Search the website

<< Environmental Health Main • How can my family and I avoid being bitten? • What should I do if my dog bites someone?

Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your own pet with respect. Because children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should:

• Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
• Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.
• Children must be taught NOT to approach strange dogs. Children should be taught to ask permission from a dog's owner before petting the dog.
• Don't run past a dog. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things. Don't give them a reason to become excited or aggressive.
• If a dog approaches to sniff you- stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you're not a threat.
• If you're threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don't scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don't turn and run.
• If you fall or are knocked down to the ground, curl up into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.
• Spend time with a dog before adopting it.
• Properly socialize and train your dog.
• Have your dog spayed or neutered.
• Obey leash laws.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Avoid making direct eye contact with a dog.
• Never play aggressive games (such as wrestling) with your pet
• Use caution when bringing a puppy or dog into a home with an infant or toddler and never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
• Seek advice from a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder if your dog exhibits any aggressive behaviors such as growling, nipping, or biting.

If you or your child are bitten by a dog or any other animal, get the owner's name, address and telephone number. Immediately wash the wound well with soap and water and get prompt medical attention. Be sure to report the incident to your local animal control agency, health department, or police. Although dog bites are a serious public health problem, dogs provide many health and social benefits to people and most of the approximately 55 million dogs in the United States never bite humans. For more information on preventing dog bites, contact your local health department.

Back to Top

Even if the bite can be explained (perhaps someone stepped on the dog's foot), its important to take responsibility for your dog's actions by taking these steps:

• Restrain the dog immediately. Separate it from the scene of the attack. Confine it.
• Check on the victim's condition.
• Wash wounds with soap and water.
• Professional medical advice should be sought to evaluate the risk of rabies or other infections. Call 911, if paramedic response is required.
• Provide important information: your name and address, and information about your dog's most recent rabies vaccination.
• Report the dog bite to the police, animal control, or your local health department.
• Consult your veterinarian for advice about dog behavior that will help prevent similar problems in the future.

Dogs are wonderful companions. By acting responsibly, owners not only reduce the number of dog bites, but also enhance the relationships they have with their dogs.

Back to Top