Dog bites

The Triumphant Mom - 03 March, 2010

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention. There are ways to make dog bites less likely and to help prevent children from being bitten by dogs.

Who are most at risk?

  • Children: Among children, the rate of dog bite–related injuries is highest for those ages 5 to 9 years, and children are more likely than adults to receive medical attention for dog bites than adults. Recent research shows that the rate of dog–bite related injuries among children seems to be decreasing.
  • Adult Males: Among adults, males are more likely than females to be bitten.
  • People with dogs in their homes: Among children and adults, having a dog in the household is associated with a higher incidence of dog bites. As the number of dogs in the home increases, so does the incidence of dog bites. Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs at home.

Dog bitesDog bites

Children and dogs can be a fun loving mix. Unfortunately, sometimes the fun can turn to danger and serious or even deadly attacks from dogs can occur.  Consider the following ideas to help protect your child from a time when “man’s best friend” is not a friend at all!

  • If you do not know a dog or you are aware that a dog has a history of biting, do NOT allow your child  to be in contact with the animal. Encourage your child to alway ask permission to pet an unfamiliar dog.
  • Teach your child not to run from a dog and to stay calm if possible.
  • Teach your child to avoid looking a dog in the eye.
  • Never leave your child alone with a dog - especially one you do not know.
  • Never allow a child to take food from a dog or try to play with a dog while it is eating.
  • Never permit your child to hit or pull any pat of a dog’s body. Avoid playing aggressive games with your dog.
  • Make sure you properly socialize and train your dog.

Most dogs are fun, pleasant and forgiving. Some however are not. When your are not certain which is which, don’t allow your child to have contact with them.

 Dr. Olson Huff for The Triumphant Moms

Reference: Centers for Disease Control Dog Bite Prevention

Do you have a dog? What tips do you have for educating young children to be safe around dogs?

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