National Bite Prevention Week & Resources

It’s National Dog Bite Prevention Week this week. Not a topic usually discussed in the same sentence as Cavaliers, but the reality is any dog, if provoked, can bite. There are an estimated 70 million dogs in the US and approximately 4.5 million reported dog bites annually. Over 350,000 children were bit by dogs in 2010-2012 and over a third of those were children between the ages 5 and 9. Most injuries to children are to the head and neck area.

These sobering stats are a good reminder to teach young children how to properly interact with all pups (including Cavaliers), how to avoid being bitten and to properly socialize, train and leash your Cavalier.

If you would like more information on what to do if you are bit, or if your dog bites someone, please download the AMVA handout on dog bites.