This week May 19-May 25 is National Dog Bite Awareness Week, which calls attention to a common and continually growing public heath problem: dog biting. The American Veterinary Medical Association sponsors this special observance to raise awareness about this problem and educate society on tips and prevention techniques, which are both key elements to reducing the number of dog bites.
Each year over four and a half million people in this country are bitten by dogs and over 800,000 of these bites require medical attention. Children are the most common dog bite victims and are more likely to be severely injured when bitten. The stats are alarming.
We at SABRE Red understand the mental, physical, emotional, and financial toll dog bites can have on a family so we have offered some safety tips below.
1. Understand that ANY dog can bite. There are no breed, size, or age limitations.
2. Educate your dogs and educate yourselves. Dogs should be trained appropriate behavior from an early age and people must learn how to approach dogs from an early age. It’s never too early for either.
3. Socialize your dog in a safe and non-volatile environment.
4. Monitor your dog’s behavior patterns. What physical changes does it undergo when it is upset, nervous, or afraid? Consider using a muzzle if it demonstrates any perilous behavior.
5. Purchase SABRE Dog Protector. It is a very effective personal defense spray that will deter an attacking dog, providing the user with an opportunity to escape without causing any severe harm to the dog. This is especially useful when walking your dog to protect yourself and your dog against other aggressive dogs. Visit www.sabrered.com/protector
1. Don't disturb a dog eating/chewing on something.
2. Don't disturb a sleeping dog.
3. Don't pet a dog without asking.
4. Don’t run past a dog. This can activate the dog's prey drive.
5. If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Remain calm. Move slowly.
6. Avoid eye contact which is confrontational.
7. Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that is tethered or confined.
8. 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.
9. If you are attacked, roll up into a ball with your hands over your ears.
Although the stats are troubling, dog biting is preventable so let’s continue to work together to raise awareness and increase education around this issue.
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Since 2008, SABRE’s pink product line has funded the equivalent of 20,000 mammograms.