A few prevention measures can reduce the risk of dog bites.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bite 4.7 million people a year in the United States. Half of the people treated for dog bites are children, and 386,000 of the 800,000 people who seek medical attention will need emergency medical services. Only 16 of the 4.7 million bites per year cause fatal injury, but 50 percent of reported bites involve a dog from the victim's household or owned by neighbors.
Risk Factors
The CDC reports that the highest injury rate occurs with children 5 to 9 years old. Male adults' rate of dog bites exceeds that of females. Dog ownership increases the risk of a bite, and the risk increases with each additional dog. A CDC study of dog bites between 1979 and 1998 found more than half of fatal bites involved pit bull breeds and rottweilers, and 82 percent of deaths involved unrestrained dogs.
Prevention
Give unfamiliar dogs a wide berth, and do not approach them while they're eating, fighting, asleep, appear sick or have puppies nearby, advises the American Veterinary Medical Association. Don't pet a dog without allowing it to sniff you first, and if approached by an unfamiliar dog, do not run or shout. Standing motionless and avoiding direct eye contact will often cause the animal to lose interest. If a dog attacks and knocks you over, lie face-down and protect your ears and neck with your hands.
Child Safety
The American Humane Association suggests that adults should supervise children around any animal. Teach children behave around familiar and unfamiliar animals, and to let an adult know if an animal's acting strange. Families should discuss with their veterinarian the best dog breeds for children. Spayed or neutering pets often reduces aggressive behavior, and pet owners should keep their dog current on vaccinations. Adults should know the history of any dog entering the household.
Treatment
The American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, advises that as soon as possible after the bite, flush the wound with plenty of saltwater, which may decrease the speed of infection. Apply pressure for 15 minutes. See a doctor for deep or gaping wounds; bites on your hand, foot or head; if the bleeding continues after 15 minutes of pressure; shows signs of infection; or if you have a condition that could weaken your ability to fight infection.
Rabies Information
Rabies occurs more often in wild animals than in dogs and cats in the United States, reports the AAFP, but take precautions in the case of a dog bite. Ask the dog's owner for a copy of the animal's shot records. If this isn't possible, contact your local animal control or department of health for assistance in locating the animal for testing. Early symptoms of rabies include headache, fever and flu-like aches.
Tags: United States