With summer well under way, tweens are spending much more time outdoors. Here are some tips for keeping them safe around neighborhood dogs, and even your own pet.
It can be a rather traumatic experience, if your tween happens to get bit by a dog. The best measure is to try and avoid a dog bite from happening in the first place. Prepare your child ahead of time on how to handle situations when a dog is running loose in your neighborhood, so if the situation ever occurs, he knows how to handle it properly. These tips can also work with your family pet.
- Do not approach wandering or unfamiliar dogs.
- Avoid running passed a dog. This gets him excited for a chase.
- Roll into a ball and lie very still, if knocked over by a dog.
- Report the incidence of a stray dog to the local authorities to have the dog removed.
- Do not stare a dog in the eyes.
- Always ask the owner of a dog if you can pet him before reaching out your hand.
- Avoid trying to play with a dog who is sleeping, eating, or fixated on a toy or other object.
- Do not try to pet puppies when the mother is caring for them. She is very protective over her pups.
Note: These tips will not prevent dog bites from happening in every case. If your child should incur a dog bite, cleanse the wound with soap and water, and seek medical attention immediately. Report the bite to your local health department or animal control office.
Resource: Virginia Department of Health (1-800-732-8333).
