Surprisingly, any dog can potentially bite for
any variety of reasons. Animals bite when threatened, while protecting offspring or children, when
bothered while eating, when frustrated (from being chained or isolated), when teased, excited, nervous or
playing. Depending on a pets background, stability, and social ability, an unstable set of
circumstances can provoke even the most trusted pet to bite. While dog bites are more common,
cat scratches and bites are also on the rise. This may be due to people attempting to
befriend the many stray cats roaming free in our neighborhoods and towns. An estimated 4.7
million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. The most common victims are letter
carriers and children.
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| Preventing and Avoiding Dog and Cat Bites: |
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| 1. |
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have not been spayed or neutered are
3 times more likely to bite. |
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| 2. |
Train and socialize your dog so that it is comfortable being around
people, including friends, neighbors, and children. |
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| 3. |
Never play "attack" games with your dog. |
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| 4. |
If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be
cautious. Never approach a dog you don't know or a dog that is alone without its owner. |
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| 5. |
Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. |
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| 6. |
When approached by a dog you don't know, don't run or scream. Stand
still "like a tree", with your hands at your side and do not make direct eye contact with
or speak to the dog. |
| |
| 7. |
If you are on the ground or being attacked, curl into a ball with your
hands over your ears. |
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| 8. |
Stray cats can bite. Use a live trap or crate to capture a stray cat,
and wear heavy gloves. |
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| 9. |
Visit your doctor if bitten so you can receive proper medical
treatment. |
