Dogs are a source of comfort and companionship for many owners and, in general, most dogs are sweet and gentle with others. However, there are circumstances in which a dog may be more prone to bite, and there are things owners and others can do to prevent it from happening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 20% of people who receive a dog bite require some type of medical care. There is an even higher prevalence of bites among children, and they usually result in more serious injuries. Males also have a greater chance of being dog bite victims compared to females. While having one dog in the house automatically increases the risk of biting, having more than one increases the risk five-fold.
Dogs may bite for a number of reasons such as when they are:
- Nervous
- Scared
- Eating
- Protecting puppies or toys
- Sick
Besides staying away from a dog during the previous situations, the American Kennel Club presents some advice to help prevent unnecessary dog bites. An owner should never leave a young child and a dog alone unsupervised. An owner should also teach a child good manners and how to treat the dog, such as not pulling his or her tail.
For non-owners who encounter a dog they would like to pet, always ask the owner if it is ok. If it is, let the dog smell the back of the hand and wait for positive feedback before petting.
When feeling aggression, a dog is more likely to bite. Refrain from growling or running towards a dog.
