Don't be bitten by a dog; keep your children safe

(Image: US Air Force photograph by Josh Plueger, via Wikimedia Commons)

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) are concerned about dog bite injuries among patients of all ages. Children are the most common victims, followed by seniors and mail carriers. Every year about 600 000 children require medical attention for dog bites. Children are more than three times as likely to be bitten as adults. Some of these injuries can be serious, so prevention programs are important.

"Half of all children will be bitten by a dog by the time they are high school seniors," said John Fraser, MD, FAAP, an injury prevention specialist who will represent the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Paediatrics at the Houston event. "Every year about 600 000 children require medical attention for dog bites. As a paediatrician who has treated some of these kids, I want to do everything I can to prevent these injuries."

Plastic surgeons, including reconstructive microsurgeons and maxillofacial surgeons, often treat victims of dog attacks and see firsthand how devastating these injuries can be. According to ASPS statistics, nearly 33 000 reconstructive procedures on dog bites were performed in 2010, up 8% from 2009.

Children often the victims

"Unfortunately, the majority of reconstructive surgeries to treat dog bites are performed on children," said ASPS President Phillip Haeck, MD. "Children are frequently bitten on the face, which can result in severe lacerations, infection and permanent scarring. Members of the ASPS, ASRM, and ASMS strongly urge children and adults to follow the recommended tips to help prevent attacks."

To help educate the public about dog bites, the AAP, USPS and AVMA offer a brochure, "What you should know about dog bite prevention," with tips on how to avoid being bitten, what dog owners can do to prevent their dogs from biting and how to treat dog bites.

Important dog bite prevention tips include:

• Pick a dog that is good match for your home. Consult your veterinarian for details.
  
• Socialise your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older.
  
• Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between the dog and owner. Avoid aggressive games with your dog.
  
• Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.
  
• Neuter or spay your dog. These dogs are less likely to bite.
  
• Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
  
• Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.
  
• Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet it gently, avoiding the face and tail.
  
• Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
  
• Do not run past a dog.
  
• If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.

If bitten, request proof of rabies vaccination from the dog owner, get the owner's name and contact information, and contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records. Then immediately consult with your doctor.

Clean bite wounds with soap and water as soon as possible. If the victim is bleeding from a bite wound, apply pressure with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding before washing, and immediately take the person to a doctor or emergency room.

As Dr. Fraser reminds parents, "With school almost over for the year, children will be spending more time in parks, at friends' houses, and other places where they may encounter dogs, which makes this an especially important time to think about safety."

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons