National Dog Bite Prevention Week: What It Means for North Dakota Homes

April 7-13 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Why Do Dogs Bite?

According to Animal Medical Center, there are lots of reasons a dog might bite. Sick or injured dogs can bite. Some dog bite because they are feeling scared or threatened. Some dogs bite to protect their food, toys, puppies, or territory.

There are things we can do to prevent dog bites, such as avoiding risky situations, socializing our dogs when they are young, and learning dog body language.

Children Are Most at Risk

ANY dog, regardless of size or breed, can bite. Friendly or familiar dogs can bite in reaction to stressful situations. In fact, it's pretty common for people to be bitten by dogs that they know.

Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are more likely to be severely injured. Most of the bites are from dogs owned by a child’s family or friends.

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Teach Your Children

If you're dog a owner in North Dakota with young children in the home, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of them being bit.

1. Socialize your dog, and take them to training classes.

2. Never leave small children unsupervised when they are interacting with the family dog. If you have to leave the room, use a baby door or gate to keep them in separate areas.

3. Show kids how to play safely, and put an immediate stop to actions that could hurt the dog. This includes pulling on ears or tail or trying to ride on their back.

4. Teach kids where they can pet the dog - it's best to pet gently on its back or side, not the top of the head.

5. Give dogs their space. Make sure kids know to leave the dog alone when they are eating, chewing a toy, or sleeping.

A Valuable Bond

We always had cats and dogs while I was growing up. Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience for kids through teaching them how to interact with and take responsibility for their pet.