Dog Bite Prevention

Children make up 60 percent of the 4.7 million bitten by dogs each year. Dog bite attacks occur year round and can be harmful and sometimes deadly.

Plastic surgeons, certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, repair thousands of children injuries from dog attacks. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) notes that children who are attacked by dogs are frequently bitten on the face, which can result in serve lacerations, infection or scarring. Because children are still growing, plastic surgeons take special care when repairing the skin and tissue on an injured child’s face. They also provide added assurance that the wound will heal properly, with as inconspicuous a scar as possible.

The ASPS has developed the “Beware the Bite!” outreach program to educate the public about the issue of dog bites and how to prevent them. Find the “Beware the Bite!” safety tips for parents children, and dog owners at www.plasticsurgery.org