Each year, about 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs -- 80 percent of them by dogs they know and interact with regularly. More than half of those victims are under the age of 13. Children are at least three times more likely than adults to sustain a serious injury.

            Louisville Metro Animal Services wants to raise awareness about dog bites and the steps families can take to prevent bites. Here are a few safety tips they suggest when interacting with dogs:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog. If a dog is with its owner, always ask permission before petting the dog. Children should never approach a dog that is not supervised by an adult.
• Never pet a dog that is eating, sleeping, playing with a toy or caring for puppies.
• Understand dog body language. For example, ears, tail, and fur standing straight up are some signs that the dog is angry and you should stay away. A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy to see you.
• To pet a dog, approach slowly and speak softly. Avoid direct eye contact. Your hands should be lower than the dog’s head. Let the dog sniff the back of your fist. Pet gently on his back or sides.
• If a dog growls at you or starts to chase you, stay still and don’t scream. Act like a log or a tree. Don’t run from a dog. Its first instinct will be to chase you. A dog is more likely to sniff you and go away if you stay still. 
• If you believe that a dog is trying to attack you, place something in between you and the dog (a backpack, bicycle or umbrella work fine).  
• Adults should never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog, not even the family pet.

            Metro Animal Services offers animal-assisted presentations for all ages on dog bite prevention. For more information, call the public education coordinator at 502-574-5556.