Beware the Bite: May 18-24 Is National Dog Bite Prevention Week
The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic laser procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.
May 12, 2003
Elkhart, IN — As summer approaches and children spend more time outdoors, it’s important that parents, children and dog owners know what to do if a dog attacks. Every year, 4.7 million Americans – more than half of them children – are bitten by dogs. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), including The Centre, P.C., treat bite injuries on a regular basis, well over 40,000 per year. Tragically, some 20 people will die from dog attack injuries this year.
Yet this problem is largely preventable. The ASPS and its members are reaching out to the public educate children and dog owners to ‘Beware the Bite!’
When someone is attacked by a dog, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Ask the emergency room physician to call a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). ABPS-certified plastic surgeons have extensive surgical training in preserving and rearranging skin and tissue on the face and all areas of the body. They can offer the victim added assurance that the wound will heal properly and the resulting scar will be as inconspicuous as possible. Both Dr. Ronald Downs and Dr. Patrick Viscardi of The Centre, P.C., are ABPS certified.
Dog bites are not caused by “bad dogs” but by irresponsible dog owners. Dogs who have not been properly socialized to other people, who are not supervised or safely confined, who are not neutered, or who get little attention and handling are those who often attack. Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are three times more likely to bite.
| Dog owners should: |
|
| Parents should advise their children to: |
|
By educating the public on the issue and asking dog owners to train and restrain their dogs, future tragedies can be prevented.
The Centre, P.C. is a comprehensive plastic surgery practice that delivers expert professional care to patients in the Michiana area. With specialists in the fields of hand surgery and therapy, reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery and skin health, The Centre, P.C. offers a unique variety of services and treatment options, including an Injury Prevention Program for businesses and their employees. Contact The Centre, P.C. at 800.909.2992 or visit theCentrepc.com or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at plasticsurgery.org.
Click here for more information on reconstructive surgery for dog bite victims or to schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons. Our cosmetic surgeons help dog bite victims in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, the Michiana area, and Chicago.
- 800.909.2992
Elkhart Office
RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511
South Bend Office
MEDICAL PAVILION I
720 EAST CEDAR STREET, SUITE 450
SOUTH BEND, IN 46617
PHONE: 574-233-9100
FAX: 574-233-9108
Chesterton Office
1830 SOUTH 11TH STREET
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: 219-395-9200
