This week (May 18 through 24) is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and although the majority of attention-getting dog bites pertain to dog v. human, I can attest to the fact that dog v. dog bites are just as traumatic and harrowing.

I know of what I speak, because when I was a child, I was bit in the buttock by our neighbors dog, a Rottweiler. Ironically, about 30 years later, my own dog was bit by a Rottweiler. 

Although there are dog breeds that have reputations as biters, I don’t blame the dog, I blame the owner. In fact, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, but most of these incidents are preventable.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are some steps you can take to lessen the risk that your dog will bite.

1. Spay or neuter your dog, which will reduce your dog’s desire to roam and fight with other dogs.
2. Socialize your dog by introducing your dog to many different types of people and situations, so that he or she is not nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.
3. Train your dog at a training class and involve the whole family–every member of your household should learn the training techniques and participate in your dog’s education.
4. Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don’t teach your dog to chase after or attack others, even in fun, and set appropriate limits for your dog’s behavior.
5. License your dog as required by law, provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations, don’t allow your dog to roam alone, and make your dog a member of your family (experts say that dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain often become dangerous).
6. Err on the safe side–if you don’t know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious; if your dog may panic in crowds, leave him at home; if your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep him in another room.

If your dog does bite:

• Confine your dog immediately and check on the victim’s condition. If necessary, seek medical help.
• Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog’s last rabies vaccination.
• Cooperate with the animal control official responsible for acquiring information about your dog. If your dog must be quarantined for any length of time, ask whether he may be confined within your home or at your veterinarian’s hospital. Strictly follow quarantine requirements for your dog.
• 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 care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services.
• If your dog’s dangerous behavior cannot be controlled, do not give him to someone else without carefully evaluating that person’s ability to protect him and prevent him from biting. Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage he does even when he is given to someone else.
• Don’t give your dog to someone who wants a dangerous dog. “Mean” dogs are often forced to live miserable, isolated lives, and become even more likely to attack someone in the future. If you must give up your dog due to dangerous behavior, consult with your veterinarian and with your local animal care and control agency or humane society about your options.

For more information, click here and here.

Tags: National Dog Bite Prevention Week

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