Dogs are wonderful companions, but even the friendliest can bite if they feel threatened or startled. That’s why the American Veterinary Medical Association introduced National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which is recognized annually in Canada and the U.S. during the second week in April.

The goal of this annual event is to spread awareness about safe interactions with our furry friends, especially at sensitive times such as during mealtimes, nap time, when administering medicines or when they’re caring for their puppies. Here are some tips to keep both pets and people safe.

Be proactive: How to avoid dog bites.

According to the American Humane Society, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping your dog from biting.

• Keep your pet healthy. Dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. Because not all illnesses and injuries are visible, schedule regular check-ups with your vet to discuss your dog’s physical and behavioural health.
• Pets Plus Us, CAA’s pet insurance partner, offers several types of affordable pet insurance to cover everything from regular vet visits to accidents and illnesses.
• Never leave an infant or small child alone with a dog, even if it’s a family pet.
• Respect boundaries. Don’t place a pup in a situation where it feels threatened, and be sure to monitor all interactions between your dog and children.
• Be alert. If someone approaches you and your dog, caution them to wait before petting the dog and give your pet time to be comfortable with a stranger. Likewise, never approach another person’s dog assuming it wants to be touched.

Read the signs for pet safety.

You have less control when it comes to avoiding bites from other people’s pets. In 2024, there were 383 dog bites reported in Winnipeg. Last year, the city handed out 56 tickets to people who failed to prevent their dog from hurting another person or animal, with an accompanying fine of $350.

To keep bites from strange dogs at bay, it helps to understand how to best interact with them — and understand how they interact with each other. Here is the City of Toronto’s advice on how to interact with dogs in a safe manner:

• Present your side to the dog from a standing or squatting position. Do not lean over the dog
• Allow the dog to come to you rather than approaching the dog
• Avoid direct eye contact and don’t stare the dog in the eyes
• Extend your hand toward the dog

If an unleashed dog comes charging, you can appear less threatening by:

• Stopping all movement
• Avoiding eye contact
• Turning sideways
• Speaking to the dog in a calm and friendly voice

If your pet does get bitten, the Canadian Red Cross recommends having a plan in place in case of emergency. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy, along with a list of the nearest emergency or 24-hour animal hospital and plan the fastest route to get there.

The Canadian Red Cross also offers a Pet First Aid Course for families who want to be prepared for emergencies. Whether you’re familiar with animals or are a new pet parent, this online dog first aid course offers advice on how to handle common emergencies. These lessons also teach you to identify normal vital signs, perform dog resuscitation and CPR, how to manage wounds, respond to seizures, and support overall dog health and well-being.

Administering pet medication using the food method.

A more familiar occasion for nipping can happen when you are trying to give your pup medication. Our four-legged friends have incredibly keen noses, which makes sneaking medication past them quite the challenge.

One approach is to hide medication in small, highly appealing treats, such as wet food they already love or soft options like cream cheese or plain yogurt. Unfortunately, this clever trick of hiding pills in food doesn’t always work as planned.

Going beyond food — the direct approach

Sometimes, we need a foolproof way to give dogs pills without relying on food. Here’s where a tool like the pet pill gun (also known as a pill dispenser or pill popper) comes in handy. These nifty devices help place medication safely at the back of your pet’s throat, making the process quick and efficient.

Tips for administering pet medicine directly:

• Keep your pet calm by speaking in soothing tones
• Position yourself confidently but gently
• Have treats ready for after — positive reinforcement works wonders

Consult your veterinarian

Many Canadian veterinary clinics offer demonstrations on pill administration techniques. Don’t be shy about asking your local vet for a hands-on lesson — they’re there to help.

Advanced strategies for stubborn pets.

For those particularly resistant pets, try these expert-approved techniques.

The triple treat method:

• Offer a treat without medicine
• Follow with the treated pill pocket
• Immediately offer another regular treat

The stealth mode approach:

• Use gel capsules to mask bitter tastes
• Consider asking your vet about compound medications
• Time administration for when your pet is relaxed

If you’re still struggling with how to give an unwilling dog a pill, discuss these options with your vet:

• Alternative medication forms (liquid, transdermal, or injectable options)
• Long-acting medications that require less frequent dosing
• Professional administration services

Remember, you’re not alone in this challenge. Many pet parents across Canada face similar struggles. With patience, training and communication, you’ll find the method that works best for your canine companion.

Protect your pets. Discover how CAA Members can get peace of mind with affordable pet insurance through our partnership with Pets Plus Us.

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