Every year, nearly 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs - 60 percent of these victims are children. In fact, about half of all children in the U.S. will be bitten by a dog by the 12th grade. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) created an outreach program - "Beware the Bite!" - to educate the public about the issue of dog bites and how to prevent them.

How you can avoid dog bites:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Never run from or scream at a dog.
• Be "still like a tree" when an unfamiliar dog comes up to you.
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and stay still.
• Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Tell an adult if you 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.
• If a dog bites you, tell an adult right away.

• Never leave infants or children alone with any dog.
• Spay/neuter your dog.
• Train your dog in obedience.
• Don't play aggressive games with your dog.
• Follow leash laws.
• Keep your dog healthy; an unnoticed injury can make a dog aggressive.
• Your dog should be part of the family. Unsocialized "outdoor" dogs are more likely to bite than "indoor" dogs.

• 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year.
• Children make up 60% of dog bite victims.
• About half of all children in the U.S. will be bitten by a dog by the 12th grade.
• Nearly 20 people die a year from dog bites in the U.S.
• Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. seeks medical care because of a dog bite.
• 70% of dog bites occur when the dog is on the owner's property.
• While any dog can bite, the top biting breeds include: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Akitas.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
444 East Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4664
(847) 228-9900
Fax (847) 228-9131
www.plasticsurgery.org
Physician Referral: 1-888-4-PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784)