Tips on how to avoid animal attacks

Man's best friend?

Each year, dogs bite 4.5 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The best way to survive a dog attack, according to a Los Angeles-based forensic expert who specializes in dog bites, is to avoid one before it starts. That means being aware of the animal's body language, Ron Berman said.

If you come across a dog, ask yourself: Are the dog's eyes narrowing? Is the hair on its neck standing on end? Is the animal lunging or growling, with its ears pointed upright or its body stiff? If so, don't stare, Berman said. Aggressive dogs may interpret eye contact as a challenge.

"If you're far enough away, you want to do anything you can to separate yourself from the dog," Berman said, whether it's jumping on top of a car or scaling a fence or gradually backing away. "If a dog is sizing you up, turn to your side. The smaller you look the less threatening you become."

If a dog charges, you have to act fast. Berman advises doing the one thing you probably don't want to do: Stand your ground. Running is likely to activate the dog's predatory instinct. If that doesn't work try the following:

• Scream and yell in a deep, shocking voice. Sometimes this is enough to make an aggressive dog think twice. It also alerts others that you're in trouble.
• Grab a nearby object such as a stick or a pole for the dog to bite instead of you. If you have a jacket and can get it off in time, wrap it around your forearm and place it between you and the dog.
• As a last-second resort, go into the fetal position. "It's a matter of protecting your vital parts," Berman said. "In the fetal position, place your hands over your ears and push your face toward your chest." If you're lucky, being still will lower the dog's aggression level.
• If that doesn't work, fight for your life. "I've had people bite the dog back, slam the dog's head against the ground, throw garbage cans, poke the dog in the eye," Berman said. "Do whatever it takes."

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Source: My San Antonio (Holley 7,30)