Sink your teeth into this: It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week

It's a time of year that many of us have eagerly anticipated. Yes, it's National Dog Bite Prevention Week. We're not sure who designated the third (full) week in May as NDBPW, but you can bet that the United States Postal Service takes it seriously. 

According to a news release from the Postal Service, "last year, 3,184 letter carriers were bitten by dogs across the United States. Thanks to aggressive community outreach efforts with the American Veterinary Medical Assn., the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other organizations nationwide, 89 fewer letter carriers were victimized by dog attacks last year. But even one bite is one too many."

In addition, in the Orange County and Long Beach area, "postal employees suffered the most dog bites last year with 96, followed by Houston with 94, Sacramento with 82 and Los Angeles with 77."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites each year (half of those are children). "Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age."

Both organizations suggest tips for dog owners ... and folks who approach dogs, as does the Humane Society of the United States.

-- Alice Short

Photo: Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Laura G]

Thank you for helping to raise awareness that dog bites are largely preventable.

To put things into perspective, that "4.7 million" number is a broad ESTIMATE by the CDC, made over ten years ago, intended to predict every time there is human exposure to a dog's nails or teeth, which includes everything from serious bites to accidental scratches to playful nips from eight week old puppies. It also includes bites to animal control and veterinary personnel.

The good news is that number of ACTUAL reported bites has been falling dramatically since the 70's. Even postal workers, who have high rates of exposure to unfamiliar dogs, have enjoyed a new level of safety around dogs. Nationally, about 3,200 mail carriers reported being bitten by dogs in 2006, a significant reduction from 6,708 reports in 1973.

It's also important to know that the majority of bites are classified by medical personnel as "fast healing, no lasting impairment" - about on par with a skinned knee.

We should absolutely continue to encourage education and awareness about safety around dogs. It's also important to keep in perspective that the benefits of living with dogs overwhelmingly outweigh the risks.

[Kerry]

Another great resource on prevention and education is Doggone Safe, Inc. - a non profit dedicated to dog bite prevention through education. Learning dog body language is a great way to prevent injuries and be a better advocate for your dog! They offer an excellent education program for children as well!
www.doggonesafe.com