Education of dog owners is key to reducing attacks

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.¹,² 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 need to spend time with owners of new dogs, especially puppies, discussing dog behaviour. Many run puppy socialisation and training classes.

To suggest that neutering all dogs would solve the bite problem is naive. Dogs bite for many reasons. Neutering along with behavioural therapy can reduce the incidence of dominance aggression, but it can have an adverse effect in anxious dogs and make them more prone to displays of nervous aggression.