“Man’s Best Friend?”

Sometimes, contrary to the old saying, a dog can be man’s worst enemy.

In a typical year, 12 people in the U.S. are killed and more than 1 million require medical attention for dog-bite injuries. Well over half of all dog-bite victims are children, and more than half of children over age 12 report having been bitten by a dog at least once.

The Humane Society of the United States has several tips to reduce the chance that your pet will attack:

• Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs that are not spayed or neutered are three times more likely to attack or bite.

• Train and socialize your dog so that it is comfortable being around people.

• Never play “attack” games. A dog won’t understand the difference between play and real life.

• Never approach a dog you don’t know or a dog that is alone without its owner.

• Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating.

• Don’t pet a dog without letting it see and sniff you first.

• When approached by a dog you don’t know, don’t run or scream. Instead, stand still with your hands at your sides and do not make direct eye contact. Teach children to “be a tree” until the dog goes away.

• If knocked down, curl into a ball, cover your ears, and lie still until the dog goes away.

With so many dogs and children in Ashburn, there are many chances for dog bites to occur. I hope these tips help lessen those chances, so that we can all enjoy our terrific community.

Until next time, Dr. Steve

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