Tip to Protect Yourself from Dog Bites

It sounds hard to believe, but dog bites comprise the second most common childhood injury requiring emergency-room care. This is because 60 percent of the 4.7 million people bitten each year are children, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here Are a Few Tips on How to Avoid Dog Bites

• Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.
• Don't pet a dog without letting him see and sniff you first.
• Never turn your back on a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct in this situation is to chase and catch you.
• Don't disturb a dog while it's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies.
• Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog sees you as an intruder or potential threat.
• If a dog approaches to sniff you – remain still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines that you're not a threat.
• If you encounter a potentially aggressive dog, never scream and run.
• Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.

For more information, please read How to Protect Yourself From Dog Bites.