SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Dogs attack four and a half million people in the United States every year, causing more than 800,000 people to seek medical treatment for their injuries. But you can take steps that will help you survive or prevent a dog attack.
Here’s how.
How to prevent a dog from attacking you
Want to reduce the odds of a dog bite? Read the following tips for bite prevention .
- Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Look and listen for signs that an animal is becoming aggressive.
- Soften your eyes and open your mouth when you encounter an unfamiliar dog.
- With a relaxed body posture, face the dog at an angle.
- Look for warning signs that the dog might bite, such as teeth showing while growling, lips and facial muscles tensing, the dog freezing and holding its breath, the dog staring at you without letting up, and his/her tail sticking straight up and seeming to be held in place.
- Remain calm.
- Do not run from the dog.
- Do not scream.
- Do not make erratic movements.
- Do not attempt to pet a dog you don’t know.
- Do not attempt to feed a dog you don’t know.