It’s National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself and your dog safe
Andrews McMeel Syndication
Dogs bite. They don’t have hands, but their teeth allow them to grasp objects, find and eat food, and protect themselves.
They bite in defense, out of fear, because they don’t feel well or are in pain, to protect items -- or people -- they value, and they bite in play. But for us to live safely with them, dogs need to learn never to put their teeth on humans.
Too often, owners excuse a bite: “It’s just a nip; he didn’t break the skin”; “She’s just a puppy; she’ll learn”; “He was just playing”; “She doesn’t feel good”; “He’s too small to do any damage”; “She was startled.”
But bites for any reason can be expensive for owners and, in the case of multiple bites, can be a death sentence for a dog. Dog bite laws vary by city, county and state (find yours here: findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/dog-bite-laws-by-state.html), but often if a person goes to the doctor or emergency room with a dog-bite injury, doctors are required to report it to animal control or local health officials. Then the dog has a record. A second or third bite could cause them to be deemed dangerous or even to be euthanized. Owners may lose renters insurance, face increased rates for homeowners insurance or be required to pay fines or restitution.
“Dog bites are a symptom of bigger issues going on,” says Amy Pike, DVM, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, Virginia. “Whether it be something medical that needs to be treated or something like fear, anxiety and stress that needs to be addressed, blowing it off doesn’t do anybody any good.”
Here’s what to know about preventing bites.
Dogs don’t bite without warning, even if the bite seems to “come out of nowhere.” They signal fear, anxiety and stress through body language and vocalizations such as staring, standing stiffly, moving their tail slowly and stiffly, pushing their lips forward, raising the hair on their back (raised hackles), barking, growling and snapping. For new or inexperienced owners, some of these signs can be subtle and go unnoticed until the dog feels forced to escalate to a bite.
Let sleeping dogs lie. “A lot of people don’t like to be disturbed while they’re resting, and we should be mindful that many dogs also don’t like to be interacted with when they are resting or sleeping,” Dr. Pike says. “Keep a hands-off approach when they are in those comfortable positions.”
Some dogs are triggered by motion. On walks, be aware of approaching bicyclists, skateboarders and joggers. Avoid using long lines or extendable leashes, which can give dogs too much leeway to chase. Walk during quieter times of day or in less crowded areas. When you see a biker or jogger approaching, put some distance between you, and be prepared to distract and redirect your dog with high-value treats or toys.
When meeting someone else’s dog, don’t stick your hand out to let the dog sniff you. “You are thrusting a body part of yours directly into their face, which can be threatening to a dog,” Pike says. It also may involve leaning over the dog, which is also threatening. Instead, stand sideways and let the dog approach you. If he doesn’t want to, that’s OK. You don’t need to pet him.
Learning how to appropriately interact with a dog and recognize body language cues is an important life skill, whether you own the dog yourself or are interacting with someone else’s dog. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your veterinarian, a veterinary behaviorist or a qualified positive-reinforcement trainer if your dog bites or threatens to bite. You may find that he’s in pain or that you need to provide appropriate training, behavior modification and management.
Doing so can save yourself or another person from injury, and it can save your dog’s life.
Q&A
Your new cat’s
shopping list
Q: I’m getting a cat! What do I need to buy beforehand?
A: Congratulations! Here’s what you need before bringing your cat home.
-- Collar and tag. You want what’s called a “breakaway collar,” one that comes off easily if it gets caught on something. Have the tag engraved with your name, phone number (cell and landline if you have both) and address if there’s room. On the other side, you could add information such as “I’m microchipped” or “indoor cat; if I’m outside, I’m lost.” When you put the collar on, ideally before you leave the shelter or the breeder’s home, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between it and your cat’s neck. Check it regularly to make sure it’s not too loose or too tight.
-- Carrier. This can be soft- or hard-sided. Look for one with a top that can be unzipped or easily removed.
-- Litter box. Cats typically prefer open litter boxes so they can see any dangers that might be approaching, like another cat, or your dog. A good rule of paw is that it should be 1.5 times your cat’s length -- including tail.
-- Litter. Ask what litter the cat is used to using, and get some of that. You can change it later. Avoid strongly scented litter -- most cats don’t like it.
-- Food. Ask what the cat has been eating, and start with that. You can switch to a new food later, gradually mixing it with the former food over a period of seven to 10 days to avoid stomach upset. Get a couple of stainless steel or ceramic bowls for food and water.
-- Grooming tools. The basics include a comb, slicker or curry brush, and nail clippers.
-- Last but not least: toys, treats and a bed. You’re set! -- Dr. Marty Becker
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.
THE BUZZ
Giant rabbit joins
SFO Wag Brigade
-- Anxious travelers at San Francisco International Airport can seek out cuddles from the newest member of SFO’s Wag Brigade: a 28-pound Flemish giant rabbit named Alex. Flemish giants are the largest of the rabbit breeds and have a reputation as gentle giants. Other members of the Wag Brigade include a pig named Lilou and 14 dogs, among them Bombay, a chocolate Lab; Brody, a cavalier King Charles spaniel; Lia, a corgi; and Tzigan, a Bolognese (no, he’s not an Italian sauce). All the members of the Wag Brigade are graduates of San Francisco SPCA’s animal assisted therapy program.
-- What should chickens eat? They need a balanced commercial food supplemented with tasty worms, insects, vegetables and leafy greens. Chicken diets typically come in such formulations as starter, grower, maintenance and layer, so you can choose the one that’s right for your chickens’ life stage. For chicks, feed in the form of mashes or crumbles can be easiest to eat. Avoid giving chickens large amounts of spinach or chard: Those greens are high in oxalic acid and can bind available calcium in the gut. Chickens will love some kale, arugula or lettuce, though; just don’t give greens with salad dressing!
-- April has a lot going on. It’s Pet First Aid Awareness Month, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, National Heartworm Awareness Month and National Frog Month. National Pet Day is April 11, and World Hamster Day is April 12. Also on the calendar are National Lost Dog Awareness Day on April 23, National Pet Parents Day on April 24, National Kids and Pets Day on April 28, Hairball Awareness Day on April 29, and National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, National Therapy Animal Day and World Veterinary Day on April 30. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
ABOUT PET CONNECTION
Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.