It's Dog Bite Prevention Week: GA 10th for Dog Bite Claims

Sunday marked the start of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which takes place during the third full week of May each year, and focuses on educating people about preventing dog bites. 

With an estimated population of 70 million dogs living in U.S. households, millions of people – most of them children – are bitten by dogs every year. The majority of these bites, if not all, are preventable.

Annually, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, with more than half of all victims younger than age 14.

State Farm recently noted that in 2013, Georgia ranked 10th in the county in dog bite claims, which cost the insurer $2.1 million. The Insurance Information Institute estimates insurers across the United States paid more than $483 million in dog bite claims last year.

Take this opportunity to learn more about dog bite prevention and help educate others to help prevent dog bites. 

During National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18 - 24, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has great ways to help parents and their children understand how they can prevent dog bites, so you can help your kids - and dogs-stay safe and happy!

10 Things To Teach Children to Prevent Dog Bites

1. Avoid dogs you don't know. If you see an unknown dog wandering loose and unsupervised, avoid the dog.
2. Ask before petting!  When the owner is with their dog, always ask the owner for permission to pet their pup. Even if it's a dog you know, asking first can help prevent sudden movements that may startle the dog.
3. When confronted, don't panic. If a dog confronts you, walk confidently and quietly away. If a dog goes after you, stay calm and stand still, keeping hands low and clasped in front of you. It's important to take a defensive position, so the dog won't think you are trying to harm him.
4. Don't make it worse. Avoid escalating the situation by yelling, running, hitting or making sudden movements towards the dog. All of these actions will make the dog feel threatened and can make the dog more aggressive.
5. Let sleeping dogs lie. When a dog is sleeping or eating, leave the dog alone.
6. Never tease dogs. Don't take their toys, food or treats, and never pretend to hit or kick them. This could create distrust in the dog, and make him or her more aggressive.
7. Playtime has a beginning and end. A dog has to want to play, but when the dog leaves that's your cue that playtime is over. The dog will come back for more play if he feels like it.
8. Never pull a dog's ears or tail. Pain makes a dog feel like he is in danger and he could respond by biting.
9. Dogs aren't toys. Never climb on or try to ride dogs. Not only could this scare or anger the dog, but it could also injure the dog if he cannot support the weight or tries to get away.
10. Dog crates are safe spaces. Don't bother a dog when he is in his crate. Dogs need a comfortable, safe place where the child never goes. Remember, dogs need alone time too!

Teach your children these simple lessons to reduce dog bites, and help keep your kids and pups safe, happy and healthy. For more information on preventing dog bites, visit www.avma.org.

Click here to see the full version of the infographic in this story.