Safety with Dogs Janet Blair Perry County Health

Safety with Dogs Janet Blair Perry County Health Department

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

When choosing a dog consider : § § § Age of children Type and breed Lifestyle and cost Space for exercise Safety

Teach Children: § § § Tell an adult of they see a stray dog. Never go near an unfamiliar dog. Never run from a dog. Never look a dog right in the eye. Be “still like a tree” when an unfamiliar dog comes near. § If knocked down, roll in ball and stay still.

Teach Children § Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or has puppies. § Never tease a dog. § If playing with a dog, let him sniff you first. § Never play with a dog unless an adult is near. § Tell an adult if a dog bites or scratches you.

Dog Owners § Never leave infants or children alone with any dog. § Spay/neuter your dog. § Train your dog in obedience. § Don’t play aggressive games with your dog. § Follow leash laws.

Dog owners cont. § Keep your dog healthy with vet checks and vaccines. § Socialize your dog with other adults and children. § Beware of liability.

When a bite occurs: § Minor bite or scratch- wash with soap and water and apply an antibiotic cream. § Bigger or deeper bites –control bleeding, reassure child and seek medical care. § Always report bite or injury to the local health department. § Check child’s vaccine status.

Dog Bites § § § 4. 7 million people per year 800, 000 require medical attention 60% of those are children Nearly 20 people die each year Children suffer greater injury and fatality 70% of bites occur on owner’s property

While any dog can bite, top biting breeds are: § § § Pit Bulls Rottweilers German Shepherds Huskies Doberman Pinschers § § Chows Great Danes St. Bernards Akitas

“Beware the Bite” § § § American Veterinary Medical Association American Society of Plastic Surgeons Center for Disease Control and Prevention § Joined to support National Dog Bite Prevention Week MAY

Resources: § § § www. childsafetyawareness. com www. cdc. gov www. plasticsurgery. org.