National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coming Up

Of course your dog doesn’t bite – but there are almost five million bites per year, and about 20 percent of them require medical attention. Prevention is key, and this is the theme of the upcoming National Dog Bite Prevention Week. This is an important issue for everyone, regardless of whether or not they own dogs. There are over 72 million dogs in the US – and most are kind, gentle, and loving. But, as American Veterinary Medical Association president Dr. Larry M. Kornegay, says, “[A]ny dog can bite if it is frightened or feels threatened, even the family pet.” What should you know about dog bites – and, most importantly, prevention?

• Houston, Texas, leads the country in the number of mail carriers who are attacked by dogs each year. Every year, these professionals face the danger of dog bites and 5,669 of them are injured.

• Fear and anxiety are big triggers for bites, and owners can unwittingly encourage these behaviors by doing things to force a dog into submission, such as yanking a leash or rolling the dog onto their backs.

• Children age 5 to 9 are most commonly injured by dog bites.

• In children, 30 percent of bites are from the family dog, and another 50 percent are inflicted by a neighbor’s pet.

• Fear of dogs is listed as the number one deterrent for outdoor walking and exercise.

Notice pit bulls and rottweilers do not appear on this list. Victoria Stilwell of the National Dog Bite Prevention campaign reminds us, “It’s not the breed of the dog that causes the bite, but rather how well the dog is trained and controlled.” It also depends on how the dog feels and if it is scared, feeling threatened, or has been mistreated.

You should begin helping children understand the necessity of using caution around animals when they are very young. Always ask owners if you can pet their animals and require your children to do so. Talk to them about staying away from “stranger” dogs, even if they look cuddly and friendly. Don’t forget that prevention begins at home. Treat the family dog well, and he will do the same for you and your family.