Health Tip: Reduce the Risk of Dog Bites

Before welcoming a new dog into your family, research how to choose the right one.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions, which should help reduce the chances of you or a family member being bitten:

• Talk to a professional, such as a trainer or veterinarian, about which breeds may be best suited for your family.
• If you have a young child, do not consider a dog with a history of aggression.
• Pay attention to your child's signals of fear or anxiety toward being around a dog. Don't adopt a dog until such fears subside.
• Before you bring a dog home, spend time with the dog. Be particularly cautious if you have a baby or toddler.