HOW TO AVOID DOG ATTACK AND BITES.

The proportion of stray dog problem in many parts of the world is unimaginable.

Street and village dogs have always been part of the developing world’s landscape, but exploding populations, increasing attacks on citizens and soaring rabies epidemics have transformed this issue from a third world problem to a global public health priority.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are more than 300 million stray dogs worldwide and that more than 60,000 people die from rabies every year.

We love to pet dogs, and most dogs love to be petted. But there are also times when we shouldn’t pet a dog.

Here’s a list on how to avoid dog attack and bites:

1..   Do not feed stray dogs excess food from your house.

2..  To curb an aggressive behavior avoid:

               Staring at them.

               Yelling at them.

               Don’t wave or swing your arms wildly.

               Walking or running toward them.

3..  Do not start running away when you see stray dogs, which is a sign of weakness. This may trigger predatory behaviors in a dog such as chasing or excite an attack on you.

4..  Do not look into their eyes as it’s considered a threatening body language or an act of aggression. It may also be perceived dangerous when visual level of a dog and a small child are same.

5..  Do not go near or touch the puppies as the mother dog is very protective of her litter.

6..  Do not throw stones or hit them with sticks.

7..  Stand sideways to the dog. Let them approach and sniff you. Do not raise your hand and surprise them. They might bite you.

8..  A sick or injured dog may become cranky, over-reactive or develop a tendency to become snappish.

9..  Be careful when moving an injured dog. A dog may lash out even at a friendly person. If you do want to move an injured dog, put on heavy gloves and a heavy coat to protect you.

10.. Do not intervene between a dog and his food or water, this may trigger aggressive behavior in some animals.

11. Do not allow children to approach a chained dog or try hug and kiss an unfamiliar animal or try pull it’s tail or engaging in other behavior that the dog may feel threatening.

12. Small children are especially prone to being misunderstood by dogs,

In part because their size and movements can be similar to a prey. Also, young children may unintentionally provoke a dog by playfully pulling on ears or tail is common as is disturbing a sleeping dog or approaching an unfamiliar dog.

13. To avoid potential dangers, even well behaved children and dogs should be left under watchful adult eyes. Many children or adults survived a dog attack simply by virtue of the fact that they were able to sustain and fend the dog off due to assistance by others.

14. Never try to pet an unfamiliar dog that’s behind a fence, tied up or in a car. Dogs can be very protective of their territory.

15. Allow dogs to investigate you before you touch them. Dogs are naturally curious and may want to sniff you or approach you slowly. This is usually not a threatening behavior. Be calm, look away and keep your hands still to the side.

16. Be gentle, don’t play rough, or the dog may play rough back. An excited dog is an unpredictable dog.

17. If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball. Lock your hands behind your neck, close your elbows and protect your ears, throat and face to minimize injury. Remain motionless. Do not scream or roll around.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A DOG BITE.

The most important first step you can take after a dog bite is to identify the dog.  Find out who owns the dog. If the dog is a stray and you cannot identify it, you may be forced to undergo a series of rabies shots.

IF   BITTEN BY A DOG

Getting bit by a dog is not fun, but it is not always an emergency. Evaluate the situation before you rush to the hospital. Follow these simple guidelines.

Wash wound with soap and water.                                                                                         Do not bandage wound.

     

                              

   

   Stay calm.

      Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water for 

      at least  10 minutes.

      Do not bandage the wound.

      See your doctor for additional care and advice.

      Report to the appropriate authority.

      Tell them everything you know about the dog, what it looks like, where you saw     

       It, in which direction it left etc.

When you visit the Doctor be prepared to answer a few questions including:

        Do you know the owner of the dog? If so, is the dog up to date on all

        Vaccinations including rabies?

         Did the bite occur because the dog was provoked or was the attack 

         Unprovoked?

         How many other people were bitten by this dog?

Depending on the severity of the bite, contact medical services of your local area for help or have someone drive you to the emergency care.

Always seek medical care after a dog bite.

The infection from a dog bite is far too risky to ignore.

If your child is bitten by a dog then it’s a good idea to take extra  precautions. Many veterinarians recommend taking the child straight to the Doctor if the bite punctures the skin.

Also people with weakened immune system need to take extra precautions.

Did you have any encounters with stray dogs?
If you have any advice or how to deal with strays,
please leave your comment.