If YOU are the Bite Victim. Who We Are If your own bites you, restrain and confine your dog. Treat your wounds then About Us call your veterinarian to check your dog’s Canton City Public Health works to improve vaccination records the health of the local community by providing comprehensive services utilizing a If someone else’s dog bites you, collect well-trained and qualified staff. the owner’s name, address, and phone number. Next contact authorities and provide details on the dog. Be sure to note This Program is Offered by: the color and size, where the incident occurred, and if you have seen it before. Canton City Public Health These details will be important for helping Division of Environmental Health animal control officers locate the dog. 420 Market Avenue North

Then treat the wound. An easy way to Canton, Ohio 44702 remember what to do is by remembering Phone: 330-489-3327 the word ACT! E-mail: [email protected] A: Acquire the owner’s information C: Contact local authorities Find More Info: T: Treat the wound Visit our Website: www.cantonhealth.org Prevention

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cantonhealth Dogs Make Great Follow us on Twitter: @cantonhealth Companions! What you need to know to protect yourself, your family, and your Dogs make great companions. Being a ! responsible owner can reduce the likelihood that your dog will bite someone, and enhance the relationship you have with your dog.

Socialize your pet! Dogs are social animals,  Teach children NOT to approach strange, therefore exposure to other dogs and animals injured, or sick dogs. as well as people is important. Socialize your  Teach children NOT to approach a dog pet as a so it feels at ease around new that is eating, sleeping, or nursing people, new animals, and in new situations. . Continue this exposure on a regular basis as  Do NOT run past a dog. Dogs love to it gets older. chase things. Don’t give them a reason to.  Teach children to ASK permission from a Who Let the Dog Bite? Spend time with your dog. This allows dog’s owner before petting them your dog to get to know you and learn to trust .  If you are threatened by a dog, stay calm. Even the cutest, softest, sweetest dog can bite. you. DO NOT scream. Most people who get bit are bitten by their own dog or a dog they know. Whether a nip, a bite or Train your dog. The simple commands of an actual attack, dog bites are a very serious “sit”, “stay”, “no”, and “come”, incorporated What If My Dog Bites? problem. According to the American Veterinary into fun activities, can build a bond of Medical Association, more than 4.5 million obedience and trust between pets and people. Even if a dog bite can people in the United States are bitten by dogs House, crate, and leash training are also be explained, it is each year. Countless more bites go unreported important steps in obedience training. important to take responsibility for your and untreated. Fortunately, there are steps we Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog can take to address this problem. dog’s actions by vaccinated for and preventable following these steps: infectious diseases. Treat for parasites. Who is Being Bitten? Maintain a healthy diet and make sure your Restrain your dog immediately. Separate your dog gets regular exercise. Get your dog animal from the scene of the bite and confine it in Of the millions of people neutered. Neutered dogs are less likely to be a safe place. who are bitten by dogs aggressive. each year, over half are Check on the bite victim’s condition. Wash children. Children are by Be aware! Know your dog. You may wounds with soap and water and encourage them far the most common naturally recognize when your dog is sick or to seek professional medical care. Call 911 if victims of dog bites and injured, but also watch for signs that your emergency help is needed. are far more likely to be dog may be feeling uncomfortable or severely injured. Dog bites that affect young aggressive. Do not put your dog in a position Provide important information. Provide the children usually occur during everyday activities where it feels threatened or teased. bite victim with your name, address, phone while interacting with the family dog or familiar number, and information about your dog’s most recent rabies vaccination. If your dog does not dogs. Prevention Starts at Home! have a current vaccination, it may be necessary to What’s a Dog Owner to Do? You and your family can avoid bite incidents have it quarantined or euthanized for rabies by being cautious around strange dogs and testing. Choose your pet carefully. If you have treating your own pet with respect. Since children are the most frequent victims of dog Obey local laws regarding the reporting of dog children, keep their age in mind. Do some bites. research on traits of different dog breeds. Talk bites, parents and caregivers should: to your veterinarian. They are a good source of Consult your veterinarian for advice about dog  NEVER leave a baby or small child information on behavior and suitability. behavior that will help prevent similar incidents in alone with a dog. the future.