For Parents, Dog Owners, Medical Personnel, and Educators - VVMA Dog Bite Prevention Program (currently under revision, 11/2023)

Thank you for your interest in the VVMA Dog Bite prevention program. We invite you to read the general information we have provided about dog bites and then read this section to learn how your school can get involved!

BACKGROUND:
▪ Children are, by far, the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured
▪ Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities while interacting with familiar dogs
▪ The 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 elementary school-aged kids how to safely interact with dogs in order to avoid bites
▪ Reduce number of bites/conflicts which will have positive impact on children and families and on the welfare of dogs

OUR VVMA POWERPOINT PROGRAM:
▪ Is 55 slides long, and takes about 20 minutes to present
▪ Covers different normal day-to-day interactions between children and dogs
▪ Provides take-home material for students

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