Given the recent increase in animal bites, both by dogs and wild animals, it has become ever so important that we teach our children how to be safe around unfamiliar or unfriendly animals. This means that we ourselves have to know the basic safety rules on how to not take a chance and stay safe around "strangers."

Most animals that are out in the general public appear to be friendly and harmless, and yet every year in the United States millions of people are bitten, thousands are seriously injured and about 100 are actually killed by the attacking animal. Many of these victims are our children and this is why we must learn how to keep them safe. At one time or another, people come into contact with unfamiliar animals because of their job or recreational activity.

Joggers or bikers seem to have the best chance of being bitten by a dog who either thinks they are a danger to their yard or they think moving objects need to be chased away. So by recognizing the warning signs of aggressive animal behavior will prevent you from being attacked. And if by chance you are attacked, knowing how to defend yourself is crucial.

There are so many reasons animals feel they must attack humans. The most common of animal bites, of course, is the dog, but these reasons hold true for all animals. Mothers protect their offspring, and animals tend to protect their territory or the human children of the household. Any animal that feels threatened or is surprised when eating or sleeping may lash out for seemingly no reason.

Especially dangerous are animals that have been hurt and are in pain. It is our natural desire to help an animal we see injured but could result in serious consequences for the Good Samaritan, especially if the animal is naturally wild and distrusts humans to begin with. And lastly, there are dogs that are trained to be vicious.

Most animals will warn you that they are potentially dangerous by their aggressive posture, with ears erect, still body and stiff tail, or alternatively, a fearful posture, with ears back, body crouched low with head down and tail tucked between its legs. Neither one of these postures is good news. Also, there can be growling, snarling, snapping with bared teeth and hair standing on end.

If you are threatened you need to remain calm and move slowly and smoothly, walking backwards. Do not show how nervous you are by quick, jerky movements. Stay facing the animal and never turn your back or start to run. If you have anything in your hands (purse, bag, etc.), hold it in front of you in order to shield parts of your body. Do not make any loud or threatening noises or make eye contact. Look over the dog’s head while you back out of the area. You can give firm, simple commands, such as NO – STAY – DOWN – or GO HOME. If you know the animal’s name, use it in the command as it may confuse the dog enough to give you time to get away.

Should none of this work and you are attacked, you need to hold your ground and not turn your back to try and run away (although that would be the natural reaction). Try to keep the animal in front of you. If you have a shield, always try to keep it between you and the animal and let the animal bite the shield.

If you do not have a shield, you need to use your arm by extending your forearm across your waist, keeping your fist clenched. The arm that is exposed should be the opposite of the hand that you ordinarily use. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and cover your head and neck with your arms. The dog may lose interest is you are playing dead.

If you are bitten or scratched and it breaks the skin, you can end up with an infection. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and apply a sterile dressing. You will need to seek immediate medical attention and explain to the doctor what happened. Depending on if it was a wild or domestic animal, the doctor will decide what the next step needs to be.

You will probably get a tetanus booster if need be no matter what and they they will have to find the owner of the domestic animal to make sure they have had their rabies vaccination up to date. The animal may have to be quarantined so you need to make sure all bites are reported to the proper authorities. Although rabies is no longer common in humans, several cases occur in the United States every year. If bitten by a wild or stray animal and if the animal cannot be safely contained, you may require the rabies series.

It is so important to stay safe around animals, to be alert as to what is going on around you, know how to protect yourself, and know what to do if bitten. Don’t take any chances with your own safety or that of your children!

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