Bite Definition

To pierce the skin, especially with teeth or fangs. A bleeding cat scratch is considered a bite. Any contact with a bat or bats is considered a bite.

Who Gets Bit

Children make up more than 60% of all dog bite victims. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 50% of all children 12 and younger have been bitten by a dog. High risk individuals are the elderly and home service people like mail carriers and meter readers.

Pet Ownership / Pet Selection

Before selecting a pet, ask your veterinarian about behavior and suitability.

Socialize your pet

When your dog is a puppy, expose him or her to a variety of social situations which include people and animals. Make sure each of these outings are under controlled circumstances and done a little at a time. Continue exposing your dog to social situations through out its' life. Don't put your dog in a position where it feels uncomfortable, this includes teasing or threatening environments. Recognize how your dog responds in situations. This will help you identify when your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.

Train your dog

Train your dog the basic commands of "sit," "stay," "no," and "come". This will build trust between pets and people. Avoid games like tug-of-war and wrestling. These games encourage aggressive behavior.

Keep your Pet Healthy

Vaccinate your dog or cat against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. In the state of Florida, a rabies vaccine must be given at 4 months of age but can be vaccinated at 3 months of age. This vaccine expires in one year. Then the dog or cat must be revaccinated with either a one, two or three year rabies vaccine. Follow your veterinarian's advice on a vaccination schedule.

Neuter your pet

Neutered pets are less likely to bite: That's a fact! Not only does neutering create a less aggressive animal, it also prevents pet over-population. Two positive outcomes with just one action!

Leash Law

An animal under physical control, is an animal under mental control. The law states all animals must be leashed at all times when off the property of the animal owner. In Brevard County, at large is defined as off the premises of the owner, and not under the physical control of a leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to control the animal not to exceed six (6) feet in length. If you love your pet, leash your pet!

Bite Prevention

Children are the victims to more than 60% of all bites. To make our children safe, these rules should be followed.

NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog. Be aware of potentially dangerous situations.

Start teaching your children at young ages the following "Stay Safe Rules"

Things to do to communicate you are a friend to a dog:

Stand still, facing slightly sideways, off on an angle.
Keep an eye on the dog even if the owner responds to your call.
Look at the dog's ears, chest or the top of its head instead of looking in its' eyes, bring your fist slowly up from beloyes.
After asking permission to touch rather than shoving an open hand down from above.
Use slow movements.
The slower you move the less threatened the dog will feel.
Always stand upright when near a dog. If you have to bend over, squat- never bend at the waist.
Use high vocal tones when encountering a dog; it is a less threatening message.

If a dog charges at you:

Stay still
Remain calm
Don't scream
Speak softly
Avoid eye contact

If you fall when a dog charges you:

Remain calm
Speak softly
Avoid eye contact
Curl into a ball with your
hands over your head and neck.
Protect your face

If Your Dog Bites Someone

Restrain the dog.
Separate the dog from the area and confine it securely.
Check on the victim.
Wash the wound with soap and water.
Seek medical attention.
Call Animal Services and Enforcement immediately: (321) 633-2024

If Your The Bite Victim

Stay calm.
Take in a good description of the animal or confine the animal if possible.
Tell an adult.
Wash the wound with soap and water.
Seek medical attention.
Call Animal Services and Enforcement immediately: (321) 633-2024.