Dog Bite Prevention

Nearly 90 million nice dogs… but any dog can bite.

• Any dog can bite, regardless of size, age, or breed.
• Even the cuddliest and friendliest pets may bite if provoked.
• Dog bites are a serious issue, with hundreds of thousands of people needing medical attention each year.
• Children, the elderly, and home service workers like mail carriers are the most frequent victims.
• Fortunately, there are effective steps we can take to prevent dog bites and reduce these incidents.

Why do dogs bite?

Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to something.

• If the dog finds itself in a stressful situation, it may bite to defend itself or its territory.
• Dogs can bite because they are scared or have been startled.
• They can bite because they feel threatened.
• They can bite to protect something that is valuable to them, like their puppies, their food or a toy.
• Dogs might bite because they aren’t feeling well.
• They could be sick or sore due to injury or illness and might want to be left alone.
• Dogs also might nip and bite during play.
• Even though nipping during play might be fun for the dog, it can be dangerous for people.

It’s a good idea to avoid wrestling or playing tug-of-war with your dog. These types of activities can make your dog overly excited, which may lead to a nip or a bite.

Preventing Dog Bites as a Pet Owner:

• Carefully select your pet:
  • Avoid getting a puppy on impulse.
  • Consult your veterinarian for advice on behavior, health, and suitability both before and after selecting a dog.
• Socialize your pet:
  • Help your dog feel comfortable around people and other animals by gradually exposing them to various situations.
  • Ensure your dog is never in a position where they feel threatened or teased.
• Take extra care with young children:
  • Always supervise interactions between young children and dogs.
  • Manage introductions carefully and consider delaying getting a dog until children are over four years old.
• Train your dog:
  • Teach basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
  • Avoid excitable games like wrestling.
  • Use a leash in public for control.
• Keep your dog healthy:
  • Ensure vaccinations and parasite control are up to date.
  • Address any health issues, as dogs in pain are more likely to bite.
• Be a responsible pet owner:
  • Obey leash laws, secure your yard, and exercise your dog regularly.
  • Consider spaying or neutering your dog after consulting your vet.
• Be alert:
  • Recognize signs of stress or aggression in your dog and act to prevent escalation.
  • If unprovoked aggression occurs, consult your veterinarian.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family:

• Supervise interactions:
  • Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, and always be alert to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
• Teach respect for pets:
  • Educate children to be careful around dogs, not to approach strange dogs, and to avoid reaching through fences.
  • Always ask the owner’s permission before petting any dog.
• Avoid running near dogs:
  • Dogs may instinctively chase, so don’t run past them or excite them.
• Don’t disturb dogs:
  • Avoid bothering dogs that are sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies, and never reach over fences.
• Stay calm if approached by a dog:
  • If a dog approaches to sniff, remain still.
  • If threatened, stay calm, speak firmly, and avoid eye contact.
  • Back away slowly, but don’t turn and run.
• If knocked down:
  • Curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck, protecting your face.

Responding to a Dog Bite: 

• If the dog’s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner’s name and contact information.
• Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it’s after office hours.
• Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records.

For more information: Dog bite prevention | American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org)