Dog Bites: What You Need To Know

Any dog can bite when provoked

There is a lot of misinformation regarding dog bites and it’s important to remember some simple facts when it comes to dogs. 99% of dogs are not born aggressive. It is up to their owners to ensure their safety as well as the safety of those around them. That is why the American Veterinary Medical Association has teamed up with a coalition including the United States Postal Service, State Farm, and the Insurance Information Institute to promote awareness about dog bites.

“Dogs may bite for a number of reasons — they may be in pain or afraid, they may be sick or simply protecting something they love,” says Doctor Jose Arce from the AVMA. “It is vital for you to learn a dog’s body language to know when they want to interact and when they need to be given their own space. Everyone, even our dogs, deserves their own space when they need it. The most important thing to keep in mind is that dog bites are preventable.”

Here are some tips to keep in mind before interacting with a dog:

Always Ask Before Petting

It’s your responsibly to practice safe behavior around all dogs. Ask before petting! When the owner is with their dog, always ask the owner for permission to pet their pup. Even if it’s a dog you know, asking first can help prevent sudden movements that may startle the dog.

Yes…Ask The Dog, Too!

While many dogs don’t speak English — they will tell you everything you need to know with their body language. Make sure you pay attention to these visual cues before approaching the pooch.

Avoid Scaring Your Dog

Be aware of noises or sudden movements that may scare your dog. If your child has a noisy toy, you never know if it could scare your pet, so suggest the child plays with it in another room.

Play Nice with the Pooch

Play non-aggressive games such as fetch. Games such as tug-of-war could encourage inappropriate behavior. Never tease dogs. Don’t take their toys, food or treats, and never pretend to hit or kick them. This could create distrust in the dog, and make him or her more aggressive.

For families with both children and dogs, the AVMA has released three new videos to educate children on how to prevent dog bites, specifically on noises, teasing, and sleeping. For more information, visit AVMA.org.

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My mother’s Schnauzer mix, Sha Sha, eats just about anything. I didn’t quite believe just how often she would quickly snap up everything in her sight until a few weeks ago when she swallowed a quarter and a nickel in the blink of an eye. The vet advised my mother to watch her for the next few days as the coins would likely pass. It’s a very common issue among dog owners and it doesn’t only happen with puppies. The majority of dogs do grow out of the need to eat inedible objects. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what a puppy would eat so it’s best to be vigilant about where you dog is allowed to freely roam. Many dogs and puppies have been known to swallow seemingly unsuitable items, which you might not find in any way enticing or preferable, but they do. Check out this list of the strangest things swallowed by dogs as witnessed by the ASPCA :

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Courtesy of Pet 360: Growing up with a family pet is a great way for kids to learn two of life’s most valuable lessons: respect and responsibility. To help parents create and foster a special bond between their human and fur kids, Pet360.com has pulled together the following tips for each stage of a child’s development:

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Dogs are part of the family. The unique personalities and characteristics our dogs possess are irreplaceable, and it can be heart-breaking to lose their company. Stray dogs are a growing problem in the United States, and a majority of these strays are forced to wander the dangerous streets or begin a new life in an animal shelter. Learning how to properly bring a stray dog to safety is vital for your safety, as well as the stray’s safety. When trying to care for a stray, safety is always first. It is easy to become swept up in emotions when you see a stray dog hurt or in a dangerous situation — like running in traffic. Even if you have good intentions, it is important to consider all options before taking action to keep the situation from becoming even more hazardous. There are numerous ways to encounter a stray dog, but the most common scenarios are on foot or in vehicular traffic. Remaining calm is the key to keeping a clear mind and deciding the best option for the st

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