EVERY 40 SECONDS A PERSON SEEKS TREATMENT FOR A DOG BITE. The United States has an estimated 5 million dog bite victims per year, with nearly 800,000 of these victims requiring medical treatment. 60% of this total is comprised of children, with 77% sustaining injuries to their face.
The average yearly cost to treat these victims is over 160 million dollars. Approximately 70% of those injured were bitten while on the property of the dog owner. In the United States there are 15 to 18 dog bite related fatalities per year.
Never pet an unfamiliar dog without your parent's permission and the permission of the dog's owner first.
Never stare directly into the eyes of a dog.
Never tease or play aggressive games with a dog, or try to hurt them in any way.
Never run up to, or startle a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for its puppies.
Never approach a dog that is chained or tied up.
Always be aware of dogs in your neighborhood, and never touch a strange or unfamiliar dog you see running loose.
Tell an adult if you see any dogs running loose in your neighborhood or school.
If you are ever confronted by a dog, be as still and quiet as possible and try to place an object between yourself and the dog.
If you are ever knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball, covering your face by raising and crossing your arms.
If a dog bites you or someone you know, tell an adult right away.