When dogs attack

Despite years of experience, even veterinarians can be caught off guard by aggressive dogs, experts say. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite 4.7 million people each year with 800,000 Americans seeking medical attention. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 years to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age. Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages 4 years and younger are to the head or neck region.

CDC and American Veterinary Medical Association offer the following advice:

• Don't run past a dog. give them a reason to be come excited or aggressive. If a dog approaches, stay still.

• If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm.

• Do not scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Never turn and run.

• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into the fetal position with your hands covering your head and neck. Protect your face and lay still.

n If a dog bites you, do not pull away. Try to ram a stick or broom handle down the dog's throat to make it gag and let go. Never hit the dog.