{"id":9927,"date":"2015-06-05T06:00:16","date_gmt":"2015-06-05T10:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/candostreet.com\/blog-parents\/?p=9927"},"modified":"2015-06-04T12:21:09","modified_gmt":"2015-06-04T16:21:09","slug":"dog-bite-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/candostreetny.com\/blog-parents\/dog-bite-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing a Dog Bite"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"dog\"<\/a>A dog can be a wonderful family pet and loving companion. <\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n

But, with the joy of owning a dog there is the responsibility of training and socializing a dog. Children need to learn how to treat a dog; not only their own dog but any dog they may encounter. What follows is a press release that speaks to preventing dog bites.<\/span><\/p>\n

National Dog Bite Prevention Week\u00a0 \/ May 17-23, 2015 Press Release<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the American Academy of Pediatrics have joined forces with the U.S. Postal Service, non-profit community, insurance industry and veterinarians to educate the public that dog bites are a serious health issue and are avoidable.\u00a0 According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually – more than half of whom are children. Over the past five years, dog bite injuries are reported to be the 11th<\/sup> leading cause of nonfatal injury in children ages 0-14 in America.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dog Bite Prevention Week is an ideal time to educate children and adults on how to handle, train and treat dogs. If you are considering getting a dog, talk with a veterinarian about choosing a dog that will fit in well with your family. As a dog owner, you should socialize your new pet, train your dog with commands, vaccinate your dog against rabies? and other diseases, and neuter your dog, as they are less likely to bite.<\/span><\/p>\n

The American Humane Association reports that 66 percent of bites among children occur to the head and neck. In 2014 approximately 28,500 reconstructive procedures were done to repair dog bites, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which is a 6 percent increase since 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven the friendliest dog may bite when startled or surprised. Be cautious; once a child is scarred they are scarred for life,\u201d said Gregory R. D. Evans, MD, FACS, president of the ASRM. \u201cMost children love dogs and like to put their faces up close to the dog\u2019s face. Parents should never permit this. Injuries to the face and hands can be disfiguring or disabling and require prompt, expert medical attention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The ASRM and AAP joined this coalition to raise awareness and help prevent devastating, life-changing injuries from dog bites.\u00a0 Medical experts suggest steps you can take to protect your family from a dog bite:<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n