Do you know that every year in the U.S., dogs bite about 4.5 million people? That number may even be too low, since not all bites are recorded. Many of these bites are minor, which is good, but up to 800,000 need medical care, and every year, there are at least a few serious cases. Some dog attacks are deadly. Others can hurt or disfigure people very badly. While National Dog Bite Awareness Week is in April, the United States Postal Service has launched its own awareness campaign, which will run every June. Keep reading to learn more about dog bites from a local Crown Point, IN veterinarian.
Are Stray Dogs A Threat?
Strays are not inherently dangerous About 15% of bites that are reported are from stray dogs. In the majority of cases, these unfortunate pooches are just dogs that are in miserable circumstances. Many of our favorite patients used to be strays but are now happy, well-loved pets!
We firmly believe that no dog should ever be left to fend for itself, and we’re happy to help rescue efforts as much as we can.
That said, there are just a few things to keep in mind.
A lot of things make strays more likely to bite. Many were not raised properly and may be wary of people. Others, unfortunately, have been neglected or abused. Strays have to work hard to stay alive, and they can be very protective of their food and pups. Last but not least, strays don’t get the care they need from vets, so they are more likely to be sick or hurt. Of course, that will only make them more uneasy.
Why Is The Post Office Making People More Aware?
People who work in the postal service get bitten a lot. In fact, more than 5,300 mail workers said that dogs bit them in 2022. We understand that it sounds like a joke, but it’s not funny at all.
The reason is quite simple: a lot of dogs think that mailmen are invaders.
You can make sure your canine friend doesn’t add to the number of mail carrier attacks by doing a few things. First and foremost, always make sure your dog friend is secured.
If your pooch has any aggressive tendencies, take extra precautions. When the mailman comes, put Fido in a different room before you open the door. If your dog’s yard is fenced in, that’s great, but you should still make sure that people can get to your door or front porch safely. (This also makes it less likely that your dog will run away)
If your dog is protective and/or aggressive, you might need to take extra steps, like getting your items to a PO box. It may be a bother, but it’s not as bad as being sued or getting a hospital bill.
How Can I Keep Myself From Getting Bitten By A Dog?
Knowing the do’s and don’ts can go a long way here. A common misunderstanding about this subject is that dogs attack without warning. There’s usually plenty of warning signs: people just don’t always know how to read them. Another mistake is thinking that Fido won’t bite just because he is small or cute.
That said, here are some suggestions:
- Do not touch or get in the way of a dog that is sleeping, eating, or feeding its puppies. Many dogs will immediately become defensive in response to this.
- Do not attempt to pet an odd dog.
- Stand still if a strange dog comes up to you.
- Do not look a strange dog in the eye.
- Do not run or hurry past a dog.
Ask your Crown Point, IN vet for more information.
How Can I Keep My Kid From Getting Bitten By A Dog?
Unfortunately, there are too many cases of children being bitten by dogs. Different things play a part in this. Children’s tiny size is undoubtedly one factor. Many kids naturally speak loudly, which can scare and bother Fido. Also, kids tend to move quickly and aren’t always cognizant about how to interact with dogs. Toddlers may pull a pup’s tail, or reach for his toy. All of this is normal for little kids. Fido, on the other hand, doesn’t see it that way.
It is very important that you teach your kids the safety rules we just talked about. You should never leave your kid alone with a strange dog. Also, make sure kids know they should never tease or chase dogs or try to touch their food or toys. Approaching or petting strange or loose dogs is another no-no, as is petting a pup through a fence.
What Drives Dogs To Bite?
Many things can make a dog bite. But most of the time, Fido is responding to something. Other options include fear, sickness, territorial behavior, prey drive, protectiveness, and simple rowdiness. Some other things that matter are the breed, the dog’s background, and how well it has been socialized.
How Can I Keep My Dog From Biting People?
There are no bad dogs in our book; that’s one thing we want to make clear. However, bad dog owners and bad experiences can bring out the worst in our furry friends.
Our first tip? Adopt with care. Picking out the right dog is crucial. If you have small children, don’t adopt a rowdy dog with a strong prey drive. If you’re getting a puppy, make time for proper socialization. Fido’s attitude is shaped a lot by this! Talk to your vet about what to do. Getting your pet spayed or neutered can also help a lot. Most strikes are made by males that have not been neutered.
Training is also crucial. Dogs should know and follow easy commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come.”
Also, keep up with Fido’s veterinary care. Just like people, dogs get cranky when they are sick or hurt!
Safety is also paramount: Don’t let your dog friend run around off-leash!
Talk to your Crown Point, IN vet about behavioral training if you know or think your dog might be aggressive or fearful.
How Do I Know If A Dog Is Going To Bite?
People who don’t know how to read dogs’ body language might get confused sometimes. For example, everyone knows that growling is a very bad sign. But it’s easy to miss many of the other signs. For example, it’s well known that a dog’s wagging tail indicates happiness. A slow wag is often a sign that a pup is feeling uneasy … and may be about to attack.
Here are some things to look for:
- Bared teeth
- Stiffness
- Yawns
- Barking than retreating
- Aggressive body language/stance
- Ears flattened
- Staring
- Slow Tail Wags
- Growls
- Showing the whites of the eyes
- Raised hackles
- Licking lips
- Tucked tail
If you see any of these, slowly move away from the dog and avoid making eye contact.
Set Up A Time To Visit Our Crown Point, IN Pet Hospital
Does your dog need to go to the Crown Point, IN veterinarian? Is your canine buddy due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Get in touch with our pet hospital right away!
