Prevention is Key to Dog Bite Problem

ROHNERT PARK, Calif., Feb. 7/PRNewswire/ -- Responsible pet ownership and safe behavior are critical to preventing the number 1 public health problem of children -- dog bites. Each year, dogs bite more than 4.7 million people;
about 60 percent of them are children. Nearly a million people seek medical treatment for canine attacks annually while on average, 20 people die every year from dog bites.

Insurance companies pay out approximately a billion dollars annually for dog bite related claims. "Dog bites can result in serious, life-threatening injury to the victim and can leave a survivor scarred and disfigured," said Dr. Richard Swanson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA). "Fortunately, it is also a problem that can be largely prevented."

To reduce the chance of your dog biting someone:

-- Train your dog
-- Make sure your dog is socialized as a puppy
-- Carefully consider your pet selection
-- Keep your dog healthy
-- Neuter your pet

To reduce the chance of being bitten by a dog:

-- Do not approach strange dogs
-- Don't run past a dog
-- If a dog approaches, stay still
-- If you're threatened by a dog, remain calm
-- If a dog knocks you to the ground, curl up and protect your face and neck
-- Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog

For more information, visit State Farm's Web site (www.statefarm.com) or the AVMA at www.AVMA.org.

 

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