Dog Bites: How to Avoid and Treat

Owning a dog is generally a positive experience that offers young children opportunities to learn responsibility, attachment, and nurturance.  Equally compelling however is the very real fact that dogs bite and children are often their victims.  Even the calmest of dogs can bite if provoked.  Following are some tips that can teach children to be safe around dogs.

Dog Safety:  What every child should know

• Never go near stray dogs or dogs they are not familiar with.
• Ask permission to touch a dog that belongs to someone else.
• Have an adult with you when playing with a dog.
• Never approach a dog if appears hostile:  ears down, showing teeth, tail down, barking, or growling.
• Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, or with puppies.
• Never tease or play rough with a dog.
• Never poke your hands through fences/cages that house a dog.
• Approach a dog slowly and calmly, always let the dog smell you before touching.
• Never put your face in a dogs face.

What to do when a dog approaches

• Do not run away.
• Do not scream.
• If being chased by a dog, stop and stand still.
• If knocked down by a dog, curl up in a ball, protect head and face with arms, lay still.  Most dogs will walk away from this non-threatening position.

What to do with a dog bite:

• If the injury is severe call local emergency services (911).
• For uncontrolled bleeding, apply direct pressure.
• Cleanse wound with soap and water.
• Cover with loose, sterile dressing.
• Follow up with parent(s) if another persons child.
• Verify immunizations for the dog.
• Notify animal control if injury caused by stray dog.