NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK – April 10-16, 2022

Each year, 800, 00 people in the United States will receive medical attention for dog bites and half of this number is children. Dog bite injuries are highest in children aged 5-9years of age. Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages 4 years and younger are to the head and neck areas. Injuries occur more often in boys than in girls.

Preventing Dog Bites:

Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. Before petting someone’s dog, ask the owner’s permission.

Let the dog “sniff” your closed hand, then pet the dog’s sides and back gently.

Teach children not to scare or disturb a dog if it is eating, sleeping, playing with toys or caring for its puppies. Teach children not to tease, pinch, poke, pull, throw things, and wave a stick at a dog. Animals may bite if they are startled or frightened.

Do not try to pet a dog that is in a car or behind a fence. Dogs will often protect their property and home.

Don’t play rough with your dog as this can teach aggressiveness.

Be sure your dog has a place it can go and not be disturbed.

Do not leave young children alone with a dog.

If an unfamiliar dog approaches, you remain still, hands at your sides and do not make eye contact. Do not scream and run. Never try to outrun a dog. Back away from him slowly.

If you are on the ground, roll up into a ball with your hands over your ears. Stay still and quiet like this until the dog goes away.

If the dog does attack, put anything you can between you and the dog like a jacket, purse book bag.

Learn to understand a dog’s body language. Either an angry dog or a frightened dog may be prone to bite. An angry dog may try to make itself look bigger: ears standing up, the fur on its back standing on end, tail straight up (it may still be wagging). It may approach with teeth bares and growling, and stare straight at you. A frightened dog may put its tail between its legs, roll over on its back, crouch to the ground and fold its ears back.

Instruct children to report any stray animals to you. They need to be reminded never to touch an injured animal or one exhibiting strange behavior.

If you are bitten or attacked by a dog:

Immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water.

If needed, contact your physician for additional care or go to the local emergency room.

Report the bite to your local animal control agency. Provide animal control with everything you know about the dog, including its owners name and address if known to you. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control officer what the dog looks like, where you last saw the animal, if you have seen it before and in which direction it went.

If your dog bites someone:

Confine the dog immediately and check on the victim’s condition. Seek medical help if necessary.

Provide the bit victim with your name, dogs’ information including dates of last vaccinations and veterinarians name and address.

Animal control will also need the animals’ medical information. The dog must be quarantined animal control officers will explain this process to you.

Reducing dog bite risks:

Spay or neuter your animal. , this may help with aggressive tendencies and reduce your dog’s desire to roam and fight with other dogs. 

Socialize your dog. Introduce you dog to many different types of people and situations so they are not nervous or frightened under normal circumstances. Dogs that are well socialized and supervised ate much less likely to bite.  

Train you dog and teach it appropriate behavior, do not teach the dog to chase after or attack others, even in fun. Set appropriate limits for our dog’s behavior. Dangerous behavior towards other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people.

Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog as required by law, and provide regular veterinary care including rabies vaccinations. Don’t allow your dog to run loose. Dogs that spend a great deal of time alone or tied to a chain can often become dangerous.

If you do not know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. It is better to leave the animal at home than subject him to a crowd or strangers.

The information above was provided by the NHSUS, SPCA and NAHEE.

Featured dog- West

West was found as a stray. He is a little shy but warms up quickly and wants to be beside you or on your lap. He knows sit, shake, down and does well on leash. He is learning to play with toys, He is calm and gentle

Other available dogs

Milo Extra large boy. Absolutely loves people and going for walks. Very strong No small children please

Leah- Loves being with people. She needs a secure high fenced yard or she will go visiting neighbors

Cocoa- Perfect heeler/border collie. Loves playing with toys and being with people.

Featured cat Shadow & Smokey-

Shadow & Smokey are 2 boys looking for a home together! These handsome fellows were surrendered by their owner due to a change in life circumstances, and they’re anxious to get back to a home environment. We’ve always been together, and we like to cuddle with one another and with our people. Sweet, but shy, we may take a little time to warm up at first, mostly because we’re not sure why we’re here. We’re hoping for a quiet home where we can sit on the sofa with you and warm up your bed.

Other available cats

Stevie Nicks Large lady. Loves attention. Needs diet and exercise. No other cats

Kitters- Was just shaved and had spa day. Loves being with you and keeping you company

Peter- 4 months old. Loves to play and cuddle

If you’d like to visit with our adoptable pets, PLEASE CALL TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT (702) 346-5268. The shelter is open, but an appointment is required prior to arrival. Thank you!