Primary prevention

Prevention strategies include animal control on a population level, bite reporting, and owner and public education.[5]​[35]​​​ For families considering a dog as a pet, a less aggressive breed may reduce the risk of biting. Instruction with live dogs appears to facilitate children’s safe behavior around dogs, while knowledge about dog-bite risk and prevention may be improved with video education.[36]

Education should include advice to:[37]

  • treat dogs with respect

  • never approach an unfamiliar dog

  • not tease or torment a dog

  • avoid running and screaming around a dog

  • avoid direct eye contact with a dog

  • not disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for pups

  • not play with a dog without an adult present

  • not pet a dog without letting it first sniff you

  • be still, "like a tree," when approached by a dog

  • become "like a log" if knocked down.

In addition, pets should be properly immunized. CDC: rabies (patient information) Opens in new window

Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention strategies mirror primary prevention. Patient education is critical.[71] Public health reporting, and animal population control with proper identification and control of problem animals, can help reduce the incidence of animal bites.[5]​[35]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer