About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year with 800,000 needing medical attention for their injuries. While some dog bites appear to be unprovoked, most can be avoided by using caution and common sense.
Well-trained, socialized dogs are usually less aggressive, but it’s imperative to understand that every dog has the potential to bite. Knowing what may cause a pooch to lash out could help you and those you love from becoming a victim.
Here are seven reasons why a dog might bite:
1. Dominance aggression: Innocent attempts to move the dog off the bed can lead to a vocal warning and/or bite. Obedience training as early as possible can help calm this tendency.
2. Protection of valuables: A dog’s valuables may include toys, food, territory or even their human family. Early training and lifelong management is the only solution.
3. Fear aggression: Dogs get scared of unfamiliar and threatening situations, just like people do. For example, a dog raised in a quiet adult household will be distraught by noisy, fast-moving youngsters. As a precaution, make sure to expose your dog to a wide variety of people and experiences.
4. Maternal aggression: Even the most well-trained dog may show aggression if she feels her new pups are at-risk. Limit visitors and be aware of the mother’s need for a safe space.
5. Redirected aggression: An attempt to break up a dog fight is the most common scenario. Fights are best broken up by loud noises or strong blasts of water instead of trying to grab collars.
6. Pain-induced aggression: Some dogs are overly sensitive to pain, but any dog may bite if hurting. If your pet fits into this category, make an appointment to see the veterinarian.
7. Pestered beyond limits: Dogs will only take so much hugging, poking and prodding. Eventually the dog will say “no” the only way he knows how.
There are a number of things you can do to avoid dog bites. Help keep your family safe by:
· Learning what breed is the best fit for your family
· Avoiding dogs with histories of aggression
· Exercising your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation
· Avoiding highly aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war
· Using a leash in public so you are able to control your dog
· Keeping your dog healthy with regular trips to the veterinarian and recommended vaccinations
· Neutering your pet, which often reduces aggressive tendencies
· Properly socializing and training your pet
· Seeking professional advice if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors
Children are by far the most common victims of dog bites. In fact, up to 50 percent of American kids are bitten before the age of 13. To help prevent children from being bitten, teach them these basic safety tips:
· Be cautious around dogs, and treat your own pet with respect
· Do not approach an unfamiliar dog
· Do not pet dogs through fences
· Do not run from a dog or scream
· Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog
· If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still
· Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
· Do not pet a dog without asking the owner for permission
· Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first
If you are bitten by a dog, clean the wound with soap and water as soon as possible and seek medical attention if necessary. If the owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, which is required by law; and get the owner’s name and contact information. If the owner is not present, report the bite to animal control.
The risk of rabies transmission will also need to be assessed, so all dog bites should be reported to the health department.
Mid-Michigan District Health Department serves the residents of Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm Counties.