Dog bite prevention Published May 17, 2007 By Master Sgt. Sean Reiling 319th Medical Group GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Man's best friend bites more than 4.7 million people a year. Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites; half of these are children. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age. Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or neck region. Injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys than for girls. Things to consider before you get a dog: * Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household. * Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children. Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog. * Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant or toddler. * Spay/neuter virtually all dogs (this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies). * Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog. * Do not play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling). * Properly socialize and train any dog entering the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling). * Immediately seek professional advice if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors. Preventing dog bites Teach children basic safety around dogs and review regularly: * Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. * Do not run from a dog and scream. * Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog. * If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log"). * Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. * Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult. * Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. * Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies. * Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first. * If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult. Things to do if bitten by a dog * Wash the area with soap and water, and apply pressure with a sterile gauze or a clean cloth if the victim is bleeding (Do not apply any antiseptics or anything else on the wound) * Cover any broken skin with a bandage or sterile gauze * Seek medical care immediately * Report all animal bites to the Public Health office * Get a description of the animal that bit the victim and the animal's location (address if known) * Notify Security Forces immediately if the animal is wild or a stray 319 MDG is committed to reducing this public health problem by working with base agencies, residents and state health departments to establish dog bite prevention programs and by tracking and reporting trends on dog bite injuries. Dog bites are a largely preventable public health problem, and adults and children can learn to reduce their chances of being bitten. All animal bites and scratches must be reported to 319 MDG Public Health by calling 747-5511