Although the United States is comprised of tens of millions of dog owners, there is still a widespread dog bite epidemic in this country. Millions of dog bites occur in America each year, and many of the victims of these attacks are children. Fortunately, there are many steps that dog owners and those who interact with the animals can take to prevent this number from growing.

How to Protect Yourself from Dog Bites

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from dog bites when encountering a dog:

- Never approach an unfamiliar dog, be cautious around dogs you don't know and always assume this dog is a potential threat, even if you see the dog being friendly with its owner. This being said, you shouldn't be scared of a dog, as dog's can smell fear, just be calm and show the dog respect.

- If you want to pet a dog that belongs to someone else, always ask permission from the owner. Never come up behind the dog to pet him without letting him see you and smell you first. This can be crucial in preventing serious damage.

- Never try to pet, touch or disturb a dog, even your own while he is sleeping, eating or in possession of something such as a puppy, a toy or a bone.

- Never leave small children alone with your dog or anyone else's dogs and teach children to be careful around animals and never touch a pet unless they ask the owner's permission.

What Owners Can Do to Prevent Their Dogs from Biting

As dog owners, it is your responsibility to control your pet and keep him from biting another human being. It is important to socialize your dog at a young age, and get him familiar with other people and animals, so he is more at ease around others. Teach your dog basic commands so it knows you are in charge, this can be helpful if the dog feels you are being threatened and wants to bite another individual. Most importantly, always keep your dog on a leash, and keep up with his veterinary visits to ensure he doesn't have any diseases that can be spread to humans, such as rabies. If your dog bites someone, immediately call for medical attention to the person once you have removed your dog from the situation.

If you or a loved one is injured due to a dog bite, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.