Behavioral Education
Dog Biting
Each year, dogs bite more than 4.5 million people, and 800,000 dog-bite-related injuries are severe enough to require medical attention. It�s estimated that more than half of those bitten are under the age of 14, and children are at least three times more likely than adults to sustain a serious bite-related injury.
It�s extremely important to teach our children to stay safe around dogs. Just as important is our responsibility as adults to make sure that we�re reducing the chance that our dogs will bite. None of us wants to believe that our lovable pets would harm anyone � least of all a child. But statistics show that most dog bites are caused by the family dog or a neighbor�s or relative�s pet. Here are some important ways you can help. These tips are from The Humane Society of the United States.
- Never allow your dog to roam.
- Don�t tether or chain your dog outside for long periods of time. This can cause dogs to feel isolated and become aggressive. Dogs are motivated to protect their territory and may bite when someone comes within reach of their chain.
- Remind family members and others to not disturb dogs who are sick, sleeping, eating, nursing puppies, or guarding territory or property, such as a car, toy or yard.
- Because children mimic what they see, never hit a dog as a form of discipline.
- Teach children to play safely with dogs; avoid aggressive games like tug-of-war.
- Spay or Neuter your dog. Dogs who have not been spayed or neutered are three times more likely to bite than dogs who have been spayed or neutered. Spay/neuter operations also help stop pet overpopulation and can provide significant health benefits for pets.
- Train and socialize your dog to be comfortable around people.
- To report suspected cases of animal cruelty or neglect, contact your local animal control officer or animal shelter.
For more information on proper dog care and dog bite prevention, visit www.nodogbites.org
Thank you for your help in making our community safer for all � and a happier place for our canine friends!
Undercover Cats
Anyone with a cat knows that cats like to hide. Sometimes they want to rest in cozy, quiet places. Sometimes they hide because they�re afraid. They might be frightened of visitors, like guests or trick-or-treaters. Loud sounds, like vacuum cleaners and fireworks, also scare them.
Because cats love to hide, it�s important to keep them indoors. Outdoors, curious cats can easily get lost, sick, trapped, or hurt.
So, where might a kitty take cover at home? Here are some of the most popular places.
- Under a chair
- Under a curtain
- On top of a bookshelf
- In a laundry basket
- In a drawer
- On top of a cupboard
- Behind a door
- Under a bed
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