When Fido Bites—The Downside of Dogs and Kids

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Recent stats reveal who's bitten by dogs far too often: children.

The Scoop

According to the Centers for Disease Control, of the 4.7 million Americans bitten by dogs annually, more than half are children. And many times the dog is one that's familiar to the child.

"Most children love dogs and like to put their face up close to the dog's face. Parents should never permit this. Even the friendliest dog may bite when startled or surprised," says Dr. Michael Neumeister, president of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (via a USPS press release).

Your Baby

The good news? Reducing the risk for dog bites only requires a few commonsense rules. For babies and toddlers, it's simple. "Don't ever leave a young child unsupervised around any dog, even a dog well-known to your family," says Dr. Robert Block, president of the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP).

The AAP recommends these rules for all families to follow:

• Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
• If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• Never approach a strange dog.
• Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Anyone wanting to pet a dog should first obtain permission from the owner.
• Always let a dog see and sniff you before petting the animal.
• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.
• If you are knocked down by a dog, curl into a ball and protect your face with your hands.

Experts also urge all dog owners to do what they can to reduce bites. This includes basic obedience training and keeping dogs on leashes in public places.