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Take a Bite Out of Dog Attacks, Says ASPS, AVMA and CDC

Coalition Provides Prevention Tips for National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18-24

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CHICAGO – Ten-year old Callie Francis knows all too well that "any dog can bite." In February 2003, Callie was playing with Buddy, the family pet of one and a half years, when Buddy growled at her and Callie made the mistake of growling back. This mistake resulted in three dog bites on Callie’s face requiring 20 stitches to repair.

"It happened just before school, Callie was playing with Buddy," said Julie Francis, Callie’s mother. "One second they were playing, the next minute Buddy bit Callie and retreated back into his corner."

Unfortunately, man and woman’s best friend will bite 4.7 million Americans this year, 60 percent of whom are children. As many as 800,000 people require medical attention for dog bites annually and about a dozen people die each year from dog bite injuries.

"This story is not uncommon," says American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) President James Wells, MD. "Seventy percent of all dog bites occur on the dog owner’s property. A dog that attacks is very often the family pet. Parents and pet owners are key to preventing dog bites."

The ASPS, the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are teaming again for National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18-24, to reach out to Americans and talk about the dangers of dog bites, how to prevent them, and what to do if bitten.

"Dog bites can be prevented," says Sue Binder, MD, CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control director. "More responsible dog ownership; education for dog owners and the general public, especially children; and better animal control can work together to reduce dog bites. While the majority of dogs never bite, better reporting systems on dog biting would help communities monitor and address this problem."

"This is an excellent opportunity for the AVMA to work side by side with human healthcare organizations, such as the ASPS and CDC, to educate the public that responsible dog ownership and appropriate behavior around dogs benefits the well-being of dogs and people," says AVMA President Joe M. Howell, D.V.M. "More than 61 million dogs in the United States make great pets and enrich our lives tremendously. Unfortunately, any dog can bite," Dr. Howell adds.

According to the ASPS, children are frequently bitten on the face, which can result in severe lacerations, infection or scarring, "Plastic surgeons, who have the training to preserve and rearrange skin and tissue, repair wounds from thousands of dog attacks every year. Following dog bite prevention tips and educating the public will help prevent attacks," according to Dr. Wells.

The ASPS has long been a vocal supporter for dog-bite prevention. Through its "Beware the Bite!" campaign the ASPS has helped bring exposure to this critical healthcare issue. To download "Beware the Bite!" program information including a children’s activity sheet visit the ASPS Web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. The ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The ASPS represents physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Visit www.plasticsurgery.org, for referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.


A comprehensive report, "A community approach to dog bite prevention," is available on the AVMA Web site, www.avma.org, or single printed copies may be obtained directly from the AVMA at no charge. The AVMA is pleased to support this report with educational materials, including a brochure "Don’t worry, they won’t bite," also available on the AVMA’s Web site. The AVMA, founded in 1863, is the oldest and largest veterinary medical organization in the world. More than 69,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine, animal care and access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations. More information about dog bites can be found at the CDC Injury Center web site: www.cdc.gov/injury.

Editor’s Note: The ASPS, AVMA and CDC offer dog owners, adults, and children the following tips to help avoid dog bites:

Safety Tips for Dog Owners:

  • Before selecting a dog, seek a veterinarian’s advice about which dog is right for your family and lifestyle.
  • Socialize your dog so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
  • Don’t put your dog in situations where it may feel threatened or teased.
  • Follow leash laws - don’t let your dog roam free.
  • Train your dog to obey basic commands such as "stay," "sit," and "come."
  • Keep your dog healthy with regular check-ups and a vaccination program tailored to your dog’s needs.
  • See a veterinarian promptly if your dog is sick or injured.
  • Illness and pain can make a dog more likely to bite.
  • Don’t play aggressive games with your dog.
  • Spay/neuter your dog.
  • Confine your dog in a fenced yard or dog run when it is not in the house.
  • Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior.

Safety Tips for Adults and Children:

  • Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • If approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still like a tree.
  • Never run from a dog and never scream around a dog.
  • If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.
  • If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball, cover your face and stay still.
  • Children should never play with dogs unless supervised by an adult.
  • Children should tell an adult if they see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely.
  • Don’t look a dog right in the eye.
  • Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
  • Don’t play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
  • Children should never approach a dog unless supervised by an adult.
  • Adults should never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog, not even the family pet.

If Bitten:

  • Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Control bleeding and wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
  • Because serious dog bites can cause scarring, if you are bitten in a location where scarring is of concern, like your face, ask that a board-certified plastic surgeon treat the injury.
  • Report the bite to your local public health department, animal control agency or police.
  • Provide authorities with an accurate description of the dog, the circumstances surrounding the bite, and the dog owner’s identity, if known.

About ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Contact ASPS

Media Relations | 847-228-9900 | media@plasticsurgery.org