Sometimes, man’s best friend will bite. Approximately, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and almost 1 in 5 victims require medical attention from their injuries. About 16 people die from a dog attack each year.
Although dogs can be faithful companions, these are sobering statistics. It is important to know the risks and take precautions to prevent being the victim of a dog bite. Here are some tips:
- Ask permission from the owner first, before petting an unfamiliar dog.
- Stay away from a barking or growling dog.
- Don’t touch a dog who is sleeping, eating, or chewing a toy.
- Don’t scare a dog when greeting it; use your normal voice rather than yelling.
- Avoid eye contact and don’t offer your hand to be sniffed. Instead, stand calmly in front of the dog and let it come to you.
- Observe and understand the dog’s body language. Is the dog calm and peaceful, playful, nervous and anxious, or aggressive? If the dog presents tense with teeth showing, it is best to stay away.
Download a high-resolution file of Dog Bite Prevention.
