Tips For Preventing Dog Bites

Dog bites are quite common in the United States of America. It is estimated that over 4.5 million people suffer dog bites in the United States every year. Dog bites are especially common among children. According to research, out of all the people who suffer dog bites, at least half are children. There are several reasons why children are the most common victims of dog bites. For instance, a child’s size presents a significant risk of a dog bite. Unfortunately, when a dog bites a child, it is almost certain that the child will sustain a severe injury. However, even an adult can sustain a severe injury after getting bitten by a dog.

As an adult, it is vital that you take steps to avoid suffering a dog bite. It’s also crucial that you take measures to prevent children from getting bitten by a dog. The following are some tips for avoiding dog bites;

Tip #1: Remember That All Dogs Can Bite

One of the most crucial things you can do to prevent dog bites is to remember that all dogs can bite. Even a dog that seems friendly can bite. If, for example, a dog is startled, threatened, angry, or scared, it can bite. Regardless of how well you believe you know a dog, keep in mind that it can bite. Irrespective of how well you think you know a dog, you should avoid leaving a child and a dog unattended.

Tip #2: Avoid Playing Aggressive Games With Dogs

When playing with a dog, you must proceed with caution. When playing a game like tug of war with a dog, avoid being too aggressive, as being too aggressive can make a dog excessively excited to the point of biting. Also, discourage children from playing aggressive games with dogs.

Tip #3: Always Ask if You Can Pet Someone Else’s Dog

Some dogs are not used to interacting with people other than their owners. Before petting another person’s dog, ask if you can go ahead and do so. Otherwise, the dog might bite you. Also, teach children to ask if they can pet someone’s dog before proceeding to do so. If, for example, a dog has never met a child or does not live with a child, it may find children scary.

Tip #4: Do Not Bother Dogs

If a dog is, for example, sleeping, injured, or eating, you or your child should not bother it. If a dog in any of these situations is disturbed, it may respond aggressively and bite.

Tip #5: Do Not Run Away From a Dog

If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, your first instinct might be to run away. Unfortunately, running away from a dog may make an attack more likely. Dogs have instincts that tell them to chase prey, so if you run, a dog might get provoked. Instead of running, stay calm, avoid looking the dog in the eye, stand still, and back up slowly. Remember to teach this to children too.

You May Have Legal Recourse if another Person’s Dog Bites You or Your Child

Even after doing everything you can to prevent dog bites, a dog can still bite