Animal experts share advice for avoiding dog attacks

THERE are about 4000 reported dog attacks per year in Australia and it's important to be careful when approaching a dog.

RSPCA animal attendant Wendy Stratford with Barney (currently up for adoption at Kingaroy RSPCA). Picture: Madeline Grace

THERE are about 4000 reported dog attacks per year in Australia and it's important to be careful when approaching a dog.

Wendy Stratford from Kingaroy RSPCA said it was important to be wary of other people's dogs.

"Often dogs will become intimidated or aggressive when they are protecting something or someone,” Ms Stratford said.

"Dogs are incredibly loyal . So if they feel as if someone is a threat to their owner it is very likely they could become aggressive. This can be avoided if you read the warning sides and respect the dog.

"They could even be protecting another dog, their food, a toy, or their yard.”

Her comments came in response to a new campaign from Pet Safe called Be Educated, Be Aware and Be Prepared.

The campaign calls on Australians to consider the signs of aggression.

Ms Stratford said if someone approached a dog they did not know, it was important to read the dog and react accordingly.

"The tail might raise, there could be some lip licking, direct staring, their body could be tense, growling, ears up, barking. It's obvious when a dog doesn't want you to approach,” she said.

"It's really up to us not to approach uncomfortable dogs and to teach our children not to.”

Ms Stratford said to never approach dogs if they were playing, eating or fighting.