Grade 2-3

Children under twelve years old account for 50% of all dog bites. Children under five years old account for the majority of severe dog bites. The most common bites are to the face and extremities. Many victims are familiar with the dog, and bites usually occur within the home or the child's neighborhood.

How to approach a dog

Ask the owner if you may pet the dog. If they agree, approach the dog from the front while showing the top of your hand or knuckles. Let the dog sniff you; this gives the dog a chance to come to you. If the dog seems ok with your greeting, then lift your hand slowly to pet the dog's head.

Cats like to be alone more than dogs, and are often more unpredictable. Cats who live alone and inside will often show many more behaviors than an outdoor cat. You should let your cat come to you for attention and play. If a cat is upset they will often hiss and growl, sometimes they will wag their tail and lay their ears back on their head. Cats usually bite when they are afraid, angry or in pain. Cat bites and scratches often do not look as serious as a dog bite but they can make you very sick. Cats have bacteria in their mouths, which can cause a very bad infection if it gets into your blood.

What do you do if you want to pet a dog that is on a leash?

If you know the owner, ask if you may pet their dog first. Most owners will not mind. However, if an owner says "no", do not take it personally. It is for your own protection. Just walk away. If you do not know the owner you should just keep walking.

Suppose a strange dog walks toward you and he is wagging his tail and appears friendly? Do you pet him?

No. Do not assume that a wagging tail means a friendly dog. Wagging or 'flagging' can be a warning sign to stay away from the dog. A wagging tail for some dogs indicates an agitated state.

If your ball rolls, or bounces, into a fenced-in yard with a dog, are you safe to go in?

No. Go get an adult to help retrieve your ball or get the dog's owner to get the ball.

Is it okay to approach a dog in a car or while it is eating?

No. A dog in a car may be protective or territorial of the car. In this context, territory is usually a familiar place or boundary that the dog considers his/her own. Pets can be territorial (this means they want to protect things that they think are theirs) of their owners, toys, other pets, yard and food. Eating can be a special time for a dog. Before approaching, be sure that the dog is finished eating and drinking.

Is it okay to approach a dog or cat while it is sleeping?

No. A sleeping dog may be alarmed, cranky, or aggressive if startled or awakened unexpectedly. If you need to wake a sleeping dog or cat, do so gently by calmly rubbing or stroking them.

A threatened or irritated dog may present with raised hackle (hair on its back and neck rises), exaggerated movement of the ears and tail and vocalization. An irritated cat may hiss or growl, "flag" its tail or fold its ears back.

How to respond if you are being threatened by a dog:

Stay calm and stand still. Put your fists under your neck and keep your legs together. Be a tree!!Face the dog, but do not look directly into his eyes, or turn your back on the him. Look over the dog's head. Some dogs like to chase bikes, cars or other moving objects.

If this happens to you:

Put something between you and the dog. Use your bike, backpack, garbage can or groceries; use whatever is available to provide a barrier between you and the dog. Slowly back away from the dog, but do not run away! Watch the dog as you back away slowly. If you know the dog's name, use it. Talk to the dog softly but firmly. Say "no" or "stay". Saying the dog's name may familiarize the dog with a known command and interfere with his/her aggression.

If you are knocked down by a dog

Lie face down on the ground, and cup you fists around your ears and neck. Do not move; be a Log! Let the dog sniff you and continue to remain calm.

If you are bitten by a dog

Tell an adult. Accidents happen, it is not your fault. Don't be afraid to tell your teacher, parent, sibling, friend, as well as your doctor. Make sure that you seek medical attention after a bite from any kind of animal.

How should I take care of a bite from a cat or dog?

Wash the wound gently with soap and water. Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured part to stop the bleeding. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound. Keep the injury elevated above the level of the heart to slow swelling and prevent infection. Report the incident to the proper authority in your community (i.e. police, animal control office or humane society).

Should I call my doctor if I have been bitten by a dog or a cat?

Call your doctor in any of these situations:

• You have a cat bite. Cat bites are prone to infection. You do not need to call your doctor for a cat scratch, unless you think the wound is infected.
• You have a dog bite on your hand, foot or head, or you have another bite that is deep or gaping.
• You have diabetes, liver or lung disease, cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or other conditions that weaken your ability to fight infection.
• You have any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, increased tenderness, oozing of pus from the wound, or fever.
• You have bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of pressure or you may have a broken bone, nerve damage or other serious injury.
• Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. (If so, you may need a booster shot.)

How can I prevent cat and dog bites?

• Never leave a young child alone with a pet,
• Do not try to separate fighting animals.
• Avoid strange and sick animals.
• Leave animals alone when they are eating.
• Keep pets on a leash when you are out in public with them.
• Select your family pet carefully.

Conclusion

Pets can be a source of comfort, entertainment, companionship, and unconditional love. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen. Taking simple precautions, and keeping in mind the tips we have provided in this section, we can all work together to prevent animal bites. If you have any questions concerning your pet, please give our office a call.