Video - Dr. Jim
Humphries, VNN
DOG BITE
MEDICAL COSTS
SOAR PAST $250
MILLION
While cities
seek more
legislation,
veterinarians
recommend more
education.
Pendleton,
Indiana - Each
year almost 5
million dog
bites are
reported across
North America
and it is a rare
evening on the
nightly news
when a dog
attack is not
reported. Yet,
according to the
Bureau of Labor
Statistics,
veterinarians
and their staff
make up a very
small percentage
of those bites
in spite of
their obvious
risk factors.
What can we
learn from them
to avoid being
bitten by a dog?
According to
veterinarian and
behaviorist, Dr.
Kersti Seksel,
being aware of a
dog’s warning
signs can help
people avoid the
dog’s teeth.
Almost everyone
is aware that a
growling dog who
is baring his
teeth is
aggressive and
likely to bite,
but other
warning signs
might be less
obvious and
include raised
hackles, overall
tenseness, and
even a slowly
wagging tail. It
would appear
that
veterinarians,
veterinary
technicians, and
other veterinary
personnel have
learned to
quickly read the
dog’s body
language and
adjust their
movements and
actions
accordingly.
But not all dogs
will read from
the same book.
Some pets have
been punished
for growling or
snarling and
therefore may
provide little
to no warning
before lashing
out at someone.
Prospective dog
owners should
research their
desired breed
and then take
the time and
effort to attend
puppy
socialization
classes and even
obedience
training. If you
have children in
your household,
their education
should also be
considered.
Young children,
especially young
boys, should be
taught never to
approach a
strange dog.
Additionally, if
the behavior of
the dog seems to
be unusual,
teach children
to stand still,
keeping eyes
downcast, and to
remain quiet.
Children should
never run
towards an
unknown dog,
even if the
owner is
present.
Teaching
children to ask
an owner about
petting a new
dog can be a big
step in avoid
potential dog
bite situations.
For more
information
about avoiding
dog bites, talk
to your
veterinarian
about
appropriate dog
breeds and
effective dog
training. Visit
www.myvnn.com to
see videos about
protecting
yourself and
your children
from potential
injury.
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