Dog Bite Safety Tips
4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention, according to data published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”). There are ways to make dog bites less likely and to help prevent people from being bitten by dogs. The CDC recommends these dog bite safety tips for children and adults:
Dog Bite Safety for Children
To help prevent children from being bitten by dogs, teach the following basic safety tips and review them regularly:
Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
Do not run from a dog or scream.
Remain motionless (e.g., “be still like a tree”) when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
Dog Bite Safety for Adults
Before you bring a dog into your household:
Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn what breeds of dogs are the best fit for your household.
Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.
Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your household.
Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.
If you decide to bring a dog into your home:
Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
Properly socialize and train any dog entering your household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose the abdomen and giving up food without growling).
Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
If you or your child are bitten by a dog in Oregon, contact Portland Dog Bite Attorney Dane E. Johnson for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Call us toll free at (800) 714-3204 or use our online contact form.
