06/07/2026
Did you know June is Dog Bite Prevention Month?
Most dog bites occur simply as a misunderstanding between dogs and humans. Being able to read dog body language is critical to preventing bites! Take a look at this graphic on body language cues to be mindful of as well as the tips below:
- Never let children climb on or pull-on dogs
- Don't hug or kiss dogs; they don't know what it means!
- If you have to break up a dog fight NEVER stick your hand in the middle to pull them apart. Use a water hose, a loud noise like compressed air or squeaker, or a slip lead to get the dogs apart.
- Make sure your dog sees the vet regularly. A dog in pain is more likely to become irritable.
- Respect the growl. Dogs are allowed to say "actually, I don't like that". When you punish a growl, you make a dog liable to jump immediately to a bite without warning!
For more information, check out the links below from the AVMA and from Family Paws:
https://www.familypaws.com/resources/
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
If you have any concerns about dog bites, or if you experience a dog bite that causes bleeding, be sure to reach out to your local animal control. It's not just a good idea, it's the law!