Prevent Dog Bites
2008-08-06

                                    Prevent Dog Bites

There have been many news reports about injure and deaths caused by dogs all over the world, the dog bite epidemic involves many different breeds, and results from many different causes. Therefore, there is a very good reason for focusing on the topic of dog biting.

Some facts and reasons for dog biting Facts Dog bites have been no time disappeared, and the amount of these accidents is large. Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. Dog bite often happen on children. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age. Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or neck region. Injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys Dog bite often occurs because of the close proximity of dogs to people. Reasons Dogs are by default (after the clearing of larger or more dangerous predators) the most powerful predator other than humans in many parts of the world. They remain cunning, swift, agile, strong, territorial, and voracious despite domestication; even small ones have large, sharp teeth and claws and powerful muscles in their jaws and legs, and can inflict serious injuries. The lacerations even from inadvertent dog scratches, let alone deliberate or reckless bites, are easily infected. Large dogs can knock people down. To be sure, dogs are far more reliable than other predators of like size and larger herbivores. Small children are especially prone to being misunderstood by dogs, in part because their size and movements can be similar to prey. Also, young children may unintentionally provoke a dog (pulling on ears or tails is common, as is surprising a sleeping dog) because of their inexperience. Government's measures to keep from dog biting Require dog safety education in schools. More than half of the victims of serious dog bites are kids! Kids have to learn about dog safety. Parents have to teach it to them. And it needs to be taught in school. Force dog owners to have insurance that would compensate dog bite victims. Dogs need to be licensed, micro chipped and insured. Laws must be passed requiring these. Make pet stores give customers specific information about breeds. Through proper selection, socialization, training, care, and treatment of a dog, dog owners can reduce the likelihood of owning a dog that will eventually bite Give every city a fair method for taking dangerous dogs off the streets Criminalize the failure to stop a dog attack. Keep certain high-risk breeds away from the wrong people, places and situations. It would be unwise to enact all kinds of controls on one or two breeds, not necessarily because it would be unfair, but because it would produce narrow and therefore unsatisfactory results.

Top ways for citizen to prevent dog bites It's not true to say that dogs are dangerous all of time. In fact, there are many signs that a dog is about to attack, such as growling or snarling. Stiffened front legs and a raised ridge of hair along the spine are signs of an imminent attack. A wagging tail indicates an attempt to communicate excitement, but a territorial dog may hold its tail high and wag its tail as a signal of dominance. A highly disturbed dog may sometimes emit confusing or misleading signals, yelping or jumping. Some dogs are bred to not show any signs of aggression before they attack. 

You can follow these tips to prevent dog bite:  .Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies. Do not to run past a dog. Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet it gently, avoiding the face, head and tail. If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists. Pick a dog that is good match for your home. Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds. Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older. Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between man and dog. Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog. Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases. Neuter or spay your dog. These dogs are less likely to bite. Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.