How to Avoid Attacks From America's Favorite Companion

Dogs live in our homes, play with our families and are our beloved protectors from the evil doorbell. If you don't personally own a dog chances are your family members or neighbors do, with 37 to 47 percent of American households owning one of the roughly 75 million dogs in the United States.

As a dog lover myself, I'm inclined to say they're lovers all the way- but everyone has an ex best friend; sometimes man's best friend bites. Over 4 million dog bites occur every year, according to the CDC. Dog bite lawyers Bundza & Rodriguez suggest this may be underreported as many dog owners are willing to pay the victim's bills to avoid court and potential consequences for their dog. They report around 880,000 dog bite victims end up in emergency medical care every year.

While a snarling dog on the defense could scare any pup lover, it's not enough to ban America's favorite companion. WIth "dog knowledge" and a few safety tips we can begin to lower the risk of dog bites!

 

Woofipedia

Dogs exhibit many signs if they feel uncomfortable or stressed. If you notice a dog acting in any of the below ways, give it space...imagine someone trying to play with you at a time of high anxiety.

*sudden scratching or biting himself

*stress yawning

*tail tucked between his legs

*ears flat back

*freezing, moving away from or hiding under furniture

*pacing

*licking his lips (except after eating or drinking)

*growling

These stand true at any location, even in the dog's comfortability of the family home. In fact, the CDC reports over half of all dog bites occur in the dog's home. Families with two or more dogs are five times more likely to be bit than those living with no dogs. Children five to nine and, perhaps surprisingly, men are more likely to be bit than anyone else.

 

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For Parents With Dogs:

1. Supervise- Children should never be left alone with a dog, even the family's own. Children are the most susceptible to dog bites so why risk it? Warn your children not to hug any dogs as it commonly makes them uncomfortable- scratching ears and petting the side of the head are great alternatives.

2. Training- Positive-reinforcement obedience classes are a popular way to train dogs. Never shake, hold down, choke, or use any other form of aggressive punishment on the dog. Such force may only teach the dog about aggression and in some cases may be considered dog abuse, punishable with jail time.

3. Make sure babysitters are comfortable with the family dog. Check out this informative infographic for detailed help: Dog Safety Tips for Babysitters

Things to Teach Your Children:

1. Kiss mom and dad, not the dog! Face-to-face contact with dogs are common causes of dog bites to the face. Instead, show them how much their furry friend loves a good belly rub.

2. Don't tease or disturb a dog sleeping, eating, or protecting something.

3. Be a tree- This is Doggone Safety's motto and it works. If an unfamiliar or stray dog approaches, tell your kids to stand tall like a tree; the dog will only stay interested this way for so long.

Things for All Dog Owners:

1. Spay or Neuter- Neutered pets are typically calmer, healthier and less aggressive. Plus, it prevents any unwanted pregnancies and adding more puppies into an already overcrowded shelter system.

2. Conditioning- Puppies and dogs are curious and natural explorers, so take them out on positive experiences with you! You can and should utilize training practices while out on these adventures, as well.

3. Supervise- No one wants their dog to be provoked by another dog or person. Always watch your dog, even if they've never exhibited aggressive behavior before. Let children and adults know if it's okay to pet or play with your dog and if not, send the children home or put your dog in a safe area.

When Aggression Wins

If you or your child are bit by a dog or if your dog bites a human, there are immediate safety tips to follow to prevent possible infections.

Minor Wounds

1. Wash the wound with soap and water

2. Apply antibiotic cream

3. Use a clean bandage to cover the wound

4. If the wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen or the victim develops a fever, see a healthcare provider

Severe Wounds

1. Apply pressure to help stop the bleeding

2. If you can't stop the bleeding of feel nauseous, seek immediate emergency medical services

3. If able to stop the bleeding, still see a healthcare provider as soon as possible

Possible Diseases From Dog Bites

1. Pasteurella is a bacteria found in over 50 percent of dog bite wounds. It's a painful, red infection that may develop into a more serious infection in people with weak immune systems.

2. Rabies is the most serious disease a person could contract from a dog bite, but rare. Most household dogs are vaccinated, but ensure with the owner the dog is up to date and has a vaccination certificate.

3. MRSA is a bacterial staph infection capable of living in animals without showing any symptoms.

4. Tetanus is a toxin causing paralysis in people and may be contractible from a severe dog bite.

While most infections, if the victim contracts any, are treatable, the person is often left dealing with emotional trauma and a fear of America's favorite animal.

"When a dog attacks an individual- regardless of the victim's age, physical build or mental attributes- the incident leaves a mark," personal injury lawyer Corey Bundza writes on his site. "This goes beyond the physical puncture wounds and bite marks suffered by the victim. There is a heavy emotional and psychological toll in dog bite cases."

And he's not alone in this thought. Doggone quotes child psychologist R. Larry Schmitt who says children face serious emotional stress after a dog attack, equivalent to an adult attacked by a bear. He stresses the importance of placing no blame on the child and keeping the conversation open to ensure no feelings become bottled.

Dogs are animals and if threatened, provoked, or raised aggressive they may bite. But if you understand dogs and know the proper safety tips you will significantly reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim.