Dog Bite Prevention Week: May 15-21, 2011

This week is Dog Bite Prevention Week. 

After browsing the web for tips, facts and more I stumbled onto a great article with links to posters, videos and more from “Bark Magazine.”  Take time this week and read some of the information on dog bite prevention, you might learn something you never knew before.     -Krystle

Did You Know?

The highest rate of dog bites is among children because, unfortunately, children are always more susceptible to dangers. The following general tips are important for parents and children to know:

• Children should not approach, touch, or play with any dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Children should not pet unfamiliar dogs without first asking permission from the dog’s guardian. If the guardian says it is okay, the child should begin by letting the dog sniff his or her closed hand.
• If a child sees a dog off-leash, he or she should tell an adult immediately.
• If a loose dog comes near a child, he or she should not run or scream. Instead, avoid eye contact with the animal and stand very still, “like a tree,” until the animal moves away.

In an effort to further educate adults and children about basic safety around dogs, many national humane organizations offer booklets and other materials. For example, theHumane Society of the United States (HSUS) provides materials such as Avoiding Dog Bites, Questions and Answers about Dog Bites, and Teaching Your Child to Avoid Dog Bites.

To view or download materials regarding children and dogs, you may go to the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and HSUS, which provide very valuable information about avoiding dog bites and acting safely around dogs:

ASPCA: Dog Bite Prevention Information

ASPCA: Dog bite prevention facts and figures
(includes children’s activity sheet download)

HSUS: Resources for children to help reduce dog bite injuries
(includes children’s coloring page)

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