Dog Bite Awareness

Did you know that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S.? In fact, that estimate may be low, as not all bites are reported. While fortunately many of these bites are minor, as many as 800,000 necessitate medical care, and there are typically at least a few serious cases every year. Some dog attacks prove fatal. Others can cause serious injuries and/or disfigurement. While National Dog Bite Awareness Week is in April, the U.S.P.S. has started an awareness campaign of its own, which takes place in June. Read on as a local Sandstone, MN vet offers some insight about dog bites.

Not all the news is bad. Overall, dog bite incidents have declined over recent years. This may be due to several factors, such as stricter leash laws, the results of spay/neuter awareness programs, and a growing awareness about how to properly care for Fido. The fact that the number of stray dogs is declining also helps. There’s still a long way to go, but at least things seem to be going in the right direction with this one.

Are Stray Dogs Dangerous?

Strays are not inherently bad. About 15 percent of reported bites are from stray dogs. For the most part, they are dogs in bad situations through no fault of their own. In fact, many of our favorite patients are former strays who are now happy, beloved pets. We also firmly believe that no dog should have to fend for itself, and are happy to support rescue efforts. It’s just important to be aware of a few things.

Strays are more likely to bite for a number of reasons. Many were not properly socialized, and may be immediately wary about people. Strays have to struggle to survive and can be extremely defensive about food and puppies. Finally, there’s also the fact that strays do not receive proper veterinary care, and are at high risk of getting sick or injured. That, of course, is only going to make them more wary.

Why Is The Post Office Raising Awareness?

Postal workers are one of the most frequently bitten. In fact, over 5300 postal workers reported being attacked by dogs in 2022. We know, it may sound like an easy joke, but it’s no laughing matter. Many dogs see postmen as intruders. 

There are a few things you can do to ensure your canine pal doesn’t contribute to the number of postal carrier attacks. First and foremost, always keep your canine buddy secured. 

If a delivery carrier knocks on your door, put Fido in a separate room before you open it. It’s great if you have a fenced yard for Fido, but you’ll want to arrange your property so that people can reach your door or front porch without being exposed. (This also reduces the odds of your pup running off)

If your pooch is territorial and/or prone to aggression, you may need to take extra steps, such as getting your packages at a PO box. It may be a hassle, but it’s a much smaller inconvenience than a lawsuit or a bill for medical care.  

How Do I Protect Myself From Dog Bites?

In a way, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from dog bites is to protect yourself from misconceptions about dog bites.

One widespread misconception about this topic is that dogs attack without warning. While sometimes dogs do seem to snap unexpectedly, this is extremely rare. In most cases, Fido gave off some pretty clear signals. It’s just that not everyone knows how to read them. It’s also incorrect to assume that, just because Fido is very small or cute, that he won’t bite. The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a pooch that is tiny but feisty. 

That said, here are some tips: 

• Never rush or run past a dog.
• Do not try to pet or interfere with a dog that is sleeping, eating, or nursing puppies. This will almost automatically generate a defensive response in many dogs.
• Don’t try to pet a strange dog.
• If a strange dog approaches you, stand still. Do not make eye contact.

How Do I Protect My Child From Dog Bites?

Children are unfortunately overrepresented in dog bite attacks. There are a few things that factor in here. The fact that children are small in stature is certainly one element. Many kids just naturally have loud voices, which can startle and unnerve Fido. Children are also prone to moving quickly, and they can be a bit clumsy. This is all quite normal for tiny humans. Fido, however, doesn’t always see it that way.

Teaching your children the safety rules we just mentioned is crucial. You’ll also need to take some extra precautions. Never leave your child alone with a strange dog unattended. Also, be sure to teach children never to tease or chase dogs, or try to touch Fido’s toys or food. 

Man’s Best Friend can be a wonderful friend and companion for little ones, but we can’t overstate the importance of taking proper precautions. Ask your Sandstone, MN vet for more information.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs can bite for many reasons. In most cases, though, Fido is reacting to something.

Here are a few common examples:

• They feel threatened
• They are protecting someone or something
• They may be scared
• They may be sick or hurt
• They may be overly excited when playing
• Prey drive
• They may have a bad association with something

There are also other factors that come into play, such as breed, past history, and socialization. 

How Do I Prevent My Own Dog From Biting People? 

We want to state that, in our book, there are no inherently bad dogs. However, there are plenty of bad owners and bad experiences, both of which can bring out the worst in our canine companions. 

If your dog were to bite someone, you could find yourself in a world of legal trouble. Plus, you could find yourself responsible for medical treatment. Your dog may also be seized or, i some cases, euthanized. Fortunately, taking some preventative measures can go a long way here. 

Adopt Wisely: This ultimately starts with choosing the right dog. If you have a family with small children, you’ll want a gentle, placid pup, not one that has anxiety and strong prey drive. Different breeds have different temperaments and needs. For example, you can learn about one popular family-friendly breed in our article Meet Our State Dog: The Labrador Retriever. Always research breeds thoroughly before adopting to ensure a good match for your lifestyle and family situation.

Socialize: Socialization plays a huge role in Fido’s personality. Ask your vet for tips.

Get Fido Fixed: Spaying and neutering can also go a long way. The majority of attacks come from unneutered males. 

Proper Training: Make sure that Fido knows (and obeys) simple commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Come.

Regular Veterinary Care: Dogs often get grouchy when they are sick or hurt, just like humans. Make sure your pooch is current on exams, vaccines, and parasite control. It’s also important to address any health issues promptly, as discomfort can lead to behavioral changes. For instance, skin problems can make dogs irritable. If you notice your dog scratching excessively or showing signs of skin irritation, consider our Pet Allergies and Vet Dermatology services to ensure your pet stays comfortable and happy.

Security: Never let your canine pal run loose! 

If you know or suspect that your pup may be fearful or aggressive, ask your Sandstone, MN vet about behavioral training. 

Of course, there’s also a lot to be said for plain old TLC. The happier Fido is, the better!

How Can I Tell If A Dog Is About To Bite?

Dogs’ body language can sometimes be confusing to those who don’t know how to read it. For instance, we all know that growling is a serious red flag, and is often the main warning before a dog attacks. However, many of the other clues are easy to overlook. For instance, a wagging tail is often thought to be a sign that a pup is happy. However, that is only true when Fido is wagging his tail quickly, and is generally being cheerful. A slow wag is often a sign of uncertainty.

Here are the things to look for:

• Slow Tail Wags
• Growls
• Showing the whites of the eyes
• Raised hackles
• Licking lips
• Tucked tail
• Bared teeth
• Stiffness
• Yawns
• Barking than retreating
• Aggressive body language/stance
• Ears flattened
• Staring

If you see any of these, back away slowly, avoiding eye contact. 

Make An Appointment At Our Sandstone, MN Pet Hospital

Is your pup due for an exam? Contact us, your Sandstone, MN pet hospital, today!