We all know that man’s best friend can turn on us. But are dog bites really that common of an injury? Is any dog susceptible to becoming violent? What can we do, if anything, to prevent dog bites from occurring? If you’re suspicious of a neighbor’s dog, or are considering bringing a new canine into your family, here’s some information that can shed some light on bites.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by a dog each year. Of these, under a million require medical attention and treatment. That means that the overwhelming majority of dog bites don’t result in any trauma or permanent damage. But that’s the bright side of these dog bite statistics.
Certain breeds are more likely to bite than other breeds, and some of these types of dogs are extremely popular with American families. Chihuahuas, bulldogs, Jack Russell terriers, cocker spaniels, and German Shepherds are named here, alongside the pit bull. Pit bulls, by the way, do not have as strong or damaging a bite as the mastiff, shepherd, or rottweiler.
These breeds are among others who caused the insurance industry to pay out nearly half a billion dollars in bite settlements just five years ago. So how can we avoid being responsible for someone else’s injury, as well as preventing ourselves and our loved ones from getting bitten?
Preventing Dog Bites
The first piece of critical information concerning bite prevention is to spay or neuter your dog. Studies have indicated that most dogs who bite are unaltered.
But even more important is how the dog has been treated. Do not consider adopting a dog with a history of abuse or aggression into a family with children. Do not chain your dog up for long periods of time, or approach dogs that remain chained up.
When adopting a puppy, prevention begins early on. Don’t teach the dog or encourage them to play aggressively; this can intensify as they grow and become stronger.
It’s also key to leave a dog be during certain times. Any dog can suddenly turn aggressive when you startle them, particularly if they are nursing, eating, or sleeping.
And most of all, we must teach our children how to behave around dogs. Teach them to not approach dogs they don’t know without an introduction or the owner’s consent, and not to pull on a dog’s tail or ears. If a dog approaches you or a child and you’re suspicious of its intentions, avoid making eye contact with the dog, and remain calm and still.
If the dog does become aggressive, covering your neck with your hands is important, as the neck is commonly wounded in fatal dog attacks.
Ultimately, it’s a human’s responsibility to prevent bites. Report animal abuse when you see it, and educate yourself on what can cause psychological damage and aggressive behavior in a dog. In the end, the way we treat animals is much more important than what kind of breed they happen to be.
Not many dogs around the neighborhood, but good to keep i mind.