I just read recently where more than 800,000 people each year require medical attention for dog bites. Do you have some tips on how this can be prevented? I want to be able to tell my children what to do in those kinds of situations.

You raise a very good point about dog bites. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Here are some basic dog safety tips that you can share with your children.

Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one who’s tied or confined behind a fence or car. Never turn your back or run away from a dog. Don’t scream, either. Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. Do not tease or chase any dog. Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first. If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Also, when approached by an unfamiliar dog, tell them to "be still, like a tree" --- to remain motionless with their hands at their sides. Do not make direct eye contact with any dog. If knocked over by a dog, "be still, like a log." They should roll into a ball and lie still with hands over their ears.

There are tips for dog owners, too. Dogs with a history of aggression are not appropriate for households with children. If your child seems fearful or apprehensive about a dog, it is probably wise to delay bringing one into your home. Seek the advice of your veterinarian to determine what type of dog would be best for you and your family.

Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog or puppy into the home of an infant or toddler. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog. Spay or neuter your dog. This frequently reduces aggressive tendencies.

Properly socialize and train your dog. Teach the dog submissive behaviors such as rolling over to expose its abdomen and relinquishing food without growling. Do not play aggressive games with your dog like wrestling or tug-of-war.

This information, prepared as a public service by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, answers problems Rhode Island veterinarians currently are seeing in their practices, as well as new developments in animal care.