by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: December 06, 2011

According to recent statistics, over 1,000 Americans are treated daily in hospital emergency rooms for dog bites. While canines can be a human's best friend, there are certain common sense rules which everyone should follow when interacting with dogs. Canine bites are not only painful; they can cause serious health problems.

Dog bites may be instigated by any of the following: taking away a toy, bone or food or pestering the animal while it is eating or sleeping. You should not hug a dog tightly; it doesn't like to be confined or cornered.

A dog in pain should be approached with caution and it is unwise to try to separate two dogs who are fighting. Do not touch a new mother dog's puppies. Be cautious when approaching a stray dog or encroaching on an animal's home territory. Never run away from a dog; it will surely come after you.

Dogs about to bite give a variety of warning signs:

*Growling

A dog intent on biting will often give a verbal warning. He may bark aggressively, or growl and snarl in a low, menacing manner, baring his teeth.

* Raised fur

A ridge of raised hair along the dog's back is a definite danger signal. If he also raises his tail high over his back and it twitches back and forth, be warned that an attack may be imminent. 

* A change in body posture

A dog preparing to bite will assume an aggressive posture. His body will become stiff and rigid and his hind legs will be planted firmly on the ground. His head will be level with his body, and he will flatten his ears back against his head.

* Yawning or licking lips

A dog may show his intent by his facial expression: some canines look their target directly in the eye and bare their teeth. Others, when approached, may refuse to meet to meet the intended victim's gaze, and look away, showing the whites of their eyes. Licking of lips or yawning are other signs that the dog is stressed and preparing to attack.

* Cowering and tail tucking

A dog will cower and tuck its tail under when it is frightened. Anything done to increase its stress and terror, may result in a sudden lunge at the perceived threat, and a serious bite. 

If you are attacked by a dog, try the following tactics. In a loud, commanding voice, shout "Down!" or "Sit!". Turn sideways and do not look the animal in the eye. Stay still and use your arms and hands to protect your face, neck and throat. The worst you will get is puncture wounds on the lower part of your body. Dogs have short attention spans and may soon move on to another object of interest.

Most dogs deserve the label: "man's best friend".  When choosing a pet for your family, be sure to get a non-aggressive breed from a reputable dealer, and you may never have to worry about signals of an impending bite.

However, in case you are threatened by a strange dog on a city street or elsewhere, it is worthwhile to know and remember the danger signs of an imminent canine attack.

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