Children Dangers: When The Family Dog Attacks

Our homes are often the last place we expect to find children dangers

. While we take extra precautions to ensure that our children are safe walking to school, on the playground, and in the swimming pool, we often consider our homes a safe placea place protected by locks, an alarm system, and even the family dog. Even canine breeds without a history of aggression, however, are capable of being provoked, especially by small children.

A couple in Southern California recently lost their young son this way. In the early morning hours of Saturday July 31, 2010, as his mother was sleeping, a two-year-old boy was mauled by the familys German shepherd. Doctors at Rady Childrens Hospital pronounced the boy dead upon his arrival to the emergency room. The boys father is in the military and was deployed when the attack occurred.

Dog bite attacks are among the most prevalent of children dangers. Every year, about 4.5 million Americans become victims of dog attacks. The injuries sustained from a dog attack send 800,000 Americans to the hospital annually. Children account for half of this number, with 386,000 receiving emergency medical attention and 16 dying from their dog bite injuries. The risk is the greatest for children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old. Injuries to the head and neck are more likely if the child is under 4 years old. Boys become victims of dog attacks more often than girls.

Regardless of the breed of dog you choose, there is no guarantee that it will never attack, which is why it is important to properly socialize the dog. Wrestling or playing tug-of-war with the dog will teach it aggressive tendencies, and, therefore should be avoided. Rather, encourage submissive behavior by training the dog to roll over and allow family members to pet its abdomen, an area it is naturally inclined to protect.

Always supervise small children when a dog is present, whether inside or outside of the house. Children are often less receptive to signs the dog may give that it wants to be left alone or that it is bothered, such as when a dog growls or shows its teeth.

When older children are walking to school or out playing, they should always avoid strange or stray dogs. In the event that they are confronted with an unfamiliar dog, they should avoid eye contact. Instead of running or screaming, they should stand motionless; loud noises and quick movements could provoke the dog. If the dog attacks and they find themselves on the ground, they should not lie flat but should roll into a ball. Rush your child to the emergency room immediately after the attack.

Dog attacks can occur anywhereeven in our own homes. Dog bite attacks are one of the most common children dangers, injuring hundreds of thousands of children annually. Teaching our children dog attack prevention techniques is one of the first steps to avoiding such tragedies.

by: James Ballidis

POST COMMENT

Why Sleep-away Camp Can Be Good For Your Family Family Dogs Does My Wife Still Care For Our Family Despite She Has Been Cheating On Me? Family Guide Helping You With Reduction Along With Cheap Deals During Your Amazing San Diego Vacatio Mark Cella On American Family Life Eureka! Copper Canyon 1512 Twelve-person 15-foot By 12-foot Family Tent Dressers In The Modern Family Family Points To Get The Best Of Treats And Grand Rooms While Enjoying Your Amazing San Diego Vacati Family Rhodes Holidays On Island Rhodes, Greece Angelina Jolie Appears On The Japan Airport With Her Family Members Best Family Channels Through Satellite Tv How To Find Beautiful Pedigree Puppies For Sale For Your Family Life Cover To Protect You And Your Family