Pet Tips

How to Prevent dog bites & be a responsible dog owner:  

• Keep your dog in an adequately fenced enclosure which is locked to prevent unauthorized access.  Do not keep your dog on a chain.
• Control your dog with a hand-held leash when away from home.
• Spay or neuter your dog.  Altering will reduce your dog’s desire to roam, making confinement an easier task.  Unaltered dogs are up to 3 times more likely to bite than dogs that have been spayed or neutered.
• Properly train and socialize your dog.
• Don’t play aggressive games (wrestling, tug-of-war, allowing to play-bite a person) with your dog.
• If you don’t know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious.  Never leave your dog unattended with a small child.
• Ensure that your dog is vaccinated against rabies and properly licensed.

Safety tips on how to avoid being bitten include:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Never run from a dog and scream.
• Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still.
• Never permit a child to play with a dog without adult supervision.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff your first.