More than 4.5 million people sustain dog bites each year and over 800,000 require medical treatment. The good news is that most dog bites are preventable.

Dogs usually bite as a direct reaction to something. They may be defending themselves or their territory. Maybe they were startled or scared. Others are protecting something important to them, like food, a toy, their puppies or even their favorite human. Some dogs bite because they don’t feel well.

So, as a general rule of thumb, don’t pet a dog that’s sleeping, eating or playing with a toy. You also need to take care when approaching a dog that’s not with its owner or that’s sick or injured. And above all, teach your children how and when to approach a dog and when to stay away.

People and dogs both suffer consequences after a bite, so do your part to avoid the situation.