Why children should ask the dog, preventing dog bites, and cat health with Steve Dale

A recent episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation featured acclaimed radio host and certified animal behavior consultant, Steve Dale, delving into critical aspects of pet safety, canine communication, and significant advancements in feline health. The discussion, hosted by Zazie Todd, PhD, and co-host Kristi Benson, highlighted the increasing importance of understanding animal consent, particularly for children interacting with dogs, and shed light on groundbreaking research in veterinary medicine, much of it supported by the Every Cat Health Foundation.

Decoding Canine Consent: Beyond Asking the Owner

A central theme of the conversation was the paradigm shift required in how humans, especially children, approach dogs. While the conventional wisdom dictates asking a dog’s owner for permission to pet, Dale advocates for a more nuanced approach: "Ask the Dog." This philosophy, which forms the basis of his new children’s book, Ask the Dog, illustrated by Shelby Koehler, emphasizes teaching individuals to interpret canine body language to discern if a dog genuinely desires interaction.

Dale recounted a personal anecdote that inspired his book: observing a dog owner offer their dog for petting, despite the dog clearly signaling disinterest through stiff posture and averted gaze. This experience underscored a crucial oversight in human-animal interactions: the failure to recognize and respect a dog’s right to decline physical contact. Dogs, as sentient beings, communicate their comfort levels constantly, from a relaxed tail wag and soft eyes indicating willingness to a stiff body, tucked tail, lip licking, or turning away signaling discomfort or a desire for space. Ignoring these subtle cues can inadvertently lead to stressful encounters for the dog and, in worst-case scenarios, escalate to bites.

The Alarming Rise in Dog Bites and Societal Implications

The discussion underscored the urgent need for improved canine communication literacy by addressing the concerning increase in dog bite incidents. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various insurance industry reports, dog bite fatalities and insurance claims are at record highs in the United States. While precise figures can be "squishy" due to underreporting of incidents that don’t require hospital visits, the upward trend in hospitalizations and insurance payouts paints a clear picture of a growing public health and safety issue. For instance, in recent years, annual insurance claims related to dog bites have consistently exceeded hundreds of millions of dollars, with the average cost per claim rising significantly.

This surge in incidents carries profound societal repercussions. Beyond the immediate trauma and medical costs for victims, increased dog bites can lead to higher insurance premiums for all homeowners, irrespective of whether they own a dog. There is also a renewed risk of breed-specific legislation (BSL), which Dale actively fought against in the past. Such laws, often targeting "pit bull-type" dogs based on physical appearance rather than individual behavior, can lead to the unfair stigmatization and even euthanasia of certain breeds. Furthermore, the rise in dog bites contributes to cynophobia – the fear of dogs – which the American Psychological Association notes is also at unprecedented levels, hindering the positive human-animal bond for many.

Vulnerability of Children and Misconceptions in Interaction

Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, often experiencing the most severe injuries, particularly to the face, simply due to their height and proximity to a dog’s mouth. This vulnerability is compounded by a common lack of understanding of canine body language. Dale highlighted several widespread, yet potentially dangerous, practices:

• Direct Approach and Hand Extension: The ingrained habit of extending a hand directly into a dog’s face to allow sniffing is challenged. Dogs possess an acute sense of smell, capable of discerning information from several feet away. Forcing a close-up introduction can be perceived as an invasion of personal space and a direct challenge, especially for an anxious or fearful dog. A more appropriate approach involves allowing the dog to initiate contact, approaching on its terms, or simply observing for signs of invitation.
• Hugging: Dogs, unlike primates, do not naturally engage in or appreciate hugs. While some may tolerate it due to their incredible patience and bond with their human family, many find it restrictive and threatening. Dale advocated for replacing "National Hug Your Dog Day" with "National Love Your Dog Day," emphasizing affection that respects a dog’s natural communication and comfort zones. This is especially critical as dogs age and may suffer from underlying pain conditions like arthritis or dental issues, making physical restraint even more distressing.

