Safety with Dogs Janet Blair Perry County Health Department

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

When choosing a dog consider :  Age of children  Type and breed  Lifestyle and cost  Space for exercise  Safety

Teach Children:  Tell an adult of they see a stray dog.  Never go near an unfamiliar dog.  Never run from a dog.  Never look a dog right in the eye.  Be “still like a tree” when an unfamiliar dog comes near.  If knocked down, roll in ball and stay still.

Teach Children  Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or has puppies.  Never tease a dog.  If playing with a dog, let him sniff you first.  Never play with a dog unless an adult is near.  Tell an adult if a dog bites or scratches you.

Dog Owners  Never leave infants or children alone with any dog.  Spay/neuter your dog.  Train your dog in obedience.  Don’t play aggressive games with your dog.  Follow leash laws.

Dog owners cont.  Keep your dog healthy with vet checks and vaccines.  Socialize your dog with other adults and children.  Beware of liability.

When a bite occurs:  Minor bite or scratch- wash with soap and water and apply an antibiotic cream.  Bigger or deeper bites –control bleeding, reassure child and seek medical care.  Always report bite or injury to the local health department.  Check child’s vaccine status.

Dog Bites  4.7 million people per year  800,000 require medical attention  60% of those are children  Nearly 20 people die each year  Children suffer greater injury and fatality  70% of bites occur on owner’s property

While any dog can bite, top biting breeds are:  Pit Bulls  Rottweilers  German Shepherds  Huskies  Doberman Pinschers  Chow Chows  Great Danes  St. Bernards  Akitas

“Beware the Bite”  American Veterinary Medical Association  American Society of Plastic Surgeons  Center for Disease Control and Prevention  Joined to support National Dog Bite Prevention Week MAY

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