How to Avoid Dog Bites, Allergies, and Dog Days in the Workplace

I like big mutts, I cannot lie, but when it comes to workplace safety, pups can be doggone dangerous! While a support animal in the workplace can be good for morale, keep in mind the paw-lenty of problems associated with pooches. Some dogs can bite while others trigger allergies. 

DOG BITES 

More than 4 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. Children are the most common victims, but employees who work outside, enter customers' properties, or work with animals are also at risk. At a minimum, these employees should be provided with awareness training on the topic. Learning the triggers that lead to aggression can often help prevent dog bites. It’s also crucial employees be trained on what to know if bitten or attacked. 

If a dog lunges at you, experts say avoid screaming and be as quiet as possible so as not to excite the animal even more. Stand still, look down, and break eye contact. Staring down an aggressive dog is considered a challenge. Don’t run, jump up and down, or flail your limbs. If a dog knocks you down, curl up into a ball and protect your head.  

If an aggressive dog attacks your own dog, try to find an object like a purse, umbrella, or even a shoe, to put between them. Don’t use any part of your body to try to part them. Unfortunately, if you have your own dog with you (such as at the vet), you may have to choose which of you stays safe. If you pick up your small pooch, that may encourage the attacking dog to jump up on you, injuring you and your pet. 

Once the attack is over, immediately get yourself away from the scene if you’re outdoors. If the injuries are severe, go to the emergency room or take your dog to the veterinarian. If not, be sure to wash the wounds with soap and water to prevent infection and report the bite to the authorities. If it’s possible to track the attacking dog’s rabies shot record, do so. If not, speak to your doctor about possible prevention. 

DOG-RELATED ALLERGIES 

Doggie dander can also trigger life-threatening reactions in people with asthma. If those allergies are severe enough, an office dog is enough to force some employees to resign. In an era where employers are doing their best to keep workers safe from COVID, worrying about the health dangers associated with dogs may be biting off more than you care to chew. 

 So what can you do if your co-worker’s canine is giving you post-nasal drip or worse? There are actually several steps you can try, most of which require some understanding from your boss.  

The precautions you take now can prevent your employees from being seriously injured, and save your own skin as well. 

Chen Zhan began designing office spaces when he noticed the women he worked with donning sweaters, while the men continually turned the temperature down. He now consults with companies around the globe to improve company performance. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding some space heaters and standing desks.