This is Dog Bite Prevention Week, which is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Did you know that 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year? Children are most likely to be severely injured. Of the 800,000 Americans who receive medical attention for dog bites each year, approximately 400,000 of them are children. Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims. In 2010, only one Idahoan was killed by a dog bite. But that doesn't mean you should drop your guard. Here's what you need to know to help prevent a dog bite.
No one can predict if a dog will bite. Although some breeds, such as pit bulls, tend to receive a lot of negative publicity, the likelihood that they will bite is no greater than that of any other breed. Proper training and socialization, as well as education for children on how, or if, they should approach a dog, are far more important.
Keep in mind that most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs. So, you need to select your pet carefully, and be sure it has been socialized as a young puppy. Otherwise, it can feel uncomfortable around people and other animals. Avoid putting your dog in any situation in which it feels teased or threatened, and avoid games like tug of war or wrestling, which can make dogs overly excited. Animals who feel threatened are most likely to bite or attack.
Also, be sure to train your dog with basic commands, such as 'sit,' 'stay,' and 'no.' This helps dogs understand what is expected of them. It also builds a bond of trust between people and pets that should help make everyone feel more at ease. Regular walking and exercising help keep dogs healthy and provide mental stimulation. And speaking of health, how your dog feels affects its behavior. So have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable diseases. It's also wise to have your dog neutered when the time is right.
When you're in public, use a leash to ensure you are able to control your dog. Keep your dog in a fenced yard, and make sure the gates are secure. Dogs who get loose can feel threatened and scared, elevating the risk that they may bite. According to Idaho law, Statute 25-2805, (2) Any dog which, when not physically provoked, physically attacks, wounds, bites or otherwise injures any person who is not trespassing, is vicious. It shall be unlawful for the owner or for the owner of premises on which a vicious dog is present to harbor a vicious dog outside a secure enclosure '
To read the full text of Idaho's Consolidated Dog Laws, click on this link.
Teach your children to treat all dogs with respect, and to be especially cautious around strange dogs. They should never approach dogs they don't know or try to pet dogs through fences. Teach kids to ask permission from the dog's owner before petting any dog. As a parent or caregiver, you should never leave an infant or small child alone with a dog. And be alert for any potentially dangerous situations.
If you are bitten by a dog, and the dog's owner is present, get the owner's name and contact information, and ask for proof of a rabies vaccination. Be sure to clean the wound with soap and water as soon as possible. Then consult your doctor or go to an emergency room. Finally, contact the dog's veterinarian and confirm vaccination records.
Talk it up:
Are you comfortable around dogs?
To receive all of the Boise Healthy Living Examiner's articles, click on subscribe or the RSS feed button. Each week, you'll get informative articles on Need to Know, and Good for You Food of the Week, plus seasonal features like Spotlight Sport, Healthier Holiday, Broncos Challenge, and more.
No one can predict if a dog will bite. Although some breeds, such as pit bulls, tend to receive a lot of negative publicity, the likelihood that they will bite is no greater than that of any other breed. Proper training and socialization, as well as education for children on how, or if, they should approach a dog, are far more important.
Keep in mind that most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs. So, you need to select your pet carefully, and be sure it has been socialized as a young puppy. Otherwise, it can feel uncomfortable around people and other animals. Avoid putting your dog in any situation in which it feels teased or threatened, and avoid games like tug of war or wrestling, which can make dogs overly excited. Animals who feel threatened are most likely to bite or attack.
Also, be sure to train your dog with basic commands, such as 'sit,' 'stay,' and 'no.' This helps dogs understand what is expected of them. It also builds a bond of trust between people and pets that should help make everyone feel more at ease. Regular walking and exercising help keep dogs healthy and provide mental stimulation. And speaking of health, how your dog feels affects its behavior. So have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable diseases. It's also wise to have your dog neutered when the time is right.
When you're in public, use a leash to ensure you are able to control your dog. Keep your dog in a fenced yard, and make sure the gates are secure. Dogs who get loose can feel threatened and scared, elevating the risk that they may bite. According to Idaho law, Statute 25-2805, (2) Any dog which, when not physically provoked, physically attacks, wounds, bites or otherwise injures any person who is not trespassing, is vicious. It shall be unlawful for the owner or for the owner of premises on which a vicious dog is present to harbor a vicious dog outside a secure enclosure '
To read the full text of Idaho's Consolidated Dog Laws, click on this link.
Teach your children to treat all dogs with respect, and to be especially cautious around strange dogs. They should never approach dogs they don't know or try to pet dogs through fences. Teach kids to ask permission from the dog's owner before petting any dog. As a parent or caregiver, you should never leave an infant or small child alone with a dog. And be alert for any potentially dangerous situations.
If you are bitten by a dog, and the dog's owner is present, get the owner's name and contact information, and ask for proof of a rabies vaccination. Be sure to clean the wound with soap and water as soon as possible. Then consult your doctor or go to an emergency room. Finally, contact the dog's veterinarian and confirm vaccination records.
Talk it up:
Are you comfortable around dogs?
To receive all of the Boise Healthy Living Examiner's articles, click on subscribe or the RSS feed button. Each week, you'll get informative articles on Need to Know, and Good for You Food of the Week, plus seasonal features like Spotlight Sport, Healthier Holiday, Broncos Challenge, and more.
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