Dog Bite Prevention Week
In a tradition started by none other than the Postal Service, this week (May 16 to 22) marks National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The public service campaign was initiated to call attention to one of the nation’s most commonly reported public health problems – dog bites – and offers safety tips, emphasizing the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog bites.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Of those, one in five results in injuries that require medical attention. In the latest annual data available, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report that small children, the elderly, and Postal Service carriers — in that order — are the most frequent victims of dog bites. It is also stated that the number of dog bites exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough and mumps, combined. Dog bite victims account for up to five percent of emergency room visits.
But – there are ways to make dog bites less likely and to help prevent all people from being bitten by dogs. Read tips for how to prevent a dog bite here.
Remember NuNu, the demonic Chihuahua who tried to bite anyone who came near her from the very first episode of Dog Whisperer? “NuNu’s tale proves Cesar’s belief that a calm assertive pack leader can create transformation, even with a little dog that no one thought could ever change,” said Executive Producer Jim Milio, in remembrance of NuNu.
This week, as we raise awareness about the prevalence of dog bites in this country, we also highlight the human’s responsibility in preventing them and remind ourselves of the importance of maintaining calm, assertive pack leadership.
