Avoiding Dog Bites
| Category: Dogs | 0 Comments
As the warmer weather and school holidays approach, it’s likely that people will spend an increasing amount of time outdoors and the number of children and adults bitten by a dog is likely to multiply.
To reduce the risks there are a number of preventative measures that you can take, details of a few of which follow.
For Dog Owners
- Consider having your dog neutered. This can lessen aggression but is not thought to affect your dogs’ protectiveness.
- If you can, try to spend some time with a dog before adopting it. Practice extra caution when introducing a dog into your home if you have an infant or toddler. Any animal with a record of aggression is definitely inappropriate in a home with children.
- Take special care to train your puppy early from very early on. Encourage him to socialise but do not tolerate any form of aggressive behaviour.
- Never ever leave infants, toddlers or young children with a dog even if it is the family pet, without adult supervision.
For Everyone
- If you come across a dog which is roaming and appears unsupervised, do not approach it. You should immediately call your local authority dog warden and advise them of the situation, so that they can take the necessary steps required to ensure the safety of the public.
- Never shock or surprise an animal that is eating, caring for puppies, sleeping or even playing with a toy.
- When you are initially introduced to a dog, let them approach you and sniff you. If the dog becomes aggressive, stand still, try not to scream or move suddenly.
- If a dog attacks you, protect yourself with anything that you are able to lay your hands on – a bag, jacket or even a bicycle. If you are knocked to the ground by the animal, attempt to lie face down or curl yourself up into a ball with your hands around your head. Try to remain still and refrain from making noise until the dog has ceased its attack.
- If you are bitten, wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with a mild antiseptic lotion and plenty of water. Contact a doctor for advice and report the bite to the authorities.