During warmer months, many families spend time outdoors with their pets. You may think your dog is not aggressive, but even the sweetest dog may bite if provoked. With their natural curiosity and exuberant energy, children often are the most likely to provoke a dog — usually unintentionally. That’s probably why children make up more than 60 percent of the half- to one-million dog bite victims reported annually in the United States.1 Many dog bites are preventable, however. Here are some tips to help keep both people and pets safer:

  • Carefully consider your pet selection — Your veterinarian can help — they can be a great source of information about breed behavior and suitability. Remember to consider who visits you as well as who lives in your household. If you have grandchildren, nieces, nephews or friends with children, you’ll probably want a dog with a gentle disposition.
  • Make sure your pet is socialized — Expose your puppy or adopted dog to a variety of situations as early as possible. Try to do this a little at a time, under controlled circumstances. Continue these short interactions until your dog appears comfortable around children, adults and other animals.
  • Spay/neuter your pet — Neutered dogs are less aggressive and less likely to bite.
  • Train your dog — Teaching your dog basic commands such as “sit” or “stay” helps develop obedience and builds trust.
  • Keep your dog healthy — Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases, and see your vet on a regular basis.
  • Be alert — Be aware of your dog and watch for signs they may be uncomfortable or feel threatened.

Preventing Dog Bites
Learn how to play it safe — teach young children these 10 basic dog safety rules:1

Do’s

  1. Do remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
  2. Do roll into a ball and lie still if knocked over by a dog.
  3. Do report stray dogs to an adult immediately.
  4. Do report a dog bite to an adult immediately.

Don’ts

  1. Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog.
  2. Don’t run from a dog and don’t scream.
  3. Don’t play with a dog unless given permission and supervised by an adult.
  4. Don’t make or maintain direct eye contact with a dog.
  5. Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
  6. Don’t pet a dog without first allowing it to see and sniff you.

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