Even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest dog can bite if provoked.

And most people are bitten by their own dog or one they know, with children bitten more often than adults.

From nips to attacks, bites are a serious problem. Dog bite victims requiring medical attention in the United States number approximately 800,000 annually, and 75 percent are children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Countless more bite injuries go untreated.

“Parents should never leave a young child unsupervised around any dog, even a dog well-known to your family,” said AAP spokesperson Dr. Alison Tothy. “Even very small children should be taught not to tease or hurt animals. And when kids are old enough to go to friends’ houses or out to play without you, they need to know how to minimize the risk of being bitten.”

Here are some tips from the AAP on keeping children safe around dogs.

•Wait. Because many dog bite injuries happen to young children, it’s suggested parents wait to get a dog until children are older than 4.

•Be vigilant. Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog. Be alert for potentially dangerous situations.

•Be cautious. Teach your child to be cautious around strange dogs and treat the family dog with respect. Children must be taught not to approach strange dogs. Teach children not to bother dogs if they’re sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

•Ask first. Teach children to ask permission from the dog’s owner before petting. Let the dog sniff the child and have the child touch it gently, avoiding the face, head and tail. Never reach through or over a fence to pet a dog. Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret it as a threat.

•Don’t run. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things. Don’t run past a dog, as this may give the dog a reason to become excited. If an unfamiliar dog comes up, try to stay still until the dog leaves or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight, while avoiding eye contact.

•Protect yourself. If threatened by a dog, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still until the dog leaves or back away slowly. If knocked down, curl into a ball and protect the face with the hands.

•Treat bites immediately. If a dog bites a child, clean small wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention for larger wounds. Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records.

Many dogs are friendly and make great companions. Even so, act responsibly around them.

This story is provided by State Point Media.