VVMA Dog Bite Prevention Program (under review and revision 11/2023 expected to be complete by August 2024)

BACKGROUND:

  • Children are, by far, the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.  Vermont has seen a sizeable increase in dog bites in the pediatric (1-4yo) cohort
  • Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities while interacting with familiar dogs
  • Majority of bites are preventable, so education is key!
  • From 2012-2016, over 550 Vermont children were treated at hospitals for dog bite wounds
  • Not included in that number: children who were bitten but medical help not sought/needed or actual contact did not occur. We can reasonably assume that there were more bites than the 550 documented along with attempted bites, air snaps, growls, and other unsafe interactions

OUR GOAL:

  • Educate parents, dog owners, toddlers, and elementary school-aged kids on how to safely interact with dogs to avoid bites
  • Reduce the number of bites/conflicts which will have a positive impact on children and families and the welfare of dogs

OUR VVMA POWERPOINT PROGRAM COVERS:

  • Kids and familiar dogs
  • Kids and loose dogs
  • Kids and unfamiliar dogs with their owners
  • Basic dog body language
  • Safe and unsafe situations
  • Take-home material for the kids

NEW MATERIAL FOR PRE-SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN AND EXPECTANT OR NEW PARENTS:
  • Bookmarks: Featuring recommended children’s books on safe interactions with dogs, these printable bookmarks are perfect for encouraging safe reading habits.
  • Animated Video Collage: The Dog-Smart Kid Quiz comes to life in this engaging animated video, accompanied by a printable flyer and magnets with quiz questions and answers, generously provided by UVM.
  • Social Media Posts: Tailored messaging for both children and parents, perfect for sharing important safety tips and raising awareness.
  • Coloring Pages: Designed to reinforce crucial safety messages, these pages are both fun and educational for young children

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The VVMA gratefully acknowledges Good Dog In A Box.com and the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association for providing some of the content for our program for school age children.  We are also grateful to UVM and the VT Humane Federation who collaborated with the VVMA in creating new materials for younger children.

CONTACTS:

Linda Waite-Simpson for sign-up, mailing, etc.
Pam Brown  for feedback
Lisa Nelson for feedback

We value your feedback so we can grow this program!
Thank you for your interest in the VVMA Dog Bite prevention program!

More information on Dog Bite Prevention is available in the VVMA's Resource section of this website.