Tips to protect yourself from dog bites

It may sound elementary, but the first thing to know about dog bites is that any dog has the potential to bite.

So how do you protect yourself and still have fun with pets?

May 15-21 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which focuses on educating people about preventing dog bites.

Each year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insurance costs are also rising.

Children and senior citizens are most often the victims of dog bites.

This is not about scaring you, but making you more aware. Indeed, dogs are great pets. They can be your best friend and provide companionship and protection. Often, they become part of the family.

A key way to help lessen the possibility of bites is to socialize your dog to make sure it is used to different people, other pets and situations.

Some of the tips are common sense.

• Before you go to pet a person's dog, ask permission. They know the pet better than you do.
• Why do dogs bite? Usually it's a reaction to something or perhaps a dog is not feeling well. Just like you might want to be left alone if you're sick, a dog may feel the same way, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• If the dog finds itself in a stressful situation, it may bite to defend itself or its territory.
• Dogs can bite because they are scared or have been startled. They can bite because they feel threatened. They can bite to protect something that is valuable to them, like their puppies, their food or a toy.
• Dogs also might nip and bite during play. Even though nipping during play might be fun for the dog, it can be dangerous for people. It's a good idea to avoid wrestling or playing tug-of-war with your dog. These types of activities can make your dog overly excited, which may lead to a nip or a bite.

On his website, Cesar's Way (www.cesarsway.com), professional trainer Cesar Millan offers these warning signs:

Dog bites are always preceded by behavior that an astute observer can use as a warning and then take steps to reduce the dog’s stress or fear.

Ears are typically pinned back, the fur along their back may stand up and you may be able to see the whites of their eyes. Yawning is not an attempt by the dog to appear casual but to show off their teeth and should be considered a warning sign as well. Nonsocial “standoffish” behavior such as freezing in response to a touch or look followed by direct intense eye contact back from the dog is another clear sign that it may bite.