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National Dog Bite Prevention Week,
2004
Man and woman's best friend bites more
than 4.7 million people a year, and key experts believe that public
education can help prevent these bites. May 16-22 is National Dog
Bite Prevention Week, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),
the United States Postal Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention are each working to educate Americans about dog bite prevention.
Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical
attention for dog bites; half of these are children. Of those injured,
386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen
die. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5
to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age. Almost two thirds of
injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or
neck region. Injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys
than for girls. (See
CDC MMWR
article.)
CDC is committed to reducing this public health problem by working with
state health departments to establish dog bite prevention programs and by
tracking and reporting trends on U.S. dog bite injuries. Dog bites are a
largely preventable public health problem, and adults and children can
learn to reduce their chances of being bitten.
Things to Consider Before You Get a Dog
- Consult with a professional (e.g.,
veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about
suitable breeds of dogs for your household.
- Dogs with histories of aggression are
inappropriate in households with children.
- Be sensitive to cues that a child is
fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.
- Spend time with a dog before buying or
adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant
or toddler.
- Spay/neuter virtually all dogs (this
frequently reduces aggressive tendencies).
- Never leave infants or young children
alone with any dog.
- Do not play aggressive games with your
dog (e.g., wrestling).
- Properly socialize and train any dog
entering the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g.,
rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling).
- Immediately seek professional advice
(e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders)
if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
Preventing Dog Bites
Teach children basic safety around dogs
and review regularly:
- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Do not run from a dog and scream.
- Remain motionless (e.g., "be still
like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a
ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
- Do not play with a dog unless
supervised by an adult.
- Immediately report stray dogs or dogs
displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping,
eating, or caring for puppies.
- Do not pet a dog without allowing it
to see and sniff you first.
- If bitten, immediately report the bite
to an adult.
NCIPC
Programs and Activities
Campaign to Educate Georgians about
Dog Bites
NCIPC is funding the Georgia Division of Public Health to conduct a dog
bite prevention campaign in Chatham, Bullock, and Effingham counties.
During their first year, program staff used the Community Readiness Model
to complete a needs assessment. In 2002, a random digit dial telephone
survey to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors associated with dog
bite prevention was conducted. Program staff currently are using
educational materials and media outreach to teach children, parents, dog
owners, health care providers and other adults about the risk of dog
bite-related injuries and about strategies for preventing such injuries.
Project staff will evaluate whether the campaign changes people's beliefs
and actions about dog bites and reduces the number of dog bite-related
injuries occurring in the three counties. Results from this campaign will
guide future efforts to prevent dog bites and associated injuries and
deaths.
Other
Sites
American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
US
Postal Service |