2001-Fri Mar 24 12:04:22 EDT 2017
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It happens to 4.7 million Americans each year: dog bites.
National Dog Bite Prevention Week runs through Saturday, and the American Veterinary Medical Association is helping spread the word on how people can educate themselves — along with family members and friends — about some simple preventive measures that could save you a trip to the doctor.
“As summer vacation season approaches, it's a good idea to remind people that children are the most common victims of dog bites,” says Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and a professor in the department of small animal clinical sciences at Texas A&M University. “And since kids are home during the summer months, that's when they are most likely to be bitten.”
About 17 percent of dog bites require medical attention — only a small number (about a dozen each year) result in death — but the costs are still staggering.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly $413 million in liability claims paid in 2010 on homeowners insurance were for dog bites, which is more than a third of all total claims. In 2011, State Farm Insurance alone received 3,800 dog bite claims, totaling $109 million.
We sometimes forget that dogs aren’t small, furry people. The truth is that they can react differently than people when they're taken by surprise or if they feel threatened.
Ever heard the saying "let sleeping dogs lie"? Well, it's good advice. Dogs can often react by biting if they're startled while sleeping. The same holds true for dogs who exhibit aggressive guarding behavior around food, treats and even favorite toys.
The AVMA also advises people to be careful when running near dogs. Your sprint can actually awaken a canine's natural instinct to chase, which can then lead to biting.
And, as adorable as they may be, resist the urge to approach female dogs with puppies. Mother dogs are naturally protective — and they don’t always appreciate when people coo over their little ones.
It's a sad but true statistic: About half of all dog bites happen to kids.
“They tend to walk up to any dog, make direct eye contact (a stare is a major threat to a dog), pull hair and ears, sit or step on dogs, and they're loud,” Dr. Beaver explains. Kids are also less skilled at recognizing when a pup’s patience has run out, which is why you should never leave children or babies alone with even the most docile of dogs.
In addition to teaching kids to be respectful and careful around all pets, it’s also crucial that they understand the importance of never approaching or petting strange dogs without first asking permission from the owner.
For additional tips on how to keep kids — and yourself — safe from dog bites, check out this video from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
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Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, offers advice on preventing dog bites.
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