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Stay Dog Bite Free!

Looking for information on preventing and avoiding dog bites? You've come to the right place.

Millions of people share their homes with dogs. The vast majority of interactions between people and dogs are happy and benign. But for millions of people, the interactions are less positive.

That's why HSI Asia works to reduce dog bite injuries. The good news is that dog bites can be prevented. Read our suggestions regarding how you can bite-proof your dog and stay safe around other canines.

Avoiding Dog Bites

Q: How can I avoid being bitten by a dog?

A: Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Don't pet a dog—even your own—without letting him see and sniff you first. Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. Don't disturb a dog while she's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or a threat.

Q: What should I do if I think a dog may attack?

A: If you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps:

• Never scream and run.

• Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.

• Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.

• If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.

• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.

Q: What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

A: If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, try not to panic.

• Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.

• Contact your physician for additional care and advice.

• Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog, including his owner's name and the address where he lives. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control official what the dog looks like, where you saw him, whether you've seen him before, and in which direction he went.

Q: Can children be taught to avoid being bitten by a dog?

A: Yes, just as we teach our children to practice safety in other situations, we can teach them to be safe around dogs. The most important lessons for children to learn are not to chase or tease dogs they know and to avoid dogs they don't know.

 Preventing Dog Bites

Q: Is there any way I can "bite-proof" my dog?

A: There is no way to guarantee that your dog will never bite someone. But you can significantly reduce the risk. Here's how:

• Spay or neuter your dog. This important and routine procedure will reduce your dog's desire to roam and fight with other dogs, making safe confinement an easier task. Spayed or neutered dogs are much less likely to bite.

• Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to many different types of people and situations so that he or she is not nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.

• Train your dog. Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way to socialize him and to learn proper training techniques. Training your dog is a family matter. Every member of your household should learn the training techniques and participate in your dog's education. Never send your dog away to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home. Note that training classes are a great investment even for experienced dog caregivers.

• Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't play aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling or tug-of-war. Set appropriate limits for your dog's behavior. Don't wait for an accident. The first time he exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, seek professional help from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog trainer. Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people, and is also a reason to seek professional help.

• Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog as required by law, and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. For everyone's safety, don't allow your dog to roam alone. Make your dog a member of your family: Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain often become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized and supervised are much less likely to bite.

• Err on the safe side. If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave him at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep him in another room. Work with professionals to help your dog become accustomed to these and other situations. Until you are confident of his behavior, however, avoid stressful settings.

Q: What should I do if my dog bites someone?

A: If your dog bites someone, act responsibly by taking these steps:

• Confine your dog immediately and check on the victim's condition. If necessary, seek medical help.

• Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog's last rabies vaccination.

• Cooperate with the animal control official responsible for acquiring information about your dog. If your dog must be quarantined for any length of time, ask whether he may be confined within your home or at your veterinarian's hospital. Strictly follow quarantine requirements for your dog.

• Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer. Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services.

• If your dog's dangerous behavior cannot be controlled, do not give him to someone else without carefully evaluating that person's ability to protect him and prevent him from biting. Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage he does even when he is given to someone else.

• Don't give your dog to someone who wants a dangerous dog. "Mean" dogs are often forced to live miserable, isolated lives, and become even more likely to attack someone in the future. If you must give up your dog due to dangerous behavior, consult with your veterinarian and with your local animal care and control agency or humane society about your options.