Jaws

By now I suppose you have a feel for how much I love animals, and some of the extremes my staff and I will go to save sick or injured pets. But if there is an appointment on the books for a euthanasia of a dog because he has bitten somebody, there is no hesitation on my part. Of course I don't "like" it-I die a little along with every pet I say good-bye to. However, there are way too many safe, non-aggressive dogs out there that need homes to even consider risking the serious injuries (even death-approximately 12 people die each year from dog bite wounds) that can occur from these dangerous animals. By the time an owner and I have reached the stage of scheduling a euthanasia appointment, we have undoubtedly tried everything we could for that aggressive dog. It isn't likely to be practical to re-home a dog that is a known biter. There is no medication that works predictably for aggression in dogs. Many trainers just aren't qualified to work through these situations. There is tremendous liability involved. You can imagine the feelings of guilt and failure that go through all of us involved in these cases. Some dogs just aren't safe.

On average, there are 4.5 million dog bites, ranging from nips to full blown maulings, annually in the United States alone. Most of these are never reported. Victims of bites that require medical attention number about 800,000 per year. Most people are bitten by their own dogs or dogs they know, and many owners unwittingly promote the aggression or allow the aggression to go unchecked in their dogs. Dog bites are a serious problem.

Even the sweetest, youngest puppy can bite if it provoked-in fact, purse-sized dogs like Chihuahuas are one of the highest ranking breeds most likely to bite. Because of their size, these bites are less likely to cause significant damage; that is why so many people tend to dismiss their small dogs' bad behavior.

Children are much more likely to be seriously bitten than are adults, likely because kids get dogs all worked up, excited and nervous and many bite in response to the adrenaline rush. Male dogs are twice as likely to bite as are females, intact (not spayed or neutered) animals are 3 times more likely than sterilized ones, dogs younger than 5 more likely than older ones, and mixed breed dogs more commonly than "pure" breed dogs.

So, what can you do to decrease the risk to you and your family? Carefully consider your choice of which dog to add to your family. Your veterinarian is an excellent resource BEFORE your selection, offering information on suitability, adaptability, temperament testing as well as over all health of the dog or puppy. A well socialized puppy is less anxious and more at ease around other pets and people. Don't put your dog in situations where it feels threatened, teased or scared. Be sure to neuter your dog as soon as possible-your veterinarian will advise you at what age this is recommended for your particular puppy. Be sure he/she is healthy and up to date on all vaccines, particularly rabies. If a dog bites a human and proof of rabies vaccine cannot be produced, the dog will need to be quarantined or even euthanized for testing and the bitten person may be subjected to painful and expensive rabies treatments. Be sure to train your pet well-even basic obedience commands like "sit," "stay" and "come" builds trust between the dog and people. Avoid highly excitable games like tug-o-war or "sic em;"a dog will become confused about when it is play and when it is "for real." Be a responsible pet owner-obey leash laws, give your pets plenty of exercise and companionship-dogs left alone are more likely to develop behavior problems.

Children should be taught at a young age how to be careful around pets. Never leave babies or small children alone with even the seemingly best trained, friendliest dog or puppy. Teach them to ask other owners before they approach new dogs, only petting them if given permission. They should learn to stand still if a strange dog approaches them-let it sniff them; most dogs will go away when they realize there is no threat. If threatened by a dog, have the child remain calm-more excitement in a situation is a bad idea. They shouldn't scream or run. They should avoid eye contact. If knocked down, they should curl into a ball and protect their face.

If the worst happens and a bite occurs, even if it is "understandable," such as when the dog's tail is stepped on or he is hurt in some way, seek medical treatment right away. Even minor bites can become infected very rapidly-punctures from teeth are like injections of bacteria directly under the skin. Your doctor may recommend rabies and/or tetanus prophylaxis. Contact animal control or the police and report the situation. If it is your own dog, remove him from the situation if you can do so safely. Don't ever try to break up a dog fight between 2 or more dogs. Comply with local laws about reporting dog bites and provide the necessary rabies vaccine information. Contact your veterinarian right away to discuss the behavioral aspect and take steps to help this from happening again.

OK, Want to play a game? Answer true or false to these questions:

1)Dogs always make their intentions known by growling or barking before they attack.

2)Talking softly to a dog while petting it will reassure it that you mean no harm and will reduce your chances of being bitten.

3)Dogs only attack if you threaten or challenge them.

4)Many bites occur because the dog is protective of its home territory.

5)Turning away and retreating quickly from an aggressive dog will prevent you from being bitten.

6)Carrying dog biscuits with you will help you make friends with dogs.

7)Keep a dog repellent in your car so you will have it at hand.

8)Sneak around a sleeping dog if you need to go to the door where one is in the yard so you don't disturb it.

9)One way to protect yourself is to spray repellent on a dog at least once so he will be afraid to challenge you.

10)A storm or screen door will keep the dog inside from attacking you at the door.


All of these are False except for #4. Dogs DO instinctively know their owners premises as territorial boundaries.


Of course, dogs can be wonderful companions. It is so important to me to cover all bases in enhancing the relationship you and your family have with them. Send me an email or give me a call if you have any other questions about this important subject.

Peace,
DrReneigh