Prevention of Dog Bites

Here are a few tips for children and adults to lessen the risk of being bitten by a dog.

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog
• If approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still
• Never run from a dog and never scream around a dog
• If a dog is about to attack you, try and place something between yourself and the dog such as a bicycle or a schoolbag
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball, cover your face and lie still
• Do not look a dog right in the eye
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
• Do not play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first
• Adults should never leave a baby or young child alone with any family pet.

DOG OWNERS SHOULD:

• Let your dog play with other dogs and feel at ease around people at a very early age
• Do not put your dog in a situation where it feels threatened
• Do not let your dog roam freely
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog
• Spay or neuter your dog
• Confine your dog in a fenced yard when it is not in the house.
• Do not chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressiveness
• Seek help if your dog is sick or injured, injury or illness make a dog more likely to bite
• Train your dog to obey basic commands such as sit, stay, and come.

IF BITTEN

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Control bleeding and wash the area of the bite with soap and water
• Report the bite to your local public health clinic or the police
• Provide the police with an accurate description of the dog, the circumstances surrounding the bite, and the dog owner’s identity if known.

Taken directly from the South African Veterinary Association booklet “ Your Best Friend , What you need to know” by Erna Klopper