The majority of dog bites do not occur while on the job, but some do.

The sheer number of dogs dictate that there are many occupations exposed to dog attacks.

OCCUPATIONS EXPOSED

Workers exposed include; cable installers, police, package deliveries, meter readers, mail carriers, garbage collectors, door-to-door salespersons, landscapers; or, anyone else who works near homes run the risk of being bitten by a dog during their workday.

HEALTH CONCERNS WITH DOG BITES

Dog attacks can be as minor as a small single bite to as serious as death. It is estimated that there is 20 to 30 fatalities due to dog attacks every year in the United States. Dogs also carry many bacteria that can be passed on to a human from a bite. The CDC reports that a dog’s mouths can carry over 60 types of bacteria and approximately 18% of all dog bites gets infected. While rabies is a common disease, dogs can also carry Pasteurella, MRSA, and Tetanus.

AVOID DOG ATTACKS

Follow These Steps to Avoid Dog Attacks

• Do not try to pet unfamiliar dogs.
• Do not enter an area where a dog could be, like a back yard, especially if the owner is not present.
• Even if you know the dog they could still bite if they do not recognize you.
• Do not get aggressive with playing with a dog.
• Never try to take a bone or other object from the dog if it is growling or showing aggression.
• Do not let small children play with dogs unattended.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A DOG ATTACKS OR APPROACHES

• Stand in place and do not make any sudden movements if an unknown dog approaches.
• Never run from an approaching dog.
• Yell “NO” to attempt to get the dog to back down.
• Do not make eye contact or take an aggressive posture towards the dog.
• If knocked down, get into a fetal position and cover your head and neck.

PROCEDURE IF A DOG BITES

• Wash the area of your body of the dog bite with soap and water.
• Report any strange behavior from a dog that has attacked or been aggressive to animal control.
• If you get an infection or have fever after getting a bite, seek medical attention promptly.

FINAL WORD

According to the ASPCA, there are 70 to 80 million dogs as pets in the United States. It is estimated that over 40% of all households have at least one dog. Because of these numbers, the chance of coming into contact with an aggressive dog at some point over your life time is high. Be cautious when around dogs you do not know and especially protect small children from dogs that can potentially attack.