DOG BITES:

What can you do to prevent dog bites?                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Kids:

• Always ask the owner for permission before you touch the dog.
• Do not approach dogs that have their pups nearby, are behind fences, or tied up on their property. Dogs can be very protective.
• Do not disturb dogs who are sleeping, eating or chewing on a toy, or bone or are elderly dogs.
• Do not grab a dog’s ears, feet, tail, or any other part of its body.
• Do not put your face next to a dog’s face.
• Do not run away or to a dog. They may chase you. Walk slowly.
• Never try to break up an animal fight!   
• Never approach wild dogs or animals that look like dogs i.e. coyotes.
• Do not hug or kiss a dog………they may bite your face (the most common place for dog bites!)                                                                      

 

All these things may cause a dog to bite you.

 

 

Parents:                                                                                                                                               

 

• Do not get a dog until your child is at least 5 years old and can help look after it.
• Be sure to give the dog the same attention you gave it before your child was born. They can become very jealous
• Always supervise your children when they are around dogs. Children under 5 years old are likely to forget instructions.
• Teach your child how to play safely with dogs and how to act if confronted by a dog.

Dog Owners:                                                                                                                           

 

• Dog owners can be held liable for their dog’s actions so always supervise your dog with children.
• Dog classes are a good way to socialize your dog and teach obedience. Even old dogs can learn new tricks!
• Spaying and neutering your dog will significantly decrease aggressive tendencies.
• Choose a dog that meets your needs. Dogs bred to be aggressive (e.g. guard dogs) do not make good family pets.

 

 

IF A DOG APPROACHES YOU…..                                                                                    

 

• Ask yourself if you know the dog. If not, do not try and greet the dog.
• If you know the dog, greet it in a safe way. Stand sideways. (less frightening for the dog.)
• Move slowly and extend a fist so that the dog can smell you. When moving to pet the dog, always pet the side of the face first, or under the chin, NOT the top of the head!

 

 

 

STAND LIKE A TREE….

 

• If a dog growls or looks mean, freeze!  Stand still, keep you arms and finger tucked in and avoid eye contact with the dog (look at the ground) and stay very quiet. Usually the dog will sniff you, lose interest, and leave!
• If a dog chases you while you are biking, stop, put the bike down and stand still. Do not ride away!  DO NOT RUN…….tempting as it may be! They will usually chase you then.

 

 

LIE LIKE A LOG…….

 

• If a dog knocks you down, stay down. Cover your neck and face and wait until the dog is gone. They will usually smell you and leave.

 

 

 

 

 

This fact sheet was produced by PLAN-IT SAFE in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. For further information about them contact their web site at:  www.cheo.on.ca

 

Further information on dog bites is available at the following sites: