If you see a Strange … If Bitten...

Do not to the dog. 1. Wash the wound very well with soap  Do not stare at the dog. and warm water for 10—15 minutes..  Do not run. 2. Control any bleeding.  Try not to scream or make a lot of noise. 3. Put a bandage or gauze on the wound. 4. Seek health care right away for  Put something between you and the dog.  Always face the dog. * Proper wound care.  If the dog approaches you, stay calm and * Antibiotics. stand still. * booster (if needed). Prevention  When the dog starts to leave, slowly back * shots (if needed). away.  Report loose to Animal Control. Reporting a Bite When Going up to a Strange All bites must be reported to Vilas County House… Sheriff’s Department’s non– emergency number: 715‐479‐4441  Be aware of unfamiliar dogs.  Law enforcement may quarantine  Obey “Warning” signs if posted. cats, dogs, and ferrets only.  Be Alert  High risk animals need to be quaran-  If you know there is a dog on the proper- tined or tested for rabies. ty, do something to attract the dog.  Yell  Honk the car Horn  Rattle the gate  Always carry something with you.  Umbrella  Jacket  Clipboard  Know when a dog means business Resources:  Barking, snarling, ears are erect, ap- Wis. Stats. Sec. 95.21. pears ready to attack. www.cdc.gov/rabies  Do NOT approach it! www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/rabies/ Vilas County Health Department  If the dog owner is home, stay at a safe index.htm distance and call out to them. 330 Court Street Eagle River, WI 54521  Only go to the house if the owner has 715‐479‐3656 complete control of the dog. 11/15, 6/19 www.vilaspublichealth.com  Walk to the owner from the side.  Do not swing your arms.

Why Dogs Bite:

They are:  Eating  Sleeping  Sick  Injured  Scared or feel threatened  Being Teased  Nursing or protecting their  Protecting:  Children  Yard  Their toys or treats  Guarding cars  Frustrated from being chained or tied up

Warning Signs:

 Barking, growling, snapping, snarling.  They pull away when you try to pet them.  Stiff body, raised fur.  Bare teeth/curl lips.

A wagging tail is not necessarily a sign that a dog is friendly!