Dog bites might seem like a minor health problem, but at least one million Americans are treated for dog bites each year, at a cost of over $50 million; its estimated that at least another million cases go unreported.
In 80 percent of cases, the victim is familiar with the dog. Usually, it belongs to a family, friend or the victim herself. And many victims fall into two distinct groups: boys under 15 and people over 65.
To avoid bites:
Dont put your face near a dogs face no matter how cute he is.
Assume that a barking or snarling dog will bite.
If a dog approaches you in a hostile manner, dont look it in the eye. Thats often seen as aggression. Turn sideways. Call sharply, something like "Go home," to startle the dog, and leave as quickly as possible
Dont move suddenly.
Never bother a dog even lovingly by touching it when its eating or sleeping.
Keep hands off dogs you dont know, especially if they dont have an owner with them. If one approaches, stand still, hands at sides, so the dog wont see you as a threat.
If you are bitten, the likelihood is that you wont get rabies, which is rare in the United States. Yet each year there are more than thirty thousand rabies treatments started, about ten times what the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta estimates is necessary. So if youre bitten, first identify the dog and determine if its been vaccinated against rabies. If you cant and there has been rabies in your area, you will probably need the series of rabies shots. In addition, if youre bitten:
Flush the wound with plenty of soap and warm water.See a doctor, either your own or one in the nearest emergency room. Even if the dog isnt rabid, dog bites are serious. The risk of infection from them is high; there are some sixty-five different bacteria in a dogs mouth that can infect humans. Dogs teeth are strong enough to cut sheet metal.But dont let all this talk of injury dampen your decision to buy a dog. Experts whove studied animal-human relations say that dogs are excellent companions for children and seniors. For those living alone, dogs can ease loneliness. But keep a few things in mind when choosing a dog. First, youd better think of the pet as at least a ten-year commitment. Your pet will require care and attention as long as it lives. Then consider the following:Size and breed. Experts think mixed breeds make the best pets, but if you want a full breed, choose a gentle one. A large percentage of dog bites are blamed on particular breeds.Look for a curious pup. Shy ones might be nervous and grow up to be biters. Growling pups should be passed up.If you get your dog from an animal shelter, you not only get it free or for a nominal charge, you may get free neutering or spaying, shots and follow-up care for thirty days. Even more importantly, most shelters screen dogs for temperament.
If you buy your dog, have it checked thoroughly by a veterinarian within the first four or five days. Its best to buy your pet from a reputable breeder and skip pups who are bred at so-called "puppy mills" and often end up in the windows of mall pet stores.Train the dog and its owner. Some animal shelters and reputable pet-supply stores (PetSmart, Petco) offer inexpensive training courses as do some Ys.Read all about it. Theres plenty of information about dogs either at your library or on the Web. Before making a decision gain as much knowledge about the breed or mixed breed as you can.After following these tips, enjoy your new member of the family! Theres a reason for the adage "Dogs are a man (or womans) best friend." With the right choice and care, it can be true.Robin Westen is ThirdAges medical reporter. Watch for her daily updates. She is the author of "Ten Days to Detox: How to Look and Feel a Decade Younger."See what others have to say about this story or leave a comment of your own.
