April 2004 Newsletter

1. Never approach an unfamiliar dog
2. Never run up to a dog
3. Never attempt to touch a neighbor's dog through a fence
4. Never touch a dog that is growling, showing his teeth, or barking hysterically
5. Young children must never approach dogs without a grown-up's supervision
6. Always hold your hand out first and allow the dog to sniff your hand
7. Never grab at a dog
8. Don't approach a dog that is a watch dog protecting his property
9. Never attempt to touch a dog that is eating or in possession of a bone or a treat of some sort
10. Never hurt the animal by pulling it's tail or fur for example
11. If the dog is leashed, ask the dog's owner permission to pet the dog first
12. Keep your face away from the dog's, when approaching or playing with them
13. Don't make loud noises or sudden moves when approaching a dog. Speak softly to it
14. If a dog is chasing you, stop running, as this encourages him to chase you
15. Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog, and back off slowly and non-threateningly
16. Do not touch, or attempt to touch, the animal's eyes
17. Pat dogs gently and calmly
18. Never approach a strange dog
19. Never intervene between dogs that are fighting
20. Stay still when an unfamiliar dog comes up to you
21. If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still
22. Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, or caring for puppies

• Never leave an infant or child alone with any dog
• Teach your dog submissive behaviors, like rolling over to show its stomach
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog, such as wrestling
• Seek medical care for any serious dog bite and report all dog attacks

• Support animal-control programs in your community and the enforcement of local laws regulating dangerous or vicious dogs
• Support dog bite prevention educational programs in schools

• Get the advice of a veterinarian about the right breed of dog if you are thinking about getting a family dog
• Spay or neuter your dog, this often reduces its aggressive tendencies
• Be sure all pets are properly immunized
• Seek a veterinarian's advice quickly if your dog becomes aggressive

• Calm the child
• If the skin has been broken, wash the area under cold running water
• Apply an antiseptic and cover the bite with a clean dressing
• Take the child to the doctor as a tetanus booster and antibiotics may be necessary
• If a piece of flesh has been bitten off, call an ambulance
• Control the bleeding by applying firm pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth until the ambulance arrives
• If the child is pale or drowsy, lie them down and raise their legs on a pillow or folded blanket
• Do not give the child any food or water