Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.

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An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP.

Preventing Dog Bites

Avoiding Dog Bites

Most dogs will never bite anyone. However, any dog may bite if it feels threatened. Children are the most common victims of dog bites. Infants and young children should never be left alone with a dog.

What should I do if I want to get a dog?

Take time to learn about the breed of dog you want. To learn about dog breeds, talk with a veterinarian, read books about dogs and search the Internet. Don't get a dog only because of the way it looks. If you have an infant or young child, think about getting a puppy. Be especially careful if you have a baby in your house. Aggressive dog breeds aren't right for families with children. Neutered male dogs are generally less aggressive.

Consider taking your new dog to obedience school. Keep your dog's immunizations up to date. Have your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian.

What do I tell my children about dogs?

• Don't go near strange dogs.
• Never bother a dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
• Tell an adult about any stray dogs.
• Always have an adult with you when you play with a dog.
• Never tease a dog.
• Never pet a dog without first letting it smell you.

Picture 1.

Picture 2.

What should I tell my children to do when a dog approaches them?

• Don't run away and scream.
• Stand very still, "like a tree" (See Picture 1).
• Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog.
• If you fall or are knocked down, act "like a log" (See Picture 2).
• When the dog understands that you are not a threat, it will probably walk away.
• If a dog bites you, tell an adult right away.

A dog is a wonderful addition to a family, but it can be a problem if you aren't careful. Always talk to children about how they should act when they're with a dog. Remember that dogs can feel threatened by new surroundings or strangers.

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This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.

Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.

Copyright © 2001 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.

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