Do you know the FACTS surrounding dog bites? . . You need to!!!
Keep Your Dog From Biting, Teach Dog Safety to Others
What Should I Do If My Dog Bites Someone?

• There are 74.8 Million dogs in America
• Over 75% of American households have at least one dog
• Approximately 4.7 million people are bitten every year
• Yearly, over 800,000 people require medical attention
• 33 people actually die due to their dog bite injuries
• Approximately 31,000 require reconstructive surgery
• Dog bites are the 5th MOST frequent visit to the hospital
• Dog bites are a public health crises (AVMA)

Dog bite prevention is a necessity in today's world. Dogs are everywhere, and some are friendlier than others. As dog owners, we must take responsibility for training our dogs and keeping them under our control at all times. We must also help spread awareness to others about proper behavior around dogs, dog safety, and preventing dog bites.

It is important to understand that ANY dog is capable of biting, regardless of breed or size. Even the nicest dog can snap or bite when injured or afraid. All children and adults should learn how to keep themselves safe around dogs. Most importantly, dog owners must be responsible for their dogs.

•Put your dog through basic obedience training. Continue to keep up with a training program throughout your dog's life.
•Allow your dog to meet and interact with different types of people under calm and positive circumstances, especially children, disabled persons and elderly people.
•Expose your dog to various situations on a regular basis, such as other animals, loud noises, large machines, bicycles, and anything else that might cause fear. Start at the youngest age possible, and keep the experiences positive.
•Do not discipline your dog with physical, violent, or aggressive punishments.
•Always keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area. Know your dog well before letting him off-leash in permitted areas. Keep your dog in your sight at all times.
•If you suspect or know that your dog has fearful or aggressive tendencies, always warn others. DO NOT let your dog approach people and other animals unless the situation is highly controlled. Use a muzzle if necessary.
•Keep your dog's vaccinations current (especially Rabies) and visit your vet routinely for wellness check-ups.
•Always reward and praise your dog for good behavior.

•Never try to approach or touch an unfamiliar dog without first asking to owner's permission. If an owner is not present, do not go near the dog.
•When meeting an unknown dog, allow the dog to come to you. Crouch down or turn to the side. Let him and sniff your hand before you pet him.
•Do not put your face close to an unknown dog - this includes "hugs and kisses."
•Understand dog body language - most dogs will show specific warning signs before biting.
•If you are cornered by a dog, remain still and avoid eye contact. Never run and/or scream. When the dog stops paying attention to you, slowly back away.
•If knocked over by a dog, fall to your side in a fetal position, covering your head and face. Remain very still and calm.
•Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. Dog in these situations are more likely to be protective and can become startled.
•Never leave young children or babies alone with a dog for any reason.
•Do not approach, touch or attempt to move an injured dog. Instead, contact a veterinary professional or animal control for assistance.

•The dog owner should confine the dog, then immediately assist the victim.
•The victim, if able, should wash the bite area thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
•Contact a medical professional right away (depending on the severity of the bite, an ambulance may be needed). The bite victim should follow medical instructions thoroughly.
•The dog's veterinarian as well as local authorities should be contacted.
•The dog owner should comply with officials, providing all requested medical information on the dog - especially Rabies vaccine history. This information should also be provided to the victim.
•The dog owner must take measures to prevent the dog from biting again - contact a professional trainer and possibly a veterinary behaviorist. Be aware that some local ordinances require quarantine or even euthanasia after a dog bites someone.

Dog bites can be prevented if the proper measures are taken. Remember responsible dog ownership and education of the public are the keys to safety.

Question: What Should I Do If My Dog Bites Someone?

My dog bit someone! What should I do now? Will there be legal ramifications? Could my dog be euthanized or taken away from me?

Answer: If your dog bites someone, your first reaction might be shock or panic. However, it is important to take swift action if a dog bite occurs. Don't delay - if your dog bites someone, take the following steps:

1. Try to remain calm.
2. Confine your dog to a crate or another room.
3. Help the bite victim wash the wound thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
4. Be courteous and sympathetic to the bite victim. Avoid laying blame or getting defensive. Remember that what you say may be used against you later if legal or civil action is taken.
5. Contact a medical professional for the bite victim. Depending on the severity of the bite, an ambulance may be needed.
6. Exchange contact information with the victim. Provide your insurance information, if applicable.
7. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information.
8. Contact your veterinarian and obtain your dog's medical records.
9. Inform local authorities of the incident and comply with their orders.

•You will need to show proof of your dog's rabies vaccination history.
•A quarantine period may be required. This will most likely be longer if the rabies vaccine is not current.
•Depending on the situation and your dog's history, it is possible for your dog to be designated a "dangerous dog." You may have to comply with specific laws regarding the handling of your dog.
•Laws may require that your dog is euthanized if your dog is considered "dangerous," if the injury was very serious, or if a fatality occurred. In addition, you could be held legally responsible and face criminal charges.

The dog bite victim may choose to press charges and/or file a civil suit against you. In these cases, you should immediately hire an attorney.

While you may or may not be legally ordered to cover the victim's medical expenses, it is a good idea to offer up front to pay. This shows the victim that you are accepting responsibility for your dog. It may even help you avoid a messy lawsuit. Above all, it is the ethical thing to do, even if you have an explanation for the dog bite. In reality, proving your dog was provoked or somehow justified will be difficult unless it can be proven that the victim was committing a crime. This may be an argument that is not worth having.

It is your responsibility to prevent this type of thing from happening in the future. Take measures to prevent the dog from biting again - contact a professional trainer and possibly a veterinary behaviorist.

In most cases, a dog bite can be easily prevented by taking the proper safety measures.