Dog Bite 

prevention

Please schedule an

appointment with your 

veterinarian to discuss any 

questions or concerns!

Tips for avoiding and treating dog bites

 Your Veterinary Treatment Facility can help!

References: Pet Safety

https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-BitePrevention.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.

html#preventing-bites

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

APHC Animal Health

This information brochure was written by Army 

Veterinary Services personnel and published by the 

Army Public Health Center to inform and educate 

Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees about 

Animal Health. Comments or questions regarding 

content can be directed to ARMY-VSPublications@

mail.mil. Locate your local Veterinary Treatment 

Facility at https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/

animed/vtfo/Pages/Veterinary-Treatment-FacilityInteractive-Map.aspx.

Approved for public release, 

distribution unlimited. 

TA-358-0418

Scratch and Bite Care

If you or a child are scratched or bitten by a dog, 

you should always do the following:

• Immediately wash wounds with warm soapy 

water. 

• Seek medical attention to ensure proper care 

is given to the wound and to protect yourself 

and family. 

• Due to the potential risk of rabies that dog 

bites may pose, it is important that the person 

who was bitten seek immediate medical 

care from their medical provider. If your pet 

is bitten, they will need prompt medical 

attention as well, please take them to their 

veterinarian for care.

• If you or a family member is bitten, you should 

notify the proper authorities, such as Animal 

Control or local law enforcement, so they may 

locate the animal and verify vaccination status 

and health of the animal.

DOGS CATS POCKET BIRDS PETS

RABBITS HORSES REPTILES /

AMPHIBIANS

Army Public Health Center Animal Health
Bite Prevention Tips • Always ask the owner before you pet their 

dog. Allow the dog to approach and sniff you. 

If the dog appears friendly and the owner 

gives you permission, you may pet the dog 

lightly (not heavy patting or thumping). Start 

at the back or shoulders, as most dogs do not 

like to be patted on top of the head. 

• When interacting with a dog, do not stare 

directly into the eyes. Do not hover over them, 

and be sure to give them space to move and 

back away if they do not want to be petted 

anymore. It is best to stand slightly to the side 

and bend down so you are more on their level. 

Do not hug or squeeze the dog. Back away 

calmly when done petting.

• Never approach an unattended dog. Do not 

reach over a fence or through a car window to 

pet a dog. 

• Do not disturb dogs while they are sleeping 

or eating. It’s difficult to guess how a dog may 

react when he/she is startled or eating. 

• Avoid dogs guarding their toys or taking care 

of puppies. 

• Do not enter any yard, building, or enclosed 

area to pet a dog.

• Never leave infants or young children 

unattended with ANY dog.

• If you are alone and an unattended/unfamiliar 

dog approaches you, whether friendly or not, 

immediately “Be a Tree.” This means—Stop! Do 

not run! Fold your arms across your chest and 

look at your feet. Do not yell! Do not strike at 

the dog! Do not look the dog in the eyes. Do 

not make any sudden movements. By “Being a 

Tree,” the dog will think you are uninteresting 

and move on. Stay in this position until the 

dog leaves or someone comes to help. 

• If a strange dog knocks you down, immedi-

ately roll into a ball or lie as flat as you can on 

your stomach on the ground. Cover your ears 

with your hands and protect your face. Keep 

an object, such as your coat or book bag, 

between you and the dog. Lie quiet and still 

until the dog leaves. 

Tips for Children

Talk to your children about safe interactions with 

dogs, and make sure they follow the tips above 

when meeting new dogs or interacting with their 

own pets. It is very important to teach children 

polite behavior around dogs. Always set a good 

example for your child when it comes to interacting 

with dogs and other animals!

Below are some additional items that all kids 

should know: • Tell the nearest adult if you see a strange dog 

or one that seems to be sick or not acting 

normally.

• Tell your parents or another adult if a dog tries 

to bite you.

• If you are scratched or bitten, immediately tell 

your parents or the nearest adult so they can 

get help. 

Dogs make great, loving, and loyal family members! 

While most dogs are friendly, it’s important to know 

that even the kindest and most patient dogs can 

bite given the right circumstances. You can reduce 

the risk of dog bites for yourself and your children 

by following common sense prevention measures. 

Remember, if you are bitten, seek medical attention 

right away.

Dog Bites by the Numbers

Always set a good 

example for your child 

when it comes to 

interacting with dogs 

and other animals!

4–4.5M

People are bitten by dogs 

every year in the United States.

Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs 

require some sort of medical treatment. 

Every year, more than 

800,000 Americans

receive medical attention for dog bites.

Children, 5–9 years old, are far more 

likely to be injured by animals. 

Boys are more often bitten than 

girls.

Most bites occur 

during normal 

and routine daily 

activities.