Dog bites are very common injuries for both adults and children. They can cause serious consequences from permanent disfigurement to psychological trauma. Worse, they could also result to death. No one is protected from sudden attacks of dogs. In protecting oneself, always remember that there's no such thing as a dog that doesn't bite. In fact, statistics show that most cases of dog bite injuries are from those that are considered as pets.
So to protect yourself and your family from getting bitten, here is some information you need to know that may be helpful:
Basic Steps to Safety •DO NOT approach a dog, especially when you are not familiar with
animal. Even when you know dog, ask owner's permission before you try to touch or pet it. When you have owner's permission, extend back of your hand and allow dog to sniff you before you try to touch or pet it. Rule of thumb: EXTEND THE BACK OF YOUR HAND. NOT YOUR FINGERS. •DO NOT try to touch dog when it's eating. •DO NOT touch or pet a resting or sleeping dog. Always remember that dogs should always be aware of your approach. •DO NOT approach a mother dog that has puppies, particularly if mother is nursing. •DO NOT stare a dog in eyes, especially if dog is strange or seem threatening. If you have information or you suspect that dog is abused or neglected, take extra care in approaching it. Consider that dog may be dangerous. •DO NOT get dog very excited or engage it in excessive rough play. The dog's instincts may overpower its self-control. •DO NOT let a dog feel cornered. Exercise extra care in small or enclosed areas. Dogs feel trapped when in a place too small for them to find an exit. •DO NOT leave your baby or toddler with a dog. It doesn't matter that dog is a pet. Some experts say that no child under age of ten should be left alone with a dog. You never know when or what might trigger dog's reaction to your child. •DO NOT back away from a strange dog. It may think that you're playing with it.
Children Should Always be Protected Aside from not leaving your children with dogs, it is important to teach them on how to behave when in company of dogs. Parents and guardians should also provide appropriate supervision for young children when dogs are present.
Experts contend that children under age of ten should not be left alone with a dog for they may not be able to behave appropriately around it. Also, experts say that children are too small to defend themselves when attacked even by a small dog.
