With summer in full swing, the BC SPCA is reminding people to be vigilant when approaching and interacting with dogs.
The vast majority of dogs are safe, reliable companions, according to a press release from the society, but even a friendly dog may bite if threatened, angry, afraid or hurt. There are signals to watch for and steps people can take to reduce their chances of a dog bite. "It's always good to play nice - by far, most children are bitten while playing with their own dog or dogs they know," says BC SPCA spokesperson Lorie Chortyk. "What starts out as fun can lead to overexcitement, and dogs use their mouths and teeth to grab in the same way we use our hands."
If a dog appears to be getting over stimulated, take a time-out and walk away until he or she is calmer. If the dog is prone to overexcitement, play fetch instead, or tug-of-war games, Chortyk says.
Other tips to keep in mind include: beware dogs that are in protector mode; give anxious or fearful dogs space; don't reach through a fence to pet a strange dog or approach a dog on a chain.
For more information on dog bite safety, visit spca.bc.ca/animalissues
