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There are many reasons why a dog will bite. Dogs may bite out of fear, to establish dominance over the person bitten, or to protect their territory. The Department of Health investigates approximately 1,000 bite and scratch exposures from dogs annually. As the animal control authority for Baltimore County, the Department of Health works to ensure the safety of the public by enforcing laws pertaining to pets, educating pet owners, and protecting the rights of owners and their pets. The good news is that dog bites CAN be prevented! - Do not play with or pet a dog unless supervised by an adult.
- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
- Do not to chase or tease dogs.
- Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not scream and run from a dog.
- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still.
- Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- Do not play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
- Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
- If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
- If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
Back to top - Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household. Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
- Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
- Teach children basic safety around dogs and review regularly.
- Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
- Use caution when bringing a dog into a home of an infant or toddler.
- Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.
- Spay/neuter virtually all dogs (this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies).
- Properly socialize and train any dog entering the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling).
- Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
Back to top - Make sure your property fence enclosures are escape-proof.
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times when off your property.
- If your dog is aggressive, muzzle it when off your property.
- Post "beware of dog" warning signs on your property to help prevent your dog from biting someone over the fence.
- Keep your dog's vaccinations for rabies current.
- Train and socialize your dog.
- Have virtually all male dogs neutered.
- If the wound is severe, get medical help. Call your family doctor or closest hospital emergency room.
- Immediately wash the wound with lots of soap and water. Scrub the bitten area gently.
- If possible, get the owner's name, address and phone number.
- Find out if the animal has a current rabies shot and write down the rabies tag number.
- Report the incident to the police.
Back to top Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) - Humane Society Dog bite prevention resources. Dog Bite Prevention (PDF) - Download an American Veterinary Medical Association brochure on what you should know about dog bite prevention. For questions contact the Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-887-2723 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or e-mail diseasecontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov. Back to top  (Need PDF help?)
Revised July 25, 2007 |
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