Here’s something worth chewing on: millions of people are bitten by dogs each year, with the majority being children. Yet most – if not all – dog bites are entirely preventable. Even gentle, well-trained dogs are capable of biting when provoked, and it’s your job as a pet owner to help prevent dog bites whenever possible.
The second full week of April is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, a time when American Humane encourages adults to protect both dogs and children by practicing responsible pet ownership. It’s important to keep in mind a few easy tips to prevent dog bites if you have an adorable pup by your side.
- Make sure your pet is healthy. Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you haven’t been to the veterinarian in a while, schedule an appointment for a checkup to discuss your dog’s physical and behavioral health.
- Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, even if it’s a family pet.
- Don’t place your dog in an environment where it feels threatened and be sure to monitor all interactions between your dog and children.
- Use a leash in public at all times and exercise your dog regularly for their health and mental stimulation.
- Be alert, if someone approaches you and your dog – caution them to wait before petting the dog, and give your pet time to be comfortable with a stranger.
It’s up to us as humans to make sure our loving dog family members also stay safe. With these suggestions, you can keep both your pet and the people around you protected and help ensure that we share this world together safely with our furry best friends.
National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a project of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week® Coalition.