Safety with DogsSafety with Dogs

Janet BlairJanet Blair

Perry County Health DepartmentPerry County Health Department

MAN’S BEST FRIENDMAN’S BEST FRIEND

When choosing a dog When choosing a dog consider : consider :

Age of childrenAge of children Type and breedType and breed Lifestyle and costLifestyle and cost Space for exerciseSpace for exercise SafetySafety

Teach Children:Teach Children:

Tell an adult of they see a stray dog.Tell an adult of they see a stray dog. Never go near an unfamiliar dog.Never go near an unfamiliar dog. Never run from a dog.Never run from a dog. Never look a dog right in the eye.Never look a dog right in the eye. Be “still like a tree” when an unfamiliar Be “still like a tree” when an unfamiliar

dog comes near. dog comes near. If knocked down, roll in ball and stay still. If knocked down, roll in ball and stay still.

Teach ChildrenTeach Children

Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or has puppies.has puppies.

Never tease a dog.Never tease a dog. If playing with a dog, let him sniff you first.If playing with a dog, let him sniff you first. Never play with a dog unless an adult is near.Never play with a dog unless an adult is near. Tell an adult if a dog bites or scratches you.Tell an adult if a dog bites or scratches you.

Dog OwnersDog Owners

Never leave infants or children alone with Never leave infants or children alone with any dog. any dog.

Spay/neuter your dog.Spay/neuter your dog. Train your dog in obedience.Train your dog in obedience. Don’t play aggressive games with your Don’t play aggressive games with your

dog.dog. Follow leash laws.Follow leash laws.

Dog owners cont.Dog owners cont.

Keep your dog healthy with vet checks Keep your dog healthy with vet checks and vaccines.and vaccines.

Socialize your dog with other adults and Socialize your dog with other adults and children. children.

Beware of liability.Beware of liability.

When a bite occurs:When a bite occurs:

Minor bite or scratch- wash with soap Minor bite or scratch- wash with soap and water and apply an antibiotic cream.and water and apply an antibiotic cream.

Bigger or deeper bites –control bleeding, Bigger or deeper bites –control bleeding, reassure child and seek medical care.reassure child and seek medical care.

Always report bite or injury to the local Always report bite or injury to the local health department.health department.

Check child’s vaccine status.Check child’s vaccine status.

Dog BitesDog Bites

4.7 million people per year4.7 million people per year 800,000 require medical attention800,000 require medical attention 60% of those are children60% of those are children Nearly 20 people die each yearNearly 20 people die each year Children suffer greater injury and fatalityChildren suffer greater injury and fatality 70% of bites occur on owner’s property70% of bites occur on owner’s property

While any dog can bite, While any dog can bite, top biting breeds are:top biting breeds are:

Pit BullsPit Bulls RottweilersRottweilers German ShepherdsGerman Shepherds HuskiesHuskies Doberman PinschersDoberman Pinschers

Chow ChowsChow Chows Great DanesGreat Danes St. BernardsSt. Bernards AkitasAkitas

““Beware the Bite”Beware the Bite”

American Veterinary Medical AssociationAmerican Veterinary Medical Association American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Society of Plastic Surgeons Center for Disease Control and Center for Disease Control and

PreventionPrevention Joined to support National Dog Bite Joined to support National Dog Bite

Prevention Week MAYPrevention Week MAY

Resources:Resources:

www.childsafetyawareness.com www.cdc.gov www.plasticsurgery.org.www.plasticsurgery.org.