Understanding Dog Body Language Key to Preventing Dog Bites

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan – Michigan Pet Fund Alliance has launched a Dog Bite Prevention campaign on their website, http://www.michiganpetfund.org/dogbite, featuring a new video explaining how dogs use body language to communicate what they are feeling. The video includes voiceover by Peter Carey, star of the smash hit play “Ernie” by Mitch Albom. (video link: http://bit.ly/2DeYaUp)

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 4 million dog bites occur each year in the United States … and not from stray dogs running wild in the streets. The family dog or the neighbor’s dog inflict the majority (80%) of dog bite-related injuries to children aged 18 and under, with children aged 5-9 having the highest injury rate.

MPFA chairperson Deborah Schutt says, “The key to preventing dog bites is responsible pet ownership and education. Our goal with this campaign is to make our communities safer, free up resources in our shelters, and save more dogs’ lives.”