Four ways to prevent dog bites

HOW DO YOU KNOW A DOG IS ANGRY? IT BARES ITS TEETH.

DOGS won't come out of their way to bite a person. When they do, they are usually scared, provoked or threatened. To avoid cases of dogs biting people, especially children, the World Animal Protection has identified four simple tips to remember when dealing with dogs, particularly those who are strangers to us.

The tips, which are actually part of a resource developed for primary school teachers teaching kids aged four to 12, focus on how to read a dog's body language. 

STAY AWAY FROM A DOG THAT LOOKS SCARED OR ANGRY.
When a dog is angry it shows its teeth, and when scared it tucks its tail between its legs.

DON'T BOTHER A DOG THAT IS EATING, NOT ON A LEASH OR BEHIND A GATE.
Adult dogs like to be left alone, too, when playing with its puppies and toys. They want peace and quiet not only when they are sleeping, but also when they are sick or inside a car.

BE MOMENTARILY STILL IF AN UNKNOWN DOG COMES NEAR YOU.
A dog might come close to check you out but will soon leave you alone if you don't make unnecessary movements.

BEFORE PETTING A DOG, ASK ITS OWNER FIRST IF IT'S OKAY.
As a matter of courtesy (to the dog), let it smell your hand first and, if the signs are good, stroke its back first to establish how far you can go with petting it.

If a dog bites, wash the wound for 15 minutes with soap and water then see a doctor immediately. Do not hit the dog that bit; not only is it unkind but it might bite you again. 

The World Animal Protection places the number of people that die from rabies each year at 59,000 globally. More than 99 percent of these cases are transmitted through dog bites. Vaccinating dogs against rabies once a year and learning to read their body language correctly can significantly help bring down if not end the spread of rabies.  -- MetroPets