Dog bite prevention facts for kids

A snarling dog showing it might be ready to bite.

Dog bite prevention is all about learning how to stay safe around dogs so you don't get bitten. It's important to know what to do, because dog bites can cause serious injuries. Sometimes, people even need medical help for a bite. Many people, especially kids, get bitten by dogs each year. Often, these bites come from a dog they know, like a family pet.

Who Gets Bitten by Dogs?

Anyone can get bitten by a dog, but some people are more likely to. Babies and young children are often bitten because they might not know how to act around dogs. It's super important for adults to watch small children when they are near dogs. Kids from five to nine years old are most likely to get bitten. They also need medical care for their bites more often than adults.

Did you know that over half of dog bites happen at home? They often involve dogs that are pets. If a home has many dogs, the people living there are more likely to get bitten. For example, if a home has two or more dogs, people are five times more likely to be bitten.

A dog might wag its tail and still bite. People often think a wagging tail means a dog is friendly. But a dog can wag its tail if it's scared, ready to fight, or even angry. So, don't just trust a wagging tail!

How to Stay Safe Around Dogs

Many groups share tips to help prevent dog bites. Here are some important things you can do:

• Do not try to stop dogs that are fighting. It's too dangerous.
• If a dog comes toward you, stand very still.
• If you fall, curl into a ball. Tuck your head in and cover your ears and neck with your hands.
• If you see a dog that looks sick or acts strange, tell an adult or the police.
• Do not walk toward a dog you do not know.
• Do not run away from a dog. This might make the dog chase you.
• Do not panic or make loud noises. Stay calm.
• Do not go near a dog with puppies. The mother dog might think you want to hurt her babies.
• Do not let your dog bite you, even when you are playing.
• Small children should never play with a dog by themselves. An adult should always be watching.
• Do not bother or touch a dog if it is sick. Sick dogs are more likely to bite.
• Do not wake up a sleeping dog by touching it. Call its name instead.
• Do not take things out of a dog's mouth.
• Do not touch a dog while it is eating.
• Keep dangerous dogs away from children.

Dogs often show signs before they bite. You can learn to understand a dog's body language. This helps you know when a dog might be about to bite. For example, if a dog is snarling, has a wrinkled nose, dark eyes, and fur standing up, it might be dangerous. It's best to stay away from a dog showing these signs.

Just because a dog walks toward you doesn't mean it will bite. If you are careful, you can lower your chance of getting bitten. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares tips for how to act safely around dogs:

• Stop walking or moving.
• Stay still and be calm.
• Do not panic or make loud noises.
• Avoid looking directly into the dog's eyes. This can make the dog think you want to fight.
• Say "No" or "Go Home" in a strong, firm voice.
• Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.
• Wait for the dog to pass, or slowly back away.

What to Do If a Dog Attacks

Even if a dog attacks, you can protect yourself:

• Put your backpack, jacket, or anything else you have between you and the dog. This can help protect you.
• If you are knocked down, curl into a ball. Tuck your head in and cover your ears and neck with your hands.
• Once you are in a safe place, quickly wash any wounds with soap and water.

You should see a doctor if:

• The bite is bleeding a lot, is very painful, or if you can see your muscle or bone.
• The bite area becomes red, more painful, warm, or swollen, or if you get a fever.
• It has been more than five years since your last tetanus shot and the bite is deep.

Training a dog can make it less likely to bite. Also, learning these safety tips can help you avoid dog bites.

Images for kids

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  A wound on a child from a dog bite.

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  Tips for preventing dog bites.