Now that more people are getting their exercise by walking in neighborhoods, they may encounter stray dogs. According to the Humane Society, an estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Sara Snyder offers these tips on how to avoid being bitten by a strange dog…
To reduce your risk of being bitten, never approach a strange dog. Don’t pet a dog, — even your own – with out letting it see and sniff you first. If a strange dog approaches you, do not scream, turn, or run. Remain motionless, hands at your side, and avoid eye contact. If a dog attacks, try feeding it your walking stick, jacket, purse, bicycle or anything else you can put between you and the dog. And if you’re knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your ears.
