The Postal Service is
releasing its ranking of the top 25 cities for dog attacks to letter
carriers to kick off National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 19-25. The
annual event provides dog-bite prevention tips, information on responsible
pet ownership and advice about medical treatment if
attacked.
The Postal Service, the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM),
the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Insurance Information Institute (III),
and Prevent The Bite (PTB),
are driving home the message
that dog bites are a nationwide issue and that education can help prevent
dog attacks to people of all ages.
Between 12 and 20 people die
from dog attacks annually, according to the CDC. Just last month a
Nevada
toddler was mauled to death by his family pet on his first birthday.
The Postal Service places the
safety of its employees as a top priority. Letter carriers fearing for
their safety due to a loose or unrestrained pet may stop delivery and ask
homeowners to pick up their mail at the Post Office until the pet is
restrained. In cases where a carrier sees a dog roaming and can’t discern
where it resides, delivery could be interrupted to the entire
neighborhood.
Harsh
Realities
·
Nationwide last year, 5,577
postal employees were attacked in more than 1,400 cities.
Los Angeles topped
the list with 83 postal employees attacked in 2011. Beyond the needless
pain and suffering, medical expenses from dog attacks cost the Postal
Service nearly $1.2 million last year.
The National Dog Bite
Prevention Week partners offer the following
tips:
Avoiding
Attacks
·
Never leave a baby or small
child alone with a dog.
·
Don’t run past a dog. The
dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch
you.
·
If a dog threatens you, don’t
scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves,
then back away slowly until the dog is out of
sight.
·
Never approach a strange dog,
especially one that’s tethered or confined.
·
Don’t disturb a dog that is
sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
·
Anyone wanting to pet a dog
should first obtain permission from the owner.
·
Always let a dog see and sniff
you before petting the animal.
·
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 you are knocked down by a
dog, curl into a ball and protect your face with your
hands.
Be a
Responsible Dog Owner
·
Obedience training can teach a
dog to behave properly and help owners control their dogs.
·
When letter carriers and
others who are not familiar with your dog come to your home, keep your dog
inside, in another room away from the door.
·
In protecting their territory,
dogs may interpret people’s actions as a threat.
·
Spay or neuter your dog.
Neutered dogs are less likely to roam.
·
Dogs that receive little
attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time,
frequently turn into biters.
If
Bitten
§
Rinse the bite area with soapy
water.
§
Elevate limb(s) that have been
bitten.
§
Apply antiseptic lotion or
cream. Watch the area for signs of infection for several days after the
incident.
§
For deeper bites or puncture
wounds, apply pressure with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding.
Then wash the wound, dry it and cover with a sterile dressing. Don’t use
tape or butterfly bandages to close the wound.
§
It’s a good idea to call your
child’s physician because a bite could require antibiotics or a tetanus
shot. The doctor also can help you to report the
incident.
§
If your child is bitten
severely, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency
room.
§
When going to the emergency
room, advise the personnel of:
-
your tetanus vaccination
status;
-
vaccine status of the
dog;
-
who the dog owner is;
and,
-
if the dog has bitten
before.
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