Dr. Kiesnowski sees a growing number of children and adults who are victims of dog bites.  Often, when treated immediately and appropriately, facial scarring can be minimalized and healed results can be very good.  If you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, please seek medical treatment immediately. 

As a public service message the below text was taken from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.

Dog Bite Awareness: Beware the Bite!

Every year, nearly 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs - 60 percent of these victims are children. In fact, about half of all children in the U.S. will be bitten by a dog by the 12th grade. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) created an outreach program - "Beware the Bite!" - to educate the public about the issue of dog bites and how to prevent them.

How you can avoid dog bites:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Never run from or scream at a dog.
• Be "still like a tree" when an unfamiliar dog comes up to you.
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and stay still.
• Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Tell an adult if you see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely.
• Don't look a dog right in the eye.
• Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Don't play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• If a dog bites you, tell an adult right away.

• Never leave infants or children alone with any dog.
• Spay/neuter your dog.
• Train your dog in obedience.
• Don't play aggressive games with your dog.
• Follow leash laws.
• Keep your dog healthy; an unnoticed injury can make a dog aggressive.
• Your dog should be part of the family. Unsocialized "outdoor" dogs are more likely to bite than "indoor" dogs.

• 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year.
• Children make up 60% of dog bite victims.
• About half of all children in the U.S. will be bitten by a dog by the 12th grade.
• Nearly 20 people die a year from dog bites in the U.S.
• Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. seeks medical care because of a dog bite.
• 70% of dog bites occur when the dog is on the owner's property.
• While any dog can bite, the top biting breeds include: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Akitas.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
444 East Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4664
(847) 228-9900
Fax (847) 228-9131
www.plasticsurgery.org