National Dog Bite Prevention Week

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of dog bites and promote safety measures that can prevent them from occurring. This year, it will be held next week from April 11th to 17th. Here are some facts to consider!

Recent studies reveal that approximately 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. Of these, approximately 800,000 require medical attention, and half of them are children. Furthermore, children are more likely than adults to suffer severe injuries from dog bites, often to the face or neck. The I’m Safe Who Let The Dogs Bite Poster teaches children and adults how to “read” how a dog is a feeling based on easy to recognize expressions.

The goal of National Dog Bite Prevention Week is to educate people on the causes of dog bites and provide them with strategies to prevent them. It is essential to recognize that most dog bites are preventable, and there are several ways to minimize the risk of dog bites.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always supervise children around dogs: Children should never be left alone with dogs, no matter how well-behaved they seem. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and dogs, and be ready to intervene if necessary. Consider this I’m Safe! With My Pet Storybook for detailed safety tips and learning activities.

• Help children be aware of the warning signs: Dogs usually give warning signs before they bite, such as growling, barking, or showing their teeth. It is important to recognize these signs and back away slowly to avoid a confrontation. Learn more when in our I’m Safe! What Are These Animals Saying? Poster.

Next week provides an opportunity to educate people on these and other safety measures to reduce the risk of dog bites. By working together, we can help prevent dog bites and create safer communities for both people and dogs. You can even handout I’m Safe! Around Pets & Animals Award Certificates.

Lastly, during these warmer months, we also want to remind people that animals are at risk from heatstroke if they are left in a car, even in 75 degree weather. The eye-catching Window Cling comes with a working thermometer that measures temperatures from 50 to 150 degrees.

Wishing you a happy, and safe, spring season!