Staffordshire Police is urging dog owners and families to be extra vigilant following a recent increase in dog bite reports across the county. Recent data shows that incidents involving young children are rising, and believed to be linked to the summer school holidays due to children spending more time at home, where the family dog would usually have a break from young persons in the household and now also having frequent visits from visiting friends and family or are going to other households with dogs present – there are more opportunities for unsupervised interactions. It’s important to remember: any dog, regardless of breed or size, can bite. A bite isn’t always due to aggression – it could be the result of: - Pain or discomfort
- Feeling startled or overwhelmed
- Low tolerance to noise, crowds, or excessive handling
Safety tips for dog owners: ✅ Always supervise dogs and children when they are together – never leave them alone. ✅ Create a safe space for your dog where they can rest undisturbed. ✅ Learn to recognise signs of stress in your dog, such as lip licking, yawning, or turning away. ✅ Teach children how to interact calmly and respectfully with dogs. By taking simple precautions, we can reduce the risk of harm and keep both children and pets safe. If a dog bite occurs, seek medical attention immediately and report it to the police. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe 🐾 | 
