Animal bite prevention

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany Johnson
  • 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Public Health Flight
ROYAL AIR FORCE Lakenheath, England --  Man's best friend can also be man's worst enemy. Even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest pup can bite when threatened. As World Rabies Day comes around again on Sept. 28, it's a good time to remind ourselves of some important facts. Among children, the rate of dog bite related injuries is highest for ages five to nine years, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually.

Please help spread the word to educate both children and adults to avoid animals they don't know and to remain calm when threatened by a dog. Direct eye contact should be avoided; the dog may interpret that as aggression. Standing or lying still are good ways to avoid being attacked if you are confronted by an excited dog. If a loose dog approaches you, do your best to avoid the animal; try not to run away, yell or make loud noises. Try backing slowly away, or, if unable, stand still with your arms crossed and do not look directly at the animal. Even the most aggressive of dogs will usually not pursue non-threatening targets and only lash out when they feel cornered.

When bringing a new pet into your home, be sure to have it spayed or neutered. This has been shown to reduce aggressive behavior. Never leave infants or young children alone with animals. Don't play aggressive games with dogs like wrestling or tug of war. "Let sleeping dogs lie" is a good rule to follow; that goes for any animal that is eating, drinking, or caring for their offspring.

All animal bites present more risk than just a painful wound or scratch; they could also cause serious diseases like tetanus, rabies or cat scratch disease. Rabid dogs and cats are not a common problem in the US or UK, however, all bites should prompt an assessment of risk and post-exposure prophylaxis (when deemed appropriate) to ensure proper care/treatment for this fatal disease.

When a bite occurs, seek medical attention immediately. If possible, have the animal confined, and call the veterinarian to check the pet's vaccination records. The veterinarian will want to examine the animal to make sure it is healthy, and can provide information or training that may prevent more bites.

Contact the authorities and tell them everything you can about any unidentified animals: the owner's name, the species, color and size of the pet, where you encountered it, and if possible, where, and when you've seen it before. These details may help animal control officers locate the animal. In addition, ask your physician if post-exposure rabies/tetanus prophylaxis is necessary. Air Force service members are required to report an animal bite/scratch immediately to their medical treatment facility. In all cases, be sure to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Animals are great to have around, but always use caution. Don't be fooled in thinking that a dog won't bite. If a bite does occur, remember to seek medical attention immediately and get as much information about the animal as possible.