BMJ  2007;334:489 (10 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39143.022326.1F

Letters

Dog bites

Education of dog owners is key to reducing attacks

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The negative opinions in Besser's personal view contrast with the positive impact of dog ownership on human health described in an editorial published in the Veterinary Record.¹² The Record cites research showing that dog owners tend to be fitter, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and have a greater level of physiological wellbeing.³ The NHS should weigh up the cost saving implications of the above against the cost of treating dog bites. Also, the life enriching work carried out by the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, and Dogs for the Disabled must save the NHS thousands of pounds in carers' fees.

Education of dog owners is the key to reducing dog bites, but I disagree with Besser's suggestion that vets do little to advise owners. Animal behaviour makes up a large part of the veterinary undergraduate curriculum, and veterinary practices are conscious of the . . . [Full text of this article]

Bishopton Veterinary Group, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 2QR

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Dog attacks: it's time for doctors to bite back

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BMJ 2007 334: 425. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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Rapid Responses:

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Dog owners should acknowledge the problems

Steve Chaplin
bmj.com, 9 Mar 2007 [Full text]