Each year 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs, with bites to children accounting for more than half of that upsetting statistic. As education is key to combating any crisis, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) established National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

Held each third week in May, the observation shines spotlight on actions that can be taken to prevent dog bites, such as the following tips for pet guardians from the American Humane Association:

Rules On Approaching And Handling Dogs

Never approach
an unknown dog, allow him to come to you
a nursing bitch with puppies.
a strange dog that is eating.
A sleeping dog, rather wake him from a distance.
Do not lean over or pick up a strange dog.
Never tease or agitate a strange dog
Don’t pat a dog on the head or the back of the neck
Always be calm and relaxed around dogs.
Avoid hugging and kissing dogs.
Never leave a child unattended with any dog, regardless of the dog’s demeanor.
Teach your children that dogs deserve respect.
Teach your children to never play with any dog in a rough manner.
Pet parents of puppies should teach socialization skills to their young Spot so the dog will feel more at home among other people and pets.
Never put a dog in a situation which will make him or her feel threatened.
Always walk your dog on a leash while in public.
Visit your veterinarian regularly, as a dog who is ill or injured is more apt to strike out at people.
Caution people who approach your dog.
Strangers should always wait before petting any dog in order to give the canine time to familiarize themselves with the unknown person on their terms.


Understand the body language of the dog
Put a safe amount of space between yourself and a dog if you see the following signals indicating that the dog is uncomfortable and might feel the need to bite:

tensed body
stiff tail
pulled back head and/or ears
furrowed brow
eyes rolled so the whites are visible
yawning
flicking tongue
intense stare
backing away


What to do if you think a dog may attack you

If you are suddenly approached by a dog you think may attack you, follow these steps:

Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until they are out of sight.
If the dog does attack, “feed” them your jacket, purse, bicycle or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
Drop your hints on other tips on avoiding dog bites.
Source:http://petsarena.com.ng/2017/05/quick-tips-avoidig-dog-bites/