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PREVENTING DOG BITES
A recent story in The
Star-Ledger, a New Jersey daily newspaper, stated that a study found
that more than 750,000 Americans require medical treatment for dog
bites each year.
Research from
the Center for Violence and Injury Control at Allegheny University of the Health Sciences in Pittsburgh found that 334,000 dog bite injuries are treated by hospital emergency departments annually -- a rate of more than 900 a day! A total of 4.5 million injuries, 670 hospitalizations and 20 deaths result in $102 million in medical bills.
It is interesting to note that the median age of the victim is 15. Children, not surprisingly, are bitten more often than adults and almost half of all U.S. children are bitten at some point in their lives. Boys and men are bitten more often than girls and women, and the most likely victims are boys ages 5 to 9. More than half of the bites occur in the home.
While the information sounds frightening, a few simple rules and common sense can help prevent many incidents. Obviously, the statistics indicate that it is extremely important that children learn how to avoid being bitten and understand what they should do should a bite occur.
The Humane Society of the United States offers these tips:
HOW TO AVOID BEING BITTEN BY A DOG
- Never approach a strange dog, especially one
who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.
- Don't pet a dog, even your own, without letting
him see and sniff you first.
- Never
turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct is to
chase and catch fleeing prey.
- Always assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as
an intruder or a threat.
IF YOU'RE APPROACHED BY A DOG WHO MAY ATTACK YOU, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
- Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and
avoid eye contact with the dog.
- Slowly back away until the dog is out of sight.
- If the dog does attack, "feed" him
your jacket, purse or anything else that you can put between
yourself and the dog.
- If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN BY A DOG:
- Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with
soap and warm water.
- Call your physician for additional care and advice.
- Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency.
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