National Dog Bite Prevention Week: What You Need to Know

In honor of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, April 8-14, it’s time to take another look at the problem that affects more than 4.5 million Americans each year, resulting in over 800,000 victims requiring medical assistance.

Dogs are deemed “man’s best friend”, but if someone is negligent of watching a particularly unfriendly dog or approaches a dog incorrectly, there can be serious consequences.

Take the case of Loxli Willow Chavez: Loxli was a thirteen-month-old girl bitten by Smokey, a pitbull, labrador, and malamute mix in southeast Missouri.

Loxli’s babysitter, Erica N. Jordan, was recently charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter after Smokey mauled the infant, ultimately ending her life after two puncture wounds to the skull. Before the infant was attacked, Jordan was in the other room, leaving the historically-unfriendly dog with the infant. The family has subsequently set up a GoFundMe in Loxli’s honor, with the Missouri community helping contribute more than $4,870.

Besides being physically painful, Kansas City dog bite lawyer Samuel M. Wendt notes dog bites “can be traumatic to the victims, resulting in emotional scarring.” Anxiety, nightmares, fear of dogs, agoraphobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the most common forms of mental anguish that can happen after an animal attack.

While dogs are often a blessing and a joy to behold, being informed on how to approach a dog and how to respond to dangerous situation could just save your life if things take a negative turn.

How to Prevent a Dog Bite

Dog bites can often be prevented by engaging with the animal appropriately. By following these tips, you can help yourself and your loved ones mitigate the possibility of a dog bite:

• Anytime you encounter a new dog, ask the pet’s owner before reaching out to pet it
• Never let small children play with a dog without supervision
• Stay still when first encountering a dog; let it see and smell you first
• If a dog is acting strange, notify the owner as this could be a warning sign of impending dangerous behavior
• Do not run, panic, or make loud noises around a dog as it may incite aggressive behavior
• If you find yourself in a situation where an attack is imminent, the best thing to do is to curl into a ball with your head tucked and your hands over your ears and neck
• If you encounter a stray dog, notify your local pound or animal control
• Do not disturb a dog that is caring for its puppies, eating, or sleeping; it is vulnerable and make view your interaction as a threat
• Understand a dog’s behavior: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a great list to help understand dogs' body language

What to do if You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog

Do What You Can to Protect Yourself

If a dog is continuing to attack, do what you can to protect yourself: whether curling into a ball, covering your ears and neck, or wedging a purse, bag or jacket in between you and the dog, protect yourself until you are able to escape to a safe place.

Tend to Your Wounds

Dog bites are painful, but are also subject to serious infection: approximately 1 in 5 dog bites will become infected. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes there are over 60 different kinds of bacteria in dog’s mouths, with approximately five being potentially harmful for humans, including rabies, tetanus, pasteurella, ethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and capnocytophaga.

Once you are in a secure location, evaluate the severity of your wounds.

If you have minor wounds, tend to them by washing thoroughly with soap and water, applying antibiotic cream, and covering with a sterile bandage.

If you have major or deep wounds, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you unable to transport yourself, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.

Report the Incident

After seeking medical attention or tending to the wounds yourself, report the incident. Anyone who has been bitten by a dog is subject to contracting the rabies virus, so it vital to report to the local animal control or police department.

If possible, contact the owner to verify if the animal has received a rabies vaccination.

Seek Emotional Support

If you or a loved one have a been a victim of an animal attack, you have options to help heal beyond the physical injuries. There are numerous avenues for mental support, such as support groups for victims of dog bites, psychologists, and psychiatrists. If you are looking to hold the negligent party responsible, personal injury lawyers can also help seek justice on your behalf.

Staying Safe

Dogs and other domestic animals are often a delight, and positively being in their presence can actually increase your well-being. This being said, treating and responding to them appropriately is vital to ensuring the health and safety of you and your loved ones.

So next time you approach a dog, remember these tips!