National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Via AVMA.org – Did you know that May 20-26 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week? Every year, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs, and children are the most common victims. In addition, 800,000 people receive medical attention for dog bites each year, and children are far more likely to be severely injured.

There are several things you can do to avoid dog bites ranging properly training and socializing your pet to properly educating your children on how, or if, to approach a dog.

What to do if you’re a dog owner:

• Carefully select your pet. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse. 
• Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other animals. 
• Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased. 
• Train your dog. The basic commands "sit," "stay," "no," and "come" help dogs understand what is expected of them. 
• Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation. 
• Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war. 
• Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog. 
• Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. 
• Neuter your pet. 
• If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gates are secure.  

How to protect your family: 

• Be cautious around strange dogs, and treat your own pet with respect. 
• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog. 
• Be alert for potentially dangerous situations. 
• Teach your children – including toddlers – to be careful around pets. 
• Teach children to not approach strange dogs or try to pet dogs through fences. 
• Teach children to ask permission from the dog's owner before petting the dog.

For more information, visit AVMA.org