Dog Bite Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

 Posted on August 14, 2019 in Personal Injury

Dogs continue to be one of the most popular types of household pets for many reasons. Typically, dogs have a good-natured, people-loving demeanor, which is why they are common family pets. Even still, dogs are animals, and people often forget that they can also be unpredictable and dangerous at times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4.5 million individuals are bitten by dogs every year and more than 800,000 of those people seek medical treatment for their injuries. Unfortunately, children make up a rather large percentage of bite victims, around half, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Why Do Dogs Bite?

There are a number of reasons why a dog might bite a human. Most of the time, when a dog bites someone, it is because the dog is reacting to something. The only way dogs can communicate with humans is through physical actions. Biting is often a dog’s response to a stressful or scary situation. Animals sometimes bite if they feel threatened by something. Dogs can also bite because they are sick or in pain due to an illness or injury.

Tips to Avoid a Dog Bite

Dogs are typically very friendly creatures, though you should never rule out the possibility that they can bite you. Here are some tips to help prevent dog bites:

• Always ask permission from a dog’s owner (and teach your children to ask permission) before you approach or pet the dog.

• If the owner says it is OK for you to approach the dog, always let the dog sniff your hand before you attempt to pet it. Keep your hands near the dog’s head and away from his or her tail or backside.

• If a dog is displaying concerning behavior (growling, showing its teeth, barking), stay away from the dog.

• Never disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or nursing puppies. These are all situations in which a dog might feel threatened by your presence.

• Even your own dog can bite. Make sure you have given your dog proper training and have socialized your dog so he or she is comfortable in a variety of settings.

Contact a Naperville Personal Injury Lawyer

It can be traumatizing to sustain a dog bite injury, especially for a child. Even if the bite is just a minor injury, such as a skin laceration, the medical costs can add up quickly. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is crucial that you get in touch with an experienced DuPage County dog bite injury attorney as soon as possible. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we understand the serious nature of dog bites and strive to hold pet owners responsible for their dog’s behavior. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call our office today at 630-932-9100.

Sources:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0415/p1567.html

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html

https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention-Tips.aspx