Veterinary Public Health Section

Dog Bite Prevention

Preview image of "Don't Let the Dogs Bite" coloring book

Learning Materials for Kids

Don't Let the Dogs Bite: How to be Safe Around Dogs — Coloring & Activity Book - California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Printed copies of the coloring book in English and Spanish are available free-of-charge to local agencies, schools, and organizations in California while supplies last. To order copies, please email VetPH@cdph.ca.gov and provide the following information:

Name
Organization
Phone number
Physical mailing address (no P.O. boxes, please)
Language and quantity of materials desired

Note: Orders can be filled for California-based programs only, though out-of-state programs are free to download and use the PDF version linked above.

"Jimmy the Dog" Videos - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Bites from dogs and other animals can transmit rabies. Have questions about rabies?
Visit the CDPH Rabies webpage for more information.

Sample Messaging

The following messages and graphics are available for public health partners to use to help raise awareness about dog bite injuries and promote safe interactions with dogs, including during National Dog Bite Prevention Week (second full week in April).

CDPH graphics below may be co-branded with local agency information and can be used for social media, digital ads, or as embedded links on webpages. Click an image to view and download (right-click and select “Save image as”).

	Suggested message: Over 800,000 people need medical treatment for dog bites each year in the U.S. Young children especially can have serious injuries from dog bites. Always supervise children when around dogs, and teach them how to be safe around dogs: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/AnimalBites.aspx #PreventDogBites
	Suggested messages: Did you know? Children are the most common victims of dog bites in California. Young boys under age 10 are the group most likely to go to the emergency department for dog bite injuries. Protect your family – prevent dog bites by teaching kids how to be safe around dogs: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html#tabs-1-3 Learn more about animal bite injuries in California: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/AnimalBites.aspx Did you know? Young boys under age 10 are the group most likely to go to the emergency department for dog bite injuries. Protect your family – teach kids how to be safe around dogs: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html#tabs-1-3 Learn more about animal bites: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/AnimalBites.aspx #PreventDogBites
	Suggested messages: It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week! Any dog can bite, even one that seems friendly. To be safe, always ask permission before you pet someone's dog. After you ask the owner, allow the dog to come to you before you pet it. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/AnimalBites.aspx It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week! Any dog can bite, especially when scared, nervous, eating, playing, or protecting toys or puppies. Dog bites can cause serious injuries. Learn how to stay safe and healthy around dogs: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/AnimalBites.aspx #PreventDogBites #DogBitePreventionWeek
	Suggested messages: This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. If a dog you don't know comes up you, do not panic or run. Stop, stand still, and slowly back away from the dog. Stay quiet and calm and avoid direct eye contact with the dog. Teach kids how to be safe around dogs: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention If a dog you don’t know comes up you, don’t panic or run. Stop, stand still, and slowly back away from the dog. Stay quiet and calm and avoid direct eye contact with the dog. Teach kids how to be safe around dogs: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention #PreventDogBites #DogBitePreventionWeek