Historical Context of Dog Bite Prevention

The discussion also touched upon the historical evolution of dog bite prevention strategies. Dale acknowledged two pivotal initiatives over the last 50-60 years:

• Early Socialization: The foundational work of John Scott and John Fuller in the 1950s and 60s revealed the critical period of primary socialization in puppies. This scientific discovery, later popularized by experts like Dr. Ian Dunbar, revolutionized puppy raising, advocating for early, positive exposure to diverse environments, people, and other animals. However, Dale cautioned against "over-socialization," implying that a dog forced into too many interactions without proper boundaries can also become overwhelmed.
• AVMA’s Dog Bite Prevention Week: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has long championed Dog Bite Prevention Week, a campaign aimed at educating the public on safe interactions. While valuable, Dale argued that these traditional approaches, though essential, are no longer sufficient given the escalating bite statistics. The "Ask the Dog" approach seeks to add a crucial layer of communication and consent to these existing frameworks.

Breakthroughs in Feline Health: The Every Cat Health Foundation

Shifting focus to feline welfare, Steve Dale, a board member of the Every Cat Health Foundation (ECHF) for over two decades, highlighted the organization’s profound impact on cat health globally. The ECHF is recognized as the world’s sole non-profit solely dedicated to funding feline health studies, with its research forming the bedrock of much of what is known about cats today. Dale proudly stated that virtually "everything we know about cats," from vaccine protocols to disease treatments, has benefited from ECHF-funded initiatives.

He provided compelling examples of the foundation’s transformative work:

• Taurine and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): In the 1960s, a devastating heart condition, dilated cardiomyopathy, was a leading cause of death in cats. ECHF funded Dr. Paul Pion’s groundbreaking research, which identified a taurine deficiency in commercial cat foods as the root cause. This discovery led to the mandatory inclusion of adequate taurine in cat food worldwide, effectively eradicating diet-induced DCM. Dale noted that modern cases are almost exclusively seen in cats fed homemade diets lacking this essential amino acid.
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): For decades, FIP, a deadly viral disease primarily affecting kittens, was considered universally fatal. ECHF’s sustained funding supported Dr. Niels Peterson at the University of California, Davis, and other global researchers in understanding and ultimately treating this complex condition. In 2017, a landmark meeting of FIP experts, convened by ECHF, declared FIP "treatable," a moment Dale described as profoundly emotional for the hardened veterinary professionals present.
  • "One Health" Connection to COVID-19: A remarkable outcome of FIP research has been its unexpected contribution to human medicine. FIP is caused by a mutation of a feline coronavirus. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, researchers desperately sought effective antiviral treatments. The existing knowledge and data from FIP research on a specific antiviral, Remdesivir, which had shown efficacy against the feline coronavirus, directly informed its testing and eventual use in human COVID-19 patients. Dale recounted the privilege of sharing this cross-species benefit with Dr. Anthony Fauci, underscoring the vital "One Health" principle – the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Remdesivir, and subsequent less expensive derivatives, are now routinely used for both FIP in cats and severe COVID-19 in humans.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Dale initiated the "Ricky Fund" through ECHF after his beloved cat, Ricky, succumbed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common and often fatal heart disease in cats. Years of research funded by this initiative culminated in the development of Felisin 1, a treatment conditionally approved by the U.S. Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration. This drug shows promise in managing preclinical HCM, potentially saving countless lives and transforming the prognosis for what is considered the leading cause of death in adult indoor cats before they reach advanced senior years.
• Ongoing and Future Research: ECHF continues to fund critical research across a spectrum of feline health issues. Dale highlighted the newly launched "O’Malley Fund," named after a cat with insulin-resistant diabetes (acromegaly). This fund aims to find solutions for the growing epidemic of feline diabetes, often linked to obesity, and hyperthyroidism, a common ailment in aging cats. Other areas of ongoing research include kidney disease, various cancers, and foundational studies on outdoor/feral cat behavior, reproduction, and the efficacy of pediatric spay/neuter, which ECHF studies demonstrated could be safely performed much earlier than previously thought in cats.

Conclusion: A Call for Empathy and Informed Action

The comprehensive discussion with Steve Dale served as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities inherent in sharing our lives with companion animals. By advocating for greater empathy and informed action – whether through teaching children to "Ask the Dog" or supporting vital veterinary research – individuals can contribute significantly to the well-being of pets and, by extension, human society. The intertwining narratives of dog bite prevention and feline health advancements underscore that a deeper understanding and respect for animal welfare are not merely compassionate choices but essential pillars for a healthier, safer, and more harmonious world for all species.