As school is back in session, pedestrians, especially children, may come face to face with off-leash dogs. In an effort to quickly inform the public, the Hillsborough County issued a set of guidelines to ensure safety during such encounters. The key is to remain vigilant and to understand a dog's behavior to avoid any potentially dangerous interactions.
The county's animal services emphasize the need to absolutely avoid running if a dog begins to chase you. Instead, "keep your arms loose at your sides - don't flail around," and speak in calming tones, according to the Hillsborough County news release. They also advise not to touch, pet the dog, or make direct eye contact. Should you manage to safely walk away from the dog, it's crucial to then report the incident to Hillsborough County Animal Control, providing details about the location and description of the dog.
With more than 62 million dogs living across U.S. households, the reality is that dog bites are not uncommon, roughly 4.5 million dog bites are reported each year. These incidents often involve children and are largely preventable with adequate dog training, socialization, and public education on approaching dogs.
Hillsborough County's Code Enforcement Animal Control Division suggests never to leave children unsupervised with a dog, since any dog can bite, regardless of its past behavior. It's also critical to "spay or neuter your dog to deter roaming and aggressive behaviors," as stated on the same news realese. They further note that watching a dog's body language is a telltale sign to anticipate a possible bite. Among the signals to watch for are growling, dilated pupils, and lip licking. Another key recommendation is to ensure your dog gets its routine check-ups and vaccinations, as pain or sickness can trigger unpredictable behavior.
To wrap up the safety measures, the county advises that dogs should be socialized, not left to wander, and not subjected to teasing games that could cause confusion between play and aggression. When dealing with dog confrontations, avoid sudden moves or loud screams, and never attempt to physically separate fighting dogs with your hands—water or an object like a stick are safer methods.
