More than 39 million families own dogs, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Dogs make wonderful pets, companions and playmates, but more than 4 million dog bites cause injury each year, and result in more than $30 million in health care annually.

Are you liable if your dog bites someone, either on or off your property? More than likely. As a pet owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your canine companion does not pose a threat to others. While you cannot guarantee that your dog will never bite anyone, there are easy, common sense steps to reduce the risk of your dog biting.

• Spay or neuter your dog. This surgery can decrease your dog’s aggressiveness, as well as helping to reduce pet overpopulation. The Humane Society says spayed or neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.
• Socialize your dog. Familiarize your dog with different people and situations. Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone or restrained are more likely to become aggressive. Provide your pet with toys and make sure he gets plenty of exercise.
• Train your dog. Take your new puppy to an obedience class, and then reinforce the behavior in your home. Be consistent, and be sure each member of your family understands the guidelines set for your dog. Be sure your dog can obey the basic commands of “sit,” “stay” and “come.”
• Visit the vet. Take your dog for regular veterinarian visits, and keep vaccinations up to date. If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior—including nipping or growling—contact your veterinarian immediately to determine the cause of the aggression.
• Be responsible. Don’t allow your dog to roam. If you don’t have a fence, leash your dog when he is outside. If you are expecting a service person or someone who is unfamiliar to your dog, put your pet in another room, away from unfamiliar individuals.
• Teach your children. Teach your children not to disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies. Tell children to avoid dogs in cars, behind fences or on chains. Before petting a dog, remind children to ask a dog’s owner for permission, and to make sure that any dog can see, hear and smell them before petting.

If your dog does bite someone, act responsibly.

• Confine your pet and check on the victim’s condition. Seek medical assistance if necessary. Tell the victim the date of your pet’s latest rabies vaccination.
• Cooperate with any animal control or local official who becomes involved. If you are required to quarantine your dog, ask if he can be confined in your home or at your veterinarian’s office. Follow all quarantine requirements closely.
• Take steps to prevent your dog from biting again. Ask your veterinarian for help or for a recommendation to an animal behaviorist.
• Do not give your dog away, without informing the recipient of your dog’s dangerous behavior. You may remain liable for any future damage, even though the dog is not in your possession. Never give any pet to someone who wants a dangerous dog. These dogs are often mistreated, increasing the possibility that they may bite again in the future.

To reduce your chances of being attacked by a dog, do the following when approached by an unfamiliar dog.

• Don’t run - stand still until the dog leaves or its owner arrives.
• Do not make eye contact with the dog, and stay calm.
• Do not make any motions. The dog may perceive your motions as threatening.
• If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball, and protect your face.

Visit the Humane Society of the United States (www.nodogbites.org) to learn more about preventing dog bites.

Fast facts about dog bites

• More than 39 million households have a dog.
• Dogs bite more than 4 million people each year.
• Children and older adults are the majority of dog bite victims.
• Dog bites are responsible for about $30 million of health care costs each year.
• More than $1 billion of liability claims relating to dog bites are filed each year.
• Dogs who have not been spayed or neutered are more likely to bite.