Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Children are among those at highest risk for dog bites. Help keep them safe by teaching them the right way to interact with dogs – even dogs they know.
The CDC offers these tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of a dog attack.
Do:
- Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- Curl into a ball with your head tucked and your hands over your ears and neck if a dog knocks you over.
- Immediately let an adult know about stray dogs, or dogs that are behaving strangely.
Don’t:
- Approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Run from a dog.
- Panic or make loud noises.
- Disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
- Encourage your dog to play aggressively.
- Let small children play with a dog unsupervised.
What if an unfamiliar dog approaches you?
- Stop! Stay still and be calm.
- Do not panic or make loud noises.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the dog.
- Say “No” or “Go Home” in a firm, deep voice.
- Stand with the side of your body facing the dog. Facing a dog directly can appear aggressive to the dog. Instead, keep your body turned partially or completely to the side.
- Slowly raise your hands to your neck, with your elbows in.
- Wait for the dog to pass or slowly back away.
If you, or a loved one, are bitten by a dog:
- See a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Report the incident immediately to the local animal control and/or police department.
- Take pictures of the injury, even if you initially don’t want to pursue legal action. You’ll need this documentation if you decide to proceed with a claim later.
- Document all the costs involved in your care and treatment. Also, keep track of lost wages and other costs not related to medical care.
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