Veterinarians, Pediatricians and Postal Workers Team Up to Reduce Incidence of Dog Bites Schaumburg, Ill. — Two parents sit in pediatric surgical waiting room at a hospital a seven-hour drive from home. Their four-year-old son is undergoing surgery to rebuild his nose and part of his cheek—the third such surgery in approximately four months in a battery of eight surgeries. This patient was bitten on the face by a dog owned by his cousin.
This was just one of the 4.7 million people who were bitten by dogs last year. Dog bites can be serious, traumatic, life-changing events; in fact, a dozen people are killed annually in dog attacks. Small children are the most common victims, followed by older people and United States Postal Service (USPS) employees. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has joined with the USPS and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in sponsoring Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 20-26, 2007, to help prevent dog bites.
"When you consider the fact that there are 61 million dogs in the United States, it becomes clear that Dog Bite Prevention Week is very important," said AVMA President Roger Mahr, DVM. "The only 'cure' for dog bites is prevention. Any dog can bite if it feels threatened, if it's put into an unfamiliar situation, if it's out of control or if it's scared. Training, knowledge and caution are essential elements of ensuring your dog is a welcome member of your community."
Responsible pet ownership and education have been shown to be the key factors in reducing the number of bites that occur in a community. Dog owners must understand the importance of appropriate behavioral training and supervision of contact between their dog and children or strangers. Many victims are bitten by dogs they know. Babies and small children should NEVER be left alone with a dog.
The AAP concurs. "Dogs can be...wonderful companions, but it is essential that families follow simple safety rules," said AAP President Jay E. Berkelhamer, MD, FAAP. "The AAP supports National Dog Bite Prevention Week to help Americans learn how to stay safe around dogs."
Dogs often express aggression when a service repairperson or letter carrier comes to the family home.
"Keep your dog inside away from the door when a letter carrier comes to your home," said U.S. Postal Service Consumer Advocate Delores Killette, who reports that more than 3,000 letter carriers were attacked last year. "Don't let children take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog, as your pet's instinct is to protect the family. Spay or neuter your pet. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite, according to the AVMA," Ms Killette said.
To help educate the public about dog bites, the AVMA in cooperation with the AAP and the USPS, have developed a brochure, "What you should know about dog bite prevention." The brochure offers tips on how to avoid being bitten, what dog owners can do to prevent their dogs from biting and how to treat dog bites. For more information on National Dog Bite Prevention Week and to access the brochure online, visit www.avma.org/press/publichealth/dogbite/mediakit.asp.
Important dog bite prevention tips include:
- Pick a dog that is good match for your home. Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds.
- Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure, as your dog gets older.
- Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between you and your dog. Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.
- Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.
- Neuter or spay your dog. These dogs are less likely to bite.
- Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
- Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.
- Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet it gently, avoiding the face, head and tail.
- Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
- Do not run past a dog.
- If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.
If bitten, clean the wound with soap and water. If the victim is bleeding, immediately take them to a doctor or emergency room. Your local animal control agency will help you gather necessary information from the pet owner such as proof of its rabies vaccination as well as the dog's health and vaccination records.
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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 75,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical sub specialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. An independent federal agency, the Postal Service makes deliveries to more than 142 million addresses every day and is the only service provider to deliver to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine operations but derives its operation revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and services.
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