Tips for Preventing Dog Bites

The following information comes from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.

To help prevent dog bites, make your dog part of your family! Dogs who spend a lot of time alone or chained up can become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized and supervised are much less likely to bite.

ACCORDING TO THE CDC (Center for Disease Control), approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs. More than half of these are children, and about a dozen people die from dog bite injuries. The good news is that most dog bites can be prevented. Here are some tips for dog owners, parents, and individuals to help keep everyone safe.

Keep Your Children Safe - Teach children basic dog safety

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one that is tied up or confined behind a fence or in a car.
• Never turn your back and run away from a dog. Don't scream.
• Be Still Like a Tree: When approached by an unfamiliar dog, remain motionless with your hands at your sides. Do not make eye contact with any dog.
• Be Still Like a Log: If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still with your hands over your ears.
• Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. Do not tease or chase any dog.
• Do not disturb a dog who 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.

Do's for Dog Owners

• Dogs with a history of aggression are not appropriate for households with children.
• If your child seems fearful or apprehensive about a dog, it is probably wise to delay bringing one into your home.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog or puppy into the home of an infant or toddler. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
• Spay/neuter your dog: this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies.
• Properly socialize and train your dog. Teach your dog submissive behaviors such as rolling over to expose its abdomen and relinquishing food without growling.
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog like wrestling or tug-of-war.

If Your Dog Does Bite, Take Responsible Actions

• Confine your dog immediately. Check on the victim and seek medical attention.
• Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog's last rabies vaccination.
• Cooperate with the animal control official. Strictly follow any quarantine requirements.
• Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer. Your community animal control agency or humane society may also offer helpful directions.

Multnomah Country Animal Control
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:30am to 5:00pm.
Telephone: (503) 988-PETS(7387)