Following recent attacks by packs of dogs that resulted in two fatalities, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) advises caution around all animals due to the risk of bites, scratches and potential disease transmission.
State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee Jones said, “These tragic deaths are a reminder that proper animal ownership includes confining your animals appropriately and addressing any vicious-animal issues with a veterinarian before attacks occur. This is a very difficult conversation to have because most people love dogs; in fact, they are usually treated like members of our families.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance on preventing animal-related injuries and illnesses, particularly for young children and those with weakened immune systems. Key recommendations include being alert, keeping a safe distance, knowing the risk of rabies, reporting bites and scratches, and supervising children around animals.
The CDC provides this important information:
How to prevent dog bites and scratches
Most dog bites are preventable. Do not disturb a dog while it is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Do not pet a dog if it appears to be hiding or seeking time alone. Do not continue petting a dog if it seems scared, sick, or angry.
If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball. Tuck your head and place your hands over your ears and neck. You can also put a purse, bag, or jacket between you and the dog. Avoid doing the following actions to keep yourself safe:
- Never encourage your dog to play aggressively or roughhouse.
- Do not panic or make loud noises and never run from a dog.
- Avoid trying to break up dog fights.
Petting another owner’s dog
- Always ask if it is OK to pet someone else’s dog before reaching out to pet it. This is important even if the dog appears friendly.
- Let the new dog approach you first.
- When a new dog approaches you, remain still to allow the dog to feel comfortable.
- Always make sure a dog has seen you and sniffed you before you reach out to pet it.
Preventing dog bites in children
Do not let young children play with dogs without supervision, even if the child has met the dog previously. This includes your family pet dog.
Responsible pet ownership, including socializing your dog and using a leash in public, can help prevent dog bites.
Preventing bites from unfamiliar dogs
Do not approach an unfamiliar dog, even if it seems friendly or healthy. Call animal control if you see a dog in trouble or a dog running loose.
If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, stay still, be calm, and avoid direct eye contact with the dog. Say “no” or “go home” in a firm, deep voice and stand with the side of your body facing the dog. Slowly raise your hands to your neck with your elbows in. Wait for the dog to pass or slowly back away.
What to do if you are bitten or scratched by a dog
Germs can be spread from dog bites and scratches, even if the wound does not seem deep or serious.
For minor wounds
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply an antibiotic cream.
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
For deep wounds
Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding for deep wounds. Seek medical attention right away. Call 911 or your local emergency medical services immediately if you cannot stop the bleeding or you feel faint or weak.
See if a healthcare provider if:
- The wound is serious or deep.
- The wound becomes infected.
- You don’t know if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.
- If it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot.
- The bite is deep.
Serious wounds are characterized by uncontrolled bleeding, extreme pain, and loss of function. Infected wounds may be red, painful, or swollen, or cause a fever. Let the healthcare provider know that you were bitten by a dog. The healthcare provider may consult with ADPH to help you decide if you need rabies treatment. This is known as rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Report dog bites
Report dog bites to your local animal control agency or police department. Anyone who is bitten by a dog is at risk of getting rabies. Consider contacting your local animal control agency or police department to report the incident. This is especially important if you don’t know if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. It is also important to report the bite if the dog appears sick or is acting strangely.
If possible, contact the owner and ensure the animal has a current rabies vaccination. You will need the following information:
- Rabies vaccine license number.
- Name of the veterinarian who administered the vaccine.
- The owner’s name, address, and phone number.
Vaccination of domestic dogs and cats protects the animals against rabies and provides the best method of providing a buffer between wildlife rabies and humans. Alabama law requires that dogs and cats 3 months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies annually.
For more information about rabies, please contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969 or visit the Rabies section of ADPH’s Infectious Diseases website at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html
