National Dog Bite Prevention Week May 17-23, 2015

/in , /by

What You Should Know About Man’s Best Friend

Mary was at a park walking Buster, her friendly Golden Retriever, when they came upon a couple walking their dog. Being extra-cautious, Mary asked the couple if their dog was friendly around other dogs. The couple assured her their dog would be fine around Buster. But as soon as Mary and her dog were close to the couple, their dog attacked Buster. As she was still holding onto his leash, Mary tried to pull Buster away but the other dog bit her in the leg. After the couple calmed their dog, they assured Mary he had all his vaccinations and quickly left the scene. Mary had to make a trip to urgent care to have her wounds treated.

Dog bites can happen quickly and unexpectedly. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, each year over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. Children make up half of the roughly 800,000 people who require medical attention after a dog bite.

How to Prevent a Dog Bite

To protect yourself and your children from a dog, always remember that even a nice dog is capable of biting. Some things to remember include:

  • Don’t look a dog in the eye as it may provoke him;
  • Use caution when entering an enclosed area where there’s a dog—he may become aggressive if he’s protecting his territory;
  • Don’t walk up to an unfamiliar dog to try to pet him, or try to reach through a fence to pet a dog;
  • Don’t try to pet a dog that’s eating or sleeping;
  • If a strange dog comes up to you stay still and don’t make sudden movements.

Which Dog Breed is More Prone to Bite?

Can you predict if a dog will bite based on his breed? Pit Bull terriers are at the top of the list for causing the most fatalities due to bites. But a study from the University of Pennsylvania found that of 33 breeds studied, the most aggressive dog turned out to be the Dachsund, with Chihuahuas and Jack Russell terriers in second and third place. A bite from a big dog may cause serious, catastrophic injury to its victim, but this study shows that small breeds can also be aggressive. People should be equally cautious when approaching a dog, no matter its size.

What to do After a Dog Bite

If, like Mary, you or a loved one suffers a dog bite injury, your first priority should be to seek medical attention.

Because Mary was in a public place and she was not provoking the dog or trespassing on the couple’s property at the time of the attack, under Arizona law the couple is liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog.

But the issue of provocation may be left to a jury to decide. The couple could say that Mary was trying to separate the dogs and that’s why she was bitten. But because the attack was so quick and Mary was holding onto Buster’s leash trying to pull him way from danger when she was bitten, a jury may conclude she did not provoke the dog and hold the couple responsible.

Before the couple left the scene with their dog, Mary should have asked them for their names and phone number. If they refused to provide such information, she could have dialed 911. If there happened to be any witnesses, Mary should have asked for their contact information as well.

Mary should have also reported the dog to the local animal control, which would investigate the dog bite and quarantine the animal if necessary.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

May 17-23, 2015, is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. It’s a good time to familiarize yourself and your family with dog behavior and learn what you can do to prevent your dog from biting someone.

According to AVMA, a baby or small child should never be left alone with a dog. Teach children to be careful around pets and strange animals. They should learn never to approach a strange dog, and to ask permission from an owner before petting a dog.

Dogs can make wonderful pets and bring joy and comfort to its owners. But dogs can also react unexpectedly and aggressively under what may seem like a normal situation. By treating dogs with respect and caution you’ll make sure you, your children and other family members are not on the receiving end of a dog bite.