- Most dog bites happen in the home or at a friend’s house.
- Children (boys between the age of 5-9) are the most likely to be bitten.
- Dog bites to small children mostly happen on the child’s face, head, or neck.
- 50% of all children in the U.S. will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday!
DOG BITE PREVENTION TIPS:
When a Dog Approaches…
- Don’t run away. Dogs will naturally chase after you.
- Stand still with your hands by your side.
- Do not extend your hands. Allow the dog to approach and sniff you.
- Stay calm and still. If you scream or jump up and down, it might scare the dog and he will attack.
- Always face the dog. Do not let him get behind you. Do not stare.
- Back up slowly, always watching the dog, until you are out of sight.
Safety Tips for Parents…
- Don’t leave a baby or young child alone with a dog.
- Never let a child pull a dog’s ears, tail, etc.
- Never let a child walk or feed a dog by themselves.
- Do not allow your child to play rough with the dog.
- Never allow your child to reach into a car to pet a strange dog.
- Do not allow your child to discipline a dog.
Dogs are great companions, but they are still dogs. As parents, it is our responsibility to show leadership to the dog and to always keep them in a safe situation. Following our guidelines will keep them safe and prevent our kids from possible dog bites.
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