When the Dog Bites

You may spoil him rotten, feed him people food and speak to him in baby talk, but there's still no guarantee that your dog won't ever bite anyone. Over 4.7 million people are attacked by dogs each year and 10 to 20 of them die. The majority of those injured or killed are children.

Keeping your family safe

How to protect your family:

• Find a good match. If you're adopting a dog, ask how she is with children, other animals and an active household. Some breeds - like collies and Labrador retrievers - are known for being easygoing. Others are more high-strung and do better in homes with adults and older children.
• Don't leave a dog alone with a child. Never leave a small child or infant alone with a dog. Many infants die each year when they are bitten by dogs who regard them as prey.
• Socialize your dog. Gradually introduce your dog to many different people and pets so he'll feel at ease in all situations. The earliler this is done, the easier it is for your dog to adapt.
• Spay or neuter your dog. If your dog is "fixed," she is much less likely to bite. She will have much less desire to roam and fight with other animals.
• Vaccinate your dog and keep vaccinations up to date.
• Don't allow children to run near dogs. A dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch anyone who runs by.
• Teach children not to tease or chase dogs. A dog may see this as a threat and act to defend itself.
• Tell children to never approach a strange dog. Tell them to ask the owner's permission before petting a dog, and then to let the dog sniff them. They should pet him gently, avoiding his face, head and tail. Dogs should never be disturbed when they're sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy or caring for puppies.
• Train your dog. Involve the whole family in your dog's training classes. These classes will also help to socialize her.
• Teach good behavior. Don't teach your dog to run after or attack others, even in play. He may not understand the difference between play and normal activity. If you see any aggressive behavior, ask your vet for help. If your dog is violent toward other animals, in time he may become violent toward people.
• Make your dog a family member. Dogs who are chained up outside or spend too much time alone are more likely to bite. Instead, supervise your dog and keep her around people. Just like the rest of the family, make sure she gets medical care and has her vaccinations.

What to do if a dog presents a threat

Dogs bite out of fear, to protect their territory or to show their dominance over others. Teach your children to take the following steps if they think a dog may attack:

• Don't scream or run.
• Keep their hands at their sides, avoid eye contact and don't move.
• Once the dog loses interest, slowly back away until he's gone.
• If the dog attacks, use whatever is nearby - whether it's a purse, a jacket or a bicycle - as a barrier between themselves and the dog.
• If they are knocked to the ground, they should curl into a ball, cover their ears with their hands and remain motionless. They should not scream or roll around.

If your child is bitten, wash the wound with warm soap and water and call the doctor. If the bite is severe, get emergency help. Report dog bites to your local animal control agency.

If your dog bites someone:

• Confine the dog and help the victim.
• Get medical help if it's needed.
• Provide information on your dog's vaccinations.
• Cooperate with animal control. If your dog needs to be quarantined, follow the rules.

Related Articles Can Your Pet Make You Sick?

External Sources American Academy of Pediatrics The Humane Society of the United States

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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