The Pet Sit Blog

Preventing Dog Bites

May 18, 2009

Posted in: Uncategorized

According to the Center for Disease Control, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the US.  And contrary to popular belief, they aren’t all postal workers.  The majority of severe dog bite victims are children.

This week, National Dog Bite Prevention Week, is the perfect time to teach children a few safety tips:

·         Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.

·         Do not run from a dog or scream.

·         Remain still when approached by an unfamiliar dog.

·         If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still

·         Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

·         Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.

·         Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.

·         Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

·         Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.

·         If bitten, immediately tell an adult.

Have you helped create a peaceful coexistence between pets and children?  Share your tips in the comments section below.