PROMOTING FAMILY SAFETY

DON’T  BITE

Family dogs are often friendly, fun-loving creatures. The owners you see walking their dogs on leashes around the neighborhood usually have a strong emotional bond with their pet. These types of dogs will most likely never harm their owner or others. But dog attacks can and do happen. Even the smallest of household dogs can give you a nasty bite.

 

Feral dogs, on the other hand, are much more dangerous. They can be found in packs or alone in the wild. These are usually the offspring of household pets that have been turned out  by their owners. As dogs are forced to fend for themselves, they will breed with other dogs that display survival traits and produce offspring with these same characteristics.

UNDERSTANDING CANINE BEHAVIORS

While most dog attacks may seem unprovoked, every dog has reasons for its behavior. The most trusted pet still has the same instincts that ensured its ancestor’s survival in the wild. The strongest traits are defending itself and its territory, protecting its young and chasing prey.

Dogs usually give warnings before they attack, so you can protect yourself if you learn to read their body language. Growling, snarling, aggressive barking, raised fur, stiff body, stiff upright tail and erect ears are warnings that can lead to an attack.

Other kinds of behavior can signal trouble. A fearful dog, slinking with its tail between its legs, can be dangerous and might attack. An unexpectedly quiet dog can also be dangerous because some dogs are bred to give no warning of an attack; a dog in pain because of illness or injury is also prone to attack, even if you are trying to help it, and an old dog may be startled by your approach because of poor vision or hearing.

BEST ADVICE WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER A DOG

Never pet a strange dog. Even if the owner assures you the dog is friendly, let it sniff your outstretched first before touching it.

Do not startle a sleeping dog. Speak or whistle softly to warn it of your presence.
Do not go near a dog that is chained, cornered or in a vehicle.

Do not touch or disturb a dog that is eating.

Do not approach a dog caring for puppies.

PROTECTING YOURSELF  FROM A HOSTILE DOG

Keep your voice and actions slow and calm

Avoid eye contact since staring at a dog can be interpreted as a challenge.

Back slowly away. Running triggers the instinct to chase, which is why you should not bike or jog pas a dog.

DEFENDING AN ATTACK

If a dog lunges at you, shove any object you are carrying into its mouth. Deflect the attack with your arm to avoid injury to you face.

If you are knocked to the ground, curl up in a ball, protecting your head with your arms. Do not move until the dog leaves.

If you are bitten, wash the area with lots of warm soapy water. Cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing and seek medical help. Report the incident to the police, health department and/ or animal control authority. Remember what the dog looked like and where it went in case it needs to be examined for rabies.

Understanding dog behaviors and habitats can help prevent a dangerous encounter. Most importantly, teach your children to be safe around dogs. Who knows? Maybe one day they will become best friends with their very own pet.

Remember that for centuries, dogs have been coexisting with humans. They have been an integral part of our civilization, helping to protect and serve people. Since dogs have developed an understanding of human behavior, it is rare for dog to attack.

CREDITS TO:

PANORAMA & SAUDI ARAMCO LOSS PREVENTION

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