A dog may be considered man’s best friend, but unfortunately, dog bites do happen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites accounted for $490 million in homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2012 in the United States.
Tips for Your Own Dog
Even if you think your dog is about as ferocious as Snoopy, it’s wise to minimize your risks.
- Spay or neuter your dog to reduce its desire to roam and become aggressive with other dogs and humans.
- Introduce your dog to various situations and people so that it will not be nervous in new social circumstances.
- Accompany your dog to training courses to learn how to respect humans and the rules you establish in your home.
- Teach your dog to act properly at all times. When the dog exhibits signs of aggression, even in a playful manner, put a stop to it. Your pet does not understand the difference between playtime and a real life attacking situation.
- Provide your dog with regular veterinary care, vaccinations and licensing.
- Do not bring your dog into social situations if you are unsure how it will react. This will reduce the chance that something could go wrong.
Lower Your Risk of Getting Bitten
- Never pet dogs without allowing them to smell you first.
- Do not approach a dog that you do not know.
- Do not turn your back to a dog and start to run away if you feel threatened, because their natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
- Avoid disturbing a sleeping or eating dog, as it may bite out of fear.
- Always leave dogs alone if they are playing with toys or caring for their young.
Healthy Hints
If you are in a situation where you feel threatened by a dog, do not run away. Instead, do not look the dog in the eye and remain motionless with your hands at your sides. When the dog loses interest in what you are doing, slowly back away.
Should a dog try to bite you, place an object between yourself and the dog, such as a jacket or purse. If the
dog forces you to the ground, curl up into a ball and cover your ears with your hands until someone comes
to assist you.
This flyer is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. © 2008, 2012-2013 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
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