Williams: Taking dog bites seriously

National Dog Bite Prevention Week (May 17-23) is upon us again. For over a decade, the Humane Society of the United States, the U.S. Postal Service, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Veterinary Medical Association have all embraced the third week of May as a time to thrust the spotlight on the dog bite problem in this country.

The CDC estimates that 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. The odds that a dog bite victim will be a child are 3 to 1. And three-quarters of dogs involved belong to the victim’s family or friend. The majority of dog attacks (61 percent) happen at home or in a familiar place.

By and large, people don’t take the onset of dog aggression seriously enough, which is understandable. We love our dogs like family members, and many of us consider them our “fur kids,” so naturally it’s hard to accept that they could be a health risk. We like to refer to the growls as “talking,” and small bites as “nips,” however, these displays of aggression are usually warnings, and foreshadowing to much worse things to come.

Dr. Ian Dunbar, renowned veterinarian, animal behaviorist and author, developed a criteria for assessing and categorizing dog bites:

1.Level 1- Displays of intimidation. Dog growls, lunges, snarls-no teeth touch skin.
2.Level 2- Teeth graze/touch skin but no puncture. There may be minor surface abrasions and bruising and scratches from paws and nails.
3.Level 3- One to four small holes with punctures no longer than half the length of the dog’s canine tooth.
4.Level 4- One to four holes from a single bite, with one or more hold deeper than half the length of the canine tooth. Black bruising, tears and/or slashing wounds present. Dog clamped down and shook or slashed victim.
5.Level 5- Multiple bites at Level 4 or above. A concerted, repeated attack.
6.Level 6- Any bite resulting in death of a human.

Very often dogs exhibit these signs for years before it eventually escalates. When it comes to strangers, most dog aggression is caused by fear and a lack of proper socialization, however when a dog is repeatedly growling at and biting his own family members, somewhere along the way he has learned that this is appropriate behavior. Dog aggression needs to be taken seriously and should be addressed immediately at the first sign. When it erupts “out of nowhere,” the dog should be taken to his veterinarian for a complete medical workup. Changes in body chemistry and illness can manifest in aggressive and inappropriate behavior. Once all medical reasons have been ruled out, behavior modification should be explored as soon as possible.

An aggressive dog is not only a risk to others, but a risk to himself as well. Our society has become increasingly less tolerant with dogs that bite, and a dangerous dog’s own life is at risk. Additionally, the liability of managing a dog that could hurt others is extremely high. When a dog injures, maims, or kills, the owner is responsible and can face lawsuits, stiff fines and even jail time. Because dogs are social animals meant to live in “packs” or family groups, I personally believe that no dog really wants to be aggressive. In fact, I consider an aggressive dog to be a dog in constant turmoil and mental anguish, and owners should treat the situation just as they would any other life threatening illness.

Laurie Williams is a Stafford resident and business owner. Williams and her dog Andrew recently appeared on “Greatest American Dog.” Reach her at onesmartpooch@aol.com.