Sunday, September 8News That Matters

Dog Bites: What to Do and How to Prevent Them

by Linda Bullard

Dog bites are a serious public health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Of those, over 800,000 people require medical attention. /www.generallaw.xyz/

Dog bites can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Fear or aggression
  • Playfulness
  • Startle or pain
  • Resource guarding (protecting food, toys, or other possessions)
  • Medical conditions

What to do if you are bitten by a dog:

If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to take the following steps:

  1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. This will help to remove any bacteria or dirt that may have been transferred from the dog’s mouth to the wound.
  2. Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, you may need to apply a tourniquet above the wound.
  3. Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
  4. Seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites can cause serious infections, and it is important to have the wound examined by a doctor.

How to prevent dog bites:

There are a number of things that you can do to prevent dog bites, including:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid approaching dogs that you do not know.
  • Always ask permission from the owner before petting a dog.
  • Never pet a dog that is eating, sleeping, or guarding something.
  • Teach children how to interact with dogs safely.
  • Supervise children whenever //www.lawgrip.com/ they are around dogs.
  • If you have a dog, make sure that it is properly socialized and trained.

If you are concerned about the risk of dog bites, you can talk to your doctor about getting a tetanus shot and/or a rabies vaccine.

Additional tips for preventing dog bites:

  • Be respectful of a dog’s space. Don’t corner a dog or crowd it.
  • Don’t pull on a dog’s tail or ears.
  • Be careful when approaching a dog with food or treats.
  • If a dog starts to growl or bark at you, back away slowly.
  • If you are attacked by a dog, curl up into a ball and protect your head and neck.