Dog bites a concern for senior citizens and children.

August 2006 - by Doctor Denise E. Roche, DVM  

As many of you already know, the City Council of Springfield passed breed specific legislation that will make it “unlawful for any person to own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport or sell within the city any Pit Bull.”  The ordinance shall be in full force in October 2006.

To see the text of the ordinance - click here.

The ordinance, the debate about whether it is effective or even constitutional and the surrounding discussions concerning the matter all overlook one very important point.  The key to dog bite prevention is public education and awareness.  So, in this article I would like to make you aware.

In the U.S. there are approximately 53 million pet dogs.  This means dogs reside in 1 out of every 3 American households.  Dogs are definitely members of our family, however not all dogs are man’s best friend.  Nearly 4.7 million people are bitten each year. Surprisingly, more than half of all dog bites are inflicted by the family pet. Only about 10 % of dog bites are caused by an unknown dog. Almost 50% of all dog bite victims are children younger than 12 years of age.  And people 70 years of age and older represent 10% of all dog bite victims. Unfortunately, people in this same category account for 20% of all fatally injured dog bite victims and 70 % of fatal dog attacks involve children. This means that seniors and their grandchildren make up at least 60% of all dog bite victims and 90% of all victims killed by dog attacks. You and your grandchildren are most at risk of being bitten. 

Almost half of all U.S. children are bitten by a dog before the age of 18.  The most vulnerable of children are boys between the ages of 5 to 9 years old.  Children’s natural behaviors of running, yelling, grabbing, quick and unexpected movements, and maintaining eye contact with a dog put them at greater risk for dog bites. Moreover, a child’s size puts them at serious risk for facial injuries from a dog attack.

As people age, they become more susceptible to injuries from dog bites because of thinning skin, increased bruising tendencies, underlying metabolic diseases and diminished motor skills.  Another concern with older people is that their beloved pet who is accustomed to them and their older friends may not react positively to young children. The chance of being bitten is greater in this scenario.

What can you do to protect yourself and your grandchildren from being attacked or bitten by a dog?

First of all, always ask an owner whether or not you may pet their dog.  Never assume a dog is friendly.  Looks can be deceiving. Do not make direct eye contact with a dog.  Dogs take this as a confrontational action.  Rather speak softly and quietly and move slowly around a new dog.  Let a dog approach you and sniff you first.  Once the dog is acquainted with you gently pet the dog’s back or side.  If the dog seems comfortable with this type of contact then you can approach the head of the dog and begin petting their head. 

Again always remember that direct eye contact and approaching a dog’s head region too quickly can seem as a challenge in canine dog language.  Always remember and tell your grandchildren to never approach a dog that is sleeping, eating or chewing on a treat or toy. Never try to pet a dog that is in a car or behind a fence.  Dogs are naturally protective of their things and their territory and may bite in defense.

Be aware and teach your grandchildren signs of an aggressive or fearful dog. Standing erect, standing straight affront, a straight on stare, bristled hair on the neck and back, ears perked up or flattened down, an erect tail or a tail tucked between the hind legs are all signs of a dog on guard.  Obvious warning signs are baring teeth, growling and menacing barking.  Never allow yourself or your grandchildren to approach a dog exhibiting these signs.

What should you do if a strange dog approaches you or your grandchildren? Do not make eye contact.  Stop and stand still with your hands flat at your side.  This is a non- threatening posture and more than likely the dog will sniff you and then go away. If the dog doesn’t back down, slowly back away while walking.  Never run from a dog in this situation. Running away will only excite and entice the dog into a game of chase. If a dog pushes you down, lie still while tucking your knees to your stomach with you hands covering your ears.  Stay still if possible so as not to seem threatening.  Hopefully the dog will leave you alone after a quick investigation.  If a dog attacks you, feed the dog your purse, your backpack, your jacket, a shoe, a bicycle or anything that you can put between you and the dog.

Concerns about dangerous dogs have prompted many communities to enact breed specific ordinances and controls.  However this breed specific legislation only addresses one of many interacting factors that determine whether a dog may bite. 

A dog’s tendency to bite is influenced by heredity (breed), early puppy experience, later socialization and training, quality of ownership and supervision, whether a dog is reproductively intact or not, overall health and victim behavior. 

To have the best dog that you can possibly have, take these important measures. Enroll your new puppy in a puppy socialization class, and/or continue on with obedience classes for any dog – either young or old.  Have your dog spayed or neutered, provide quality veterinary care and close supervision at all times, and always remember that you can never completely trust a dog around a small child no matter how well behaved the dog or child. Also remember the warning signs and how to act so as not to become a dog bite victim.