From April 9th through the 15th, dog owners recognize National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Dog bites can range from mild to catastrophic or life-threatening. If you're a dog lover, understanding animal safety will make your interactions with canines more pleasant. You should learn how to avoid bites from your current pet and strangers' dogs.
Remember Dog Bites Can Happen With Familiar Pets
Under the right circumstances, any dog will bite when provoked. Keep in mind that dogs are not people. They only have one means of defense.
Dog owners must remember their beloved pet has sharp teeth, and if someone disrespects the dog's space, he is likelier to take action against the offender. Additionally, if your dog has an illness or injury, he may lash out to protect himself. If your dog has a sudden behavior change, he may require an examination from a veterinarian.
Train Your Dogs and Your Family
Respect can go a long way for dogs. Do not allow your kids to pull on a dog's ears or tail. If the dog looks tired or hungry, keep kids from interrupting their rest.
If your dog nips at people, you may want to consider training classes to ensure your pet does not bite anyone or cause injuries. Dog bites occur when a dog feels cornered or scared; a well-socialized dog is less likely to attack humans or other animals.
When socializing your dog, be careful not to overwhelm him with meeting new pups. Watch out for signs of discomfort upon meeting new dogs and strange people. Stiff body language, bared teeth and whale eyes are three common signs of discomfort in dogs.
Schedule Regular Vet Visits To Prevent Dog Bites
Discomfort, pain and illness are common sources of distress in dogs that can make them more likely to bite. To prevent dog bites, maintain regular vet check-ups to keep your pooch healthy and happy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Sources:
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-bites
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dog-bites.html