Dog Bite Prevention
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
- Everyone is at risk of being bitten by a dog. However, smaller children are more at risk and may not understand a dog’s body language.
- Teach your child to act calmly and cautiously around unfamiliar dogs to decrease their risk of being bitten.
- Always supervise your child around dogs.
- If you or your child is bitten by a dog, wash and cover the wound and seek medical attention. In an emergency, call 911. Report the dog bite to your local health department to discuss if there is any possible rabies exposure.
Why Dogs Bite
All dogs, big or small, regardless of breed, can bite and cause injury. Even the friendliest dogs can become uncomfortable and react by biting. Dogs bite when they are scared or when they want to protect themselves or their owner. Many children get excited around dogs and take actions that can increase the risk of being bitten. It is important for children and adults to understand how to safely interact with dogs.
Behaviors Around Dogs
Safe behaviors
- Always ask for permission and wait for a dog owner to say it is okay to pet their dog.
- If you are allowed to pet the dog, approach them slowly and quietly, let the dog sniff you, and then pet their sides or back gently.
- Move slowly and calmly around dogs.
- Keep fingers together when feeding a dog a treat so it won't confuse the hand with food.
Unsafe Behaviors
- Do not pet a dog that is playing with a toy or another animal because the dog may become defensive.
- Do not try to pet a dog that is in a car or behind a fence. Most dogs instinctively protect their property and home.
- Do not sneak up on a dog that is eating or sleeping since they can bite when they are startled or frightened.
- Do not tease dogs. Teasing can make dogs angry or frustrated, and increase your risk of getting bitten.
Frightened or Angry Dogs
A dog usually shows signs that it is angry or frightened. These signs include:
- Ears standing up
- Back fur standing on end
- Tail straight up or between legs
- Clenching or showing teeth, growling, and staring straight at whoever is approaching
If a stray or angry dog approaches, your child should stop walking and stand still with hands at their side. If the child is playing on the ground, they should stay still on the ground with their knees tucked into their stomach and place their hands over their ears. Do not run from a dog or scream. When the dog loses interest, your child should slowly back away until the dog is out of sight.
Responding to a Dog Bite
If you or your child is bitten by a dog, wash and cover the wound and seek medical attention immediately. In an emergency, call 911. If possible, get vaccination records from the dog’s owner and report the dog bite to your local health department to discuss if there is any possible rabies exposure. Visit Mayo Clinic - First Aid to learn more about responding to a dog bite.
