Did you have any idea there was a National Dog Bite Prevention Week?

Yes, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) National Dog Bite Prevention Week for 2014 is from May 18th till May 24. and the focus as before will concentrate on informing individuals about dog bite prevention.

Well, the large bulk of these dog bites can be prevented. And who gets bitten the most, obviously youngsters. Therefore, informing children needs to be a primary duty for parents, especially if there are pets in our home.

With 70 million or so pet dogs in the United States, there’s got to be a couple of dog bites, actually 4.5– 5 million dog bites occur yearly. About 20 % of these bites require medical attention, so about 800,000 a year and half of those are children. Elderly people are the next most typical group suffering from a dog bite. Youngsters are typically more seriously injured. The bites primarily take place during regular daily interactivity with the pet.

So exactly what suggestions can we give to assist to minimize this major problem? Below are 10 things you can do.

Do some study and research about different breeds

Among the most essential things, is to do some study about different breed characters and behavioral trends prior to choosing an animal for the household. Don’t take on or buy an animal based on impulse for psychological reasons, feeling sorry or guilty. Do not let somebody press an animal on you. This generally turns out badly. Particularly if this is your first dog, do some homework. Discover exactly what to search for in an animal. Talk with a veterinarian, a trustworthy breeder, a minimum of somebody in the veterinary field, people who have had years of experience handling and working with various pet dogs. If you are not alone, the other individuals, particularly grownups, need to be on board totally. Don’t permit kids to make the choice or have significant input. You have to look at your family situation and see if the dog fits (sex, type, size, activity level, personality, type of coat, financial commitment, and so on) into your lifestyle.

Check out the parents, at least the bitch, if getting a puppy

If you are getting a puppy, you need to see the mom at least. Temperament is a heritable trait. Exactly how does she act when you approach and touch her? Will she sit on command? Can you get her to rest on her side? Take the puppy and hold it. How does it respond? Position the puppy on its back and side? Exactly how does it react? If it combats you, cries out or tries to bite, do not get it. You will have trouble with socalizing the puppy.

Be sure to have human interaction with the puppy or dog

With that stated, see to it that your puppy is well-socialized. The capability to socialize the pet is vital in having a good and obedient animal. You have to practice with your dog to obey the fundamental commands such as sit, stay, lie down, listen when you say no and come when you call. The dog has to be comfortable walking on a leash (walks with you in a calm manner, doesn’t drag or pull and is by your side). The most essential thing you can do to prevent behavioral problems and the danger of your pet biting someone is proper socialization. If your dog has an obedient nature, you will substantially lower the threat of biting and misbehaving.

Exercise your dog daily

Working your dog out is also crucial, specifically in certain breeds. Pet dogs have energy that needs to be burnt on a regular daily basis. Depending upon the dog, the workout could be long walks or may need to be more aerobic. Good regular workouts also supplies mental excitement for the pet and will make the pet much better within the household.

Play effectively with your dog

When you or the children play with the dog, stay clear of the wrestling or tug-of-war type of games. This kind of activity is over exciting and pits the dog against you. Don’t tease the dog with your hands. Having your fingers, hands or arms in the dog’s mouth is informing the pet it is OK to bite, even though it is in a friendly spirited way. Likewise, do not ever put your dog in a circumstance where he/she feels teased or threatened.

Leash training is required

As previously discussed, you have to constantly utilize a leash when you walk your dog in public. You have to preserve control. You do not have control, if your dog is dragging you along. All members of the family have to have appropriate control when walking the dog, not simply a single person. If you have an actual trouble when walking your dog, you ought to seek out some obedience training.

Do not leave your dog outside alone in the yard

Leaving a dog out in the backyard, ignored, can cause troubles. Digging holes and jumping the fence may become issues. If someone else has a dog in an adjacent yard, then you may get some territorial and aggression issues. This might negate the work you have already put in.

Timely spaying and sterilizing can assist

Taking the step to neuter or spay your dog will remove the hormonal influences which can reduce some regular hostility tendencies present among sexual intact animals. You need to discuss the timing of neutering or spaying with your veterinarian.

Get yearly wellness and health evaluations

Regular health and physical exams should be done at a minimum yearly. Animals in pain from osteoarthritis could possibly bite if touched where there is pain, Your veterinarian can supply medicine for arthritic pain.

Take some time to inform and instruct your youngsters

You need to instruct your youngsters ways to approach and act with, not just your own dog, but also with other dogs they could encounter. Make sure they understand not to just go up a dog and stick out their hand to touch the animal. Never ever should they try to hug a dog.They must never approach a dog that is not on a leash and under an adult’s control. You must never leave a baby or small child alone with any dog, even your own.

Check the below videos to help educate your child:

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