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Preventing Dog Bites

Tips About Preventing Dog Bites from the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1. Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.

2. Do not run from a dog and scream.

3. Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.

4. If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").

5. Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

6. Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.

7. Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.

8. Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

9. Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.

10. If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.