Children and dogs often enjoy loving, healthy and safe relationships. Sadly, too many children are bitten by dogs. From May 2005 through April 2006, more than 300 people visited Wake County emergency rooms for treatment of dog bites. Thirty-eight percent were children under the age of 15. More girls than boys suffered bites in this age group.*

Parents can teach their children some basic safety rules to follow when around dogs. These include:

• Always ask the owner before you pet a dog.
• Keep your face away from a dog's face! Nearly two thirds of bites to young children are on the head and neck.
• If a loose dog comes near you, "Be like a tree." Stay like this until the dog goes away. Dogs will chase children who yell and run.
• "Be like a rock" if a loose dog comes near you while you are on the ground. Roll up into a ball with your face to the ground and your arms covering your ears and neck. Stay like this until the dog goes away.
• Never bother a dog when it is eating, sleeping, or with puppies.
• Never bother a dog when it is in a car, behind a fence, or tied up -- even if it is a dog you know. Dogs bite to protect things that they consider theirs (house, yard, car, etc.).

Teaching children these tips can reduce the chances of being bitten by a dog. Parents can also help by never leaving babies or small children alone with any dog, even the family pet. A safe place for the family pet that is "out of reach" of children should be made as well. For more information, contact your school-based public health nurse.

* Source: North Carolina Emergency Room Database

- Lynn Townsend, RN, School-Based Public Health Nurse