Protect your child from dog bites
Dogs are popular pets in this country and there are only slightly fewer dogs than cats kept as pets. Dogs and kids often get along just fine, but parents need to make sure their children know how to act around a dog to stay safe.
Texas children suffer an estimated 400,000 dog bites each year, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, and about 40 percent of severe bite victims in the state are children under the age of 11.
Watch your child's behavior
You can teach your child how to act around a dog, whether yours or another's. Tell your child to:
- Avoid strange dogs. If a strange dog comes near, keep hands down and avoid eye contact.
- Avoid surprising older dogs. If they're deaf or blind, they may bite.
- Never disturb a dog that's sleeping, eating, playing with a toy or caring for puppies.
- Let an approaching dog see and sniff a hand first. If walking up to a dog, ask before petting and approach from the side, not from the back or directly in front of the dog.
- If a dog acts as if it might bite, stand still. Don't run or scream.
- If a dog does attack, protect yourself with a backpack, jacket or bicycle – anything you have handy. If knocked down, curl into a ball and cover head, neck and face.
- Avoid dogs that are cornered, chained, in a car or behind a fence.
- Never play rough with any dog.
- Never break up a dogfight.
- Keep face away from a dog's head.
- Never hold the dog around the neck or try to hug a dog.
Watch the dog's behavior
You and your child also should look for signs that a dog is aggressive, afraid or protecting his territory – three reasons for bites. Watch for:
- Growling, snarling or barking.
- Crouching with the head low or the tail between the legs.
- Fur that's standing up, erect ears, a stiff body and a high tail.
- Obvious injury or pain.
Many parents don't realize how a small child's boisterous activity or loud behavior can confuse a dog, or how a child's invasion of a dog's space might provoke the animal. If you have a small child or infant, never leave the youngster alone with a dog. Even when you are with your young child around a dog, keep a close eye on his or her interaction to avoid potential problems.
Once bitten...
If a dog bites your child, immediately wash the wound with warm, soapy water, apply an antiseptic, and call your doctor of other healthcare professional. If the bite is bleeding heavily, apply direct pressure and raise it above heart level until the bleeding stops. Identify the dog if at all possible and contact the dog's vet to check its vaccination records.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Humane Society
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