National Dog Bite Prevention Week | April 13-19

Published on April 15, 2025

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is observed the entire second week of April to educate dog owners about dog bite statistics, reasons for dog bites, warning signs, at-risk individuals, what to do if a dog bites, and how to prevent your dog from biting.

Reader discretion is advised regarding this topic, as it contains sensitive information. Dog bites can be a challenging subject, but through experience and sharing valuable knowledge, we aim to emphasize the importance of awareness and prevention.

Statistics on dog bites

To establish baseline data with the goal of focusing on awareness and prevention, dogsvets.com notes around 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, with about 17.8% needing medical attention and fewer than 0.0001% resulting in fatalities.

Unfortunately, our youngest son experienced a frightening incident involving a dog bite when he was around seven years old. Thankfully, he has no visible scars, only some marks that serve as a reminder of an experience from which we have all learned and grown. Today, we are more mindful than ever of the old adage about never waking a sleeping dog.

Why do dogs bite?

While fear is often the foundation of aggressive behavior in dogs, there are several other reasons for biting. A dog may bite if it feels startled, protective, frustrated, in pain, or anxious. Additionally, aggression can stem from hormonal influences or environmental factors.

Did you know that diet can affect behavior?

A dog's diet can significantly impact its behavior by reducing discomfort. Providing a species appropriate diet can enhance overall health, resulting in fewer negative behaviors, as a healthier dog tends to experience less pain.

Let’s take a look at some Hare Today products that may assist with common health issues.

How to tell if a dog is going to bite

Remember, if you suspect a dog may bite, distance yourself and others (people and other pets) from the dog. If possible, try to confine them until they calm down or animal control arrives.

Who is most at risk of being bitten

Sadly, children are more likely to be bitten by dogs due to their inability to recognize warning signs of discomfort or fear in dogs. Teach children to be respectful and aware around animals, always supervising children to ensure safety.

Teaching child safety

🐕‍🦺 Always seek the owner's permission before petting a dog.

👃 Allow dogs to sniff you first; they have keen senses.

🐶 Approach dogs slowly when greeting them.

🔇Avoid yelling at or fleeing from a dog.

🫱 Offer treats using a flat palm, keeping your fingers together.

What to do if a dog bites

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, separate the person from the dog, assess the wound, and apply pressure with a dry cloth to stop bleeding. If bleeding persists, call 911 or go to the hospital immediately.

Assess the bite

• Minor bite wound:
  • Wash the bite with warm soapy water.
  • Visit a doctor as soon as you can.
• Deep bite wound:
  • Stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with gauze or a dry cloth.
  • Seek medical care immediately.
  • If the victim feels faint or the bleeding cannot be controlled, call 911.

Make sure the dog is securely confined in a safe area. Evaluate the situation to identify any potential triggers that may have led to the bite, which can help prevent future occurrences. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for any behavioral concerns.

Dogs become cherished members of our family, and it is our duty to ensure everyone's safety. Please stay mindful and diligent to triggers that may affect your loved ones.

How to prevent your dog from biting

So far, we discussed topics like dog bite statistics, reasons dogs bite, warning signs, at-risk individuals, and what to do if you or someone else is bit. Awareness is crucial, but even more so is prevention. 

Observation is crucial for responsible pet ownership and bite prevention. By paying attention to dogs' body language and signals, owners can gain insights into their feelings. Patience and consistency are essential for helping dogs develop positive social skills and adapt to different environments.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to completely prevent dogs from biting due to their unpredictable nature but, you can still implement strategies to minimize the risk of biting to yourself, loved ones, or other pets.

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