Key points
- Dogs can be scared and stressed after a natural disaster and may be more likely to bite or scratch.
- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog and remain motionless if one approaches you.
- Avoid direct eye contact, and never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Children should not play with dogs without the owner’s permission and adult supervision.
Script
Available Media
This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dogs can be scared and stressed after a natural disaster and may be more likely to bite or scratch. Do not approach an unfamiliar dog, and remain motionless if one approaches you. Avoid direct eye contact, and never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Children should not play with dogs without the owner’s permission and adult supervision. To learn more, call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.
Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: February 5, 2024
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: August 26, 2026
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.