Learning How To Safely Handle and Interact With Dogs

• 4.7 million people are bit by a dog each year
• Children are at highest risk of dog bites
• Most bites to children are on the face
• Most bites are from a family or friend’s dog

Safely pet a dog. Ask permission.  Approach the side of the dog facing the same direction. Extend hand with fingers curled. Let dog sniff hand. Pet over the shoulder

Safe behavior around dogs. Never pet a dog behind a fence, tied up, eating or playing with a toy, mother dog with puppies, sleeping dog, or a hurt dog. Do not take things away from dogs; ask an adult.

If a dog attacks you. Stand like a tree. Lie like a log. Don’t run, don’t talk, move away slowly. If you get knocked over, lay like a log and cover your neck.

Practice safe dog behavior.  Just like practicing for a fire at home, your children need you to help them understand how to safely enjoy dogs and review the above steps.

Additional Resources:

• www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention.aspx
• www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html
• ZimmVet.com