BOSTON (WGGB/WSHM) -- More than two million children are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year, according to Shriners Children’s Boston.

As temperatures rise and families spend more time outside, doctors are urging parents to be cautious. Kids might see someone with their dog out at the park or on the street and want to pet them, but if that dog gets scared or too excited, they could bite.

This can cause smaller injuries like cuts or scratches, or larger issues, that could need emergency care and even reconstructive surgery. In extreme cases, these injuries could even turn deadly.

Dr. Branko Bojovic, chief of plastic, laser and reconstructive surgery at Shriners Children’s Boston, said parents should be cautious if they think there is a puncture or if there is a significant injury.

“Your closest emergency room, all of our emergency rooms, particularly in the community are going to be well suited to help see these immediately manage any potential life threatening issues or certainly bleeding or any things that could be problematic,” Bojovic explained. “And once those are stabilized, then we can have a scenario where those are sent to more tertiary care facilities, such as ours, for ongoing management.”

The doctors at Shriners Children’s Boston treat approximately five dog bite injuries each month.

According to the World Journal of Pediatric Surgery, children under the age of 10 account for the majority of pediatric dog bite cases.

Bojovic said it all starts with supervision for both the child and the dog.

“I think number one is there has to be supervision and supervision has to be immediate, meaning you need to be very close, if not next to your child, if you’re going to allow them particularly to go up to a dog that is not known to them,” Bojovic added. “You also certainly need to be aware of the owners and ask them permission because I think that they appreciate the fact that you do do that and some of them will say, you know, it’s probably not a good idea.”

Another tip: avoid dogs while they’re eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies, as they may be more on-guard. Also, encourage your kids to remain calm and not to make any sudden movements.

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