According to a 2006 study published by the Journal of Pediatrics, children less than one year of age were the most likely group to be bitten by a dog. What is even more disturbing, is that children less than nine years old are more likely to be bitten in the head or the neck area.
In that same study, that same group (they used 341 children that were bitten), a full 85 percent of these children suffered deep wounds. There were more boys bitten than girls.
So what does this tell us as parents? We need to take extra precautions when babies are anywhere near dogs. Even the family pet could be a threat. The study found that the majority of the dogs that bit the children either belonged to the family or belonged to a friend, and that most of the bites occurred at home.
What are some things that we can do to prevent our babies from being bitten by a dog?
- Never leave a baby alone with a dog
- Don’t let your child pet a dog without the owner’s permission
- Don’t allow your baby to go near an unfamiliar dog
- Don’t allow your baby to disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or one that has puppies
- Don’t ever sneak up on a dog
- Don’t allow your baby to run or scream around a dog
- Don’t allow your child to hit, tease or pull at a dog
- Stay away from a dog that is growling or is bearing its teeth
- If a dog sniffs your baby, don’t make any sudden movements
What type of dog is mostly likely to bite?
A male non-neutered dog
A dog that appears overly excited
A dog that is chained up
A dog that is caring for puppies
A dog that is disturbed while sleeping
A dog that is poorly trained
A dog that has not been socialized
A sick or injured dog
A dog that is a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, mixed breed or German Shepherd
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don’t miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
More Great Articles:
Would You Sell Naming Rights to Your Baby?
Early Solid Food Causes Allergies? Maybe, Maybe Not
Lack of Sleep Linked to Injuries