TOPEKA – Each year 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States and half of these are children. Nearly 800,000 bites are serious enough to require medical attention. In Kansas, there were 279 people hospitalized for dog bites from 2007 – 2011. Sixty-two, or 23 percent, of the 279 people hospitalized were children less than nine years of age.
These statistics have prompted local and state health officials to urge residents to take steps to avoid being bitten. To call attention to this, May 18-24 has been declared National Dog Bite Prevention Week.
“Rabies is a fatal disease,” said Karen Winkelman, public health nurse with the Barton County Health Department. “From a public health standpoint, vaccination of our pets is very important.”
“Dogs are wonderful companions for many individuals and families,” said Dr. Ingrid Garrison, state public health veterinarian with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “Unfortunately children are the most common victims of dog bites and they are often bitten by dogs they know.”
In Barton County, Winkelman said dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses are required to be immunized annually. This is regardless of the vaccine used, whether it is a three-year, two-year or one-year preparation.
An owner is defined as any person who feeds, waters, and or houses these animals for more than three consecutive days.
Many of these bites are preventable through a combined effort of responsible dog ownership and adults teaching children how, or if, they should approach a dog, Garrison said. Suggestions on how to approach a dog include;
• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not run from a dog or scream.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• “Be still like a tree” when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and be still.
• Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
“Ask your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s behavior. They can determine if there is a medical issue or provide you with training resources,” said Gary Reser, executive director of the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association.
Other ways dog owners can help include; spaying or neutering their dog, as this often reduces aggressive tendencies, and properly training and socializing their dog.
“Never leave a child alone with any dog,” said Dr. Beth Montelone, director of One Health Kansas. “Any dog can bite under particular circumstances.”
Additional information on dog bite prevention can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website at www.avma.org. Posters, bookmarks, and information cards in English and Spanish can be downloaded from the One Health Kansas website at onehealthkansas.k-state.edu.