What You Can Do About Dog Bites 

Dogs are more than pets; they are family. But, even well-behaved dogs can bite. In fact, half of the more than 4.7 million dog bites that occur every year are by the family pet, according to National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Dogs are responsible for 85 to 90 percent of all animal bites. But, many incidents can be avoided. Teaching children how to stay safe is especially important, because they’re most likely to be bitten.  

Warning signs

Some behaviors may signal that a dog is aggressive, afraid or protecting his or her territory, three situations that can set you up for a bite, the NLM says. Watch for the following: 

• Growling, snarling or barking 

• Crouching with the head low or the tail between the legs 

• Fur that’s standing up, erect ears, a stiff body and a high tail 

• Obvious injury or pain

Avoiding bites

If a strange dog comes near you, stand still, keep your hands down and avoid eye contact. If you’re knocked down, curl into a ball and cover your head, neck and face. Remember these tips, too: 

• Ask before petting a dog you don’t know. 

• Never leave a child alone with a dog -- even the family pet. 

• Avoid dogs that are cornered, chained, in a car or behind a fence.  

• Don’t play rough with any dog.

• Don’t break up a dog fight.   

• Don’t surprise older dogs. One that’s deaf or blind may bite.

• Keep your face away from a dog’s head.

• Don’t disturb a dog that’s sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.   

Self-care

Rinse any bite with running water. This may help clean away bacteria. Then, wash the wound with warm, soapy water, cover it with a clean bandage and call your health care provider, the NLM says. If the bite is bleeding heavily, apply direct pressure and raise it above heart level until the bleeding stops.

Your locality may have a law about reporting dog bites. If so, report the bite to the local health department and animal-control agency. And, try to find the dog’s owner; you need to know if the rabies vaccination is current.