To bite or not to bite?
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May is Dog Bite Prevention Month and worth an annual visit to remind us of safety around our canine companions.
It seems obvious to never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, even if it is a family pet, but remains the cause of much pain and grief. Monitor your children, and visiting children, to make sure they treat the dog with respect and can be safe around dogs
Socialization is so vital to not only dog safety but also quality of life. Start at a young age and keep introducing your puppy or dog to the world around them in a safe, nurturing way - we expect them to live with us so let’s give them the tools to succeed.
Never put your dog in a position where he or she feels threatened.
Exercise your dog regularly to keep him/her healthy and provide mental stimulation.
Regular veterinary care is essential to maintain your dog’s health; a sick or injured dog is more likely to bite.
In a survey of 710 children asked 12 questions, here are the top five results:
— If a dog is chasing you, should you run away? Just 53 percent knew the answer was no.
— Are there only certain breeds (or types) of dogs that bite? Only 47 percent knew the answer was no.
— Does an angry dog ever wag his tail? 33 percent knew the correct answer was yes.
— Is a dog that is afraid as dangerous as an angry dog? Only 27 percent knew the answer was yes.
— Do dogs like to be kissed and hugged? A dangerously low number, only 24 percent, were correct – no.
The Insurance Information Institute says dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowner’s insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2014, costing in excess of $530 million.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there was a 6 percent increase in reconstructive procedures to repair injuries from dog bites over the past year.
Here’s looking for a wonderful summer keeping two and four legs safe and healthy.
Call Jill at MVAS for information or to sign up for a free family safety class.
