Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375 vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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Dog Bite Prevention
Most
dog bites are preventable. Before getting a dog,
realistically evaluate your schedule, environment,
and lifestyle. Consult with a professional (e.g.
veterinarian, animal behaviorist, animal trainer) to
determine the types of dogs best suited to your
situation.
Dogs with a history of aggression are inappropriate
in households with children. Be sensitive to cues
that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog
and, if so, delay acquiring a dog. Spend time with a
dog before adopting it. Use caution when a bringing
a dog or puppy into the home of an infant or
toddler.
If you already have a dog, you can reduce the
chances of a bite occurring by following these
simple tips:
Dog Bite Prevention Tips
Spay/neuter your dog to reduce aggression.
Never leave infants or young children alone
with any dog, even with a small dog.
Properly socialize and train any dog
entering the household.
Immediately seek professional advice (e.g.
veterinarian, animal behaviorist, animal
trainer) is the dog develops aggressive or
undesirable behaviors.
Do not play aggressive games with your dog
(e.g. wrestling, tug-of-war).
Keep your dog on a leash when it is off your
property.
Teach children basic safety around dogs and
review regularly. Here are lessons for children:
Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
Never run from a dog and scream.
Remain motionless when approached by an
unfamiliar dog (e.g. “be still like a
tree”).
If knocked over by a dog, roll into a
ball and lie still (e.g. “be still like a
log.”)
Never play with a dog unless supervised
by an adult.
Immediately report stray dogs or dogs
acting strangely to an adult.
Avoid direct eye contact with dogs.
Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping,
eating, or caring for puppies.
Do not pet a dog without allowing it to
see and sniff you first.
If bitten, immediately report the bite
to an adult.
To REPORT an animal bite
to a person in Los Angeles County, click here. All bites are legally
reportable except rodent and rabbit bites.
Veterinary Public Health investigated to determine
whether the bite could have transmitted rabies.
Reporting an animal bite is not the same thing as
reporting a vicious animal, because all animals may
bite under certain circumstances.
Most
dog bites are preventable. Before getting a dog,
realistically evaluate your schedule, environment,
and lifestyle. Consult with a professional (e.g.
veterinarian, animal behaviorist, animal trainer) to
determine the types of dogs best suited to your
situation. 
