Don't Get Dog Bit

The third full week of May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and the American Veterinary Medical Association, the United States Postal Service, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are each working to educate Americans about dog bite prevention.

At the Whitfield County Animal Shelter 9 out of 10 of the bite kennels are occupied with animals impounded for biting.

Diane Franklin, Whitfield County Rabies Officer, says, "I hope most that read this article are never confronted with being a victim of an animal attack."

She provides a few simple ways to prevent animal bites:

• Do not approach an unfamiliar animal.
• Do not run from an animal and scream, remain motionless (e.g. "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar animal.
• If knocked over by an animal, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g. "be still like a log").
• Do not let children play with an animal unsupervised.
• Immediately report stray animals or animals displaying unusual behavior to the animal control or appropriate authority.
• Do not disturb an animal that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to animal control at 706-259-2529 and seek medical treatment making sure to follow your doctor's advice.

Animal bites effect 4.7 million people a year. Experts believe that public education can help prevent many of these bites.

Here are things to consider before getting a companion animal:

• Animals with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
• Be sensitive to cues that children are fearful or apprehensive about animals, if so delay acquiring the animal.
• Spend time with the animal before buying or adopting it.
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog (e.g. wrestling).
• Teach the dog to be submissive (e.g. rolling over and relinquishing food without growling).
• Most importantly always spay and neuter your animals; this tends to reduce aggressive tendencies.