Teach Children To Beware Of Bites (NAPSA)—It’s important for people to protect children from dog bites—even if a dog does not have a history of biting. Each year 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, and 60 percent of the victims are children. Children are frequently bitten on the face, which can result in severe lacerations, infection or scarring. If a child is severely bitten by a dog, parents should ask the emergency room physician to call a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ensuring the doctor is qualified to perform reconstructive and cosmetic procedures on the face and all areas of the body). Taking such a precaution helped 5-year-old Lauren Wirdzek, who wasbitten on the face by her aunt’s terrier last Christmas Eve. “Tt was a nightmare,” says Judy Wirdzek, Lauren’s mother. “One minute Lauren and the dog were playing, then the dog had her by her face, shaking her back and forth.” “This story is not uncommon,” says Edward Luce, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). “Plastic surgeons repair the results of thousands of dog attacks each year. Parents should ask for a plastic surgeon because he or she has the training to preserve and rearrange skin and tissue.” Months after the attack, Lau- ren is recovering. “Lauren has scars under her eye and on her lower cheek, but soon she will have a scar reduction procedure,” says Wirdzek. The ASPS offers these tips to help prevent dog attacks: Parents Should: Never leave infants or children alone with a dog. It’s important to teach children to treat dogs properly. Follow leash laws. e Always supervise children when they play with dogs. Keep the family dog healthy— an unnoticed injury can make a dog aggressive. Also, remember that a dog is less likely to bite if its owners train it to interact with people and takeit to obedienceclasses. Children Should: Never approach an unfamiliar dog. Never run from or scream at a dog. Tell an adult if they see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for its puppies. Never play aggressive games with dogs. For more information on dog bite prevention and to download the “Beware the Bite!” children’s activity sheet, visit www.plastic surgery.org. To find a board-certified plastic surgeon and learn more about plastic surgery, visit the Web site, or call 1-888-4- PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784). Note to Editors: National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 19-25.
