Take the Bite Out of Dogs: Advice on How to Prevent Canine Attacks

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State Farm Insurance and the American Veterinary Medical Association

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BLOOMINGTON, Ill., May 5, 1998 -- If dog owners aren't responsible, man's best friend can become his worst enemy.

As many as one million people each year require medical attention because of dog attacks. An equal number of people go untreated or do not report the attack. On average, 12 people a year die as a result of dog attacks. Children account for 60 percent of all victims.

"Dog attacks are the No. 1 public health problem of children, with over half of children bitten by age 12," said Dr. John I. Freeman, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

In addition to the tragedy of death and injury sometimes caused by canine attacks, owners can also be subject to lawsuits and criminal prosecution for their pet's behavior.

Insurance companies paid an estimated $250 million in dog bite liability claims in 1996, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Surprisingly, most victims are bitten by dogs owned by their family and friends, but there are steps dog owners can take to reduce the likelihood of their dogs biting people. Your veterinarian is your best source for information about your pet's behavior.

Responsible pet ownership and safe behavior around dogs are other measures to curb the possibility of your dog biting someone, or you being bitten by a dog.

Reduce the chance of your dog biting someone by following these tips:

• Socialize your dog so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
• Don't put your dog in situations where it may feel threatened or teased.
• Obey leash laws. Don't let your dog roam free.
• Train your dog to obey basic commands such as "stay," "no" and "come."
• Keep your dog healthy with the proper vaccinations. Control parasites.

If you are approached by a dog, the following tips may reduce your chances of being attacked:

• Don't run away.
• Stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Avoid eye contact. Remain calm.
• If you fall to the ground or are knocked down, curl into a ball, placing your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

More information on preventing dog bites is available free to the public through State Farm Insurance.

To receive a copy of a brochure and children's activity book on dog bite prevention, contact your veterinarian or call 877-254-FIDO (3436). You can also receive a copies of these materials by visiting State Farm's home page at www.statefarm.com or the AVMA at www.avma.org.

CONTACT: Joe Johnson, public affairs specialist, State Farm Insurance, 309-766-8188, or Sharon Granskog, public information assistant, American Veterinary Medical Association, 847-670-8897.