Did you know that dogs bite over 4.5 million people in the United States each year? In fact, because not all bites are reported, this number could be low. While most of these bites are minor in nature, as many as 800,000 require medical attention. At least a few serious instances occur each year. Unfortunately, some dog assaults end in fatalities. Others can result in serious injury and/or disfigurement. Read on to learn more about dog bites from a local Kerrville, TX veterinarian.

How Do I Keep Myself Safe From Dog Bites?

In a way, one of the best ways to protect oneself from dog bites is to avoid common misconceptions about them.

One widely held rumor regarding this subject is that dogs attack without warning. While dogs occasionally snap unexpectedly, this is fairly unusual. In most circumstances, Fido sent out rather clear signals. It’s just that not everyone understands how to read them. It’s also a mistake to assume that just because Fido is small or cute, he won’t bite. The Chihuahua is a fantastic example of a little but feisty dog.

Never try to speed or dash past a dog. Also, do not approach or interfere with a pooch that’s sleeping, feeding, or nursing a puppy. Many pooches will instinctively react defensively to this. You should also never try to pet a strange or loose dog.

If a strange dog approaches you, remain still. Do not make eye contact. 

Ask your vet for more information.

How Can I Protect My Child From Dog Bite?

Unfortunately, dog bite assaults disproportionately affect children. Several factors come into play here. One facet is children’s small size. Many kids have naturally loud voices, which can startle and upset Fido. Children are also prone to moving quickly and may be awkward. This is all quite typical for little humans. Fido, on the other hand, doesn’t always get that.

Teaching your children the safety guidelines we have just discussed is critical. Make sure kids know they should never bother or chase dogs or try to touch their food or toys. You’ll also need to take some additional precautions. Never leave your youngster alone with a strange dog. Man’s Best buddy can be a fantastic buddy and companion for children, but it’s critical to take the necessary safeguards.

Why Do Dogs Bite People?

Dogs can bite for a variety of reasons. In most cases, however, Fido is responding to something. He may feel threatened, or be protecting somebody or something from a real or perceived threat. He may be sick, scared, or hurt, or have a bad association with something. Some dogs attack because of prey drive, while others get too ramped up after rowdy play.  Other possible factors include breed, prior history, and socialization.

How Do I Keep Fido From Biting People?

We want to make it clear that there are no intrinsically bad dogs in our book. However, there are numerous bad owners, bad experiences, and bad situations. These things can bring out the worst in our canine companions.

If your dog bites someone, you may face legal consequences. In addition, you may be held accountable for medical care. Your dog may potentially be confiscated or, in certain situations, euthanized. Needless to say, these things can also cause a lot of emotional distress. 

Fortunately, following simple precautions can go a long way.

First, always adopt wisely. This process begins with selecting the right dog. If you have small children, you should look for a gentle, calm puppy rather than one with anxiety and a high prey drive. Socialization is also really important for Fido’s personality. Consult your vet for advice.

Getting Fido Fixed is also crucial. The bulk of attacks are by unneutered males. You’ll also need to make sure your pup understands (and obeys) simple instructions like Sit, Stay, and Come.

Never let your canine companion run loose! Keep your pup leashed or in fenced areas.

Finally, keep up with veterinary care. Dogs, like humans, can get irritable when they are unwell or injured. Ensure your dog is current on checkups, immunizations, and parasite control.

If you know or believe that your dog is scared or violent, talk to your Kerrville TX veterinarian about behavioral training.

Of course, there’s a lot to be said about traditional TLC. The happier Fido is, the better!

How Can I Tell if a Dog Is About to Bite?

Dogs’ body language can confuse those who don’t understand it. For example, we all know that growling is a major red flag and is frequently the biggest warning before a dog strikes. However, many of the other indicators are easily overlooked. A wagging tail, for example, is commonly regarded as a sign of a puppy’s happiness. However, this is only true when Fido is wagging his tail quickly and generally acting happy. A sluggish wag is generally an indicator of apprehension.

Here’s what you should look for:

• Growls
• Raised hackles
• Licking lips
• Tucked tail
• Slow Tail Wags
• Bared teeth
• Stiffness
• Yawns
• Showing the whites of the eyes
• Barking than retreating
• Aggressive body language/stance
• Ears flattened
• Staring

If you observe any of these things, slowly back away and avoid eye contact.

Are Stray Dogs Hazardous?

Strays are not necessarily harmful. For the most part, strays are dogs in difficult situations through no fault of their own. In fact, many of our favorite patients were once stray animals who are now happy, cherished pets. We also feel that no dog should be left to fend for itself, and we are pleased to help rescue initiatives when we can. It’s just necessary to be aware of a few things.

There are several reasons why strays are more inclined to bite. Many pups were not properly socialized, therefore they may be distrustful of people. Strays have to struggle just to survive and can be fiercely protective of food and puppies. Last but not least, strays don’t get the care they need from vets, so they are more likely to get sick or hurt. That, of course, will just make them more cautious.

Why Is The Post Office Raising Awareness?

Postal workers are among the most commonly bitten. In fact, in 2022, over 5,300 postal workers reported being attacked by canines. We realize it may appear to be a simple joke, but it is not. Many dogs regard postmen as intruders.

You can take a few steps to ensure that your canine companion does not contribute to the frequency of mail carrier attacks. First and foremost, keep your canine companion secure.

If you have a fenced yard for Fido, design your property so visitors and delivery men can approach your entrance or front porch without coming into direct contact with him. (This also minimizes the odds of your puppy running away.)

If your dog is territorial and/or aggressive, you may need to take further precautions, such as receiving things at a PO box. It may be inconvenient, but it is far less so than a lawsuit or medical bills.

Make An Appointment At Our Kerrville TX Animal Hospital

Is it time for your dog to get his or her exam? Please contact us, your Kerrville TX pet hospital, today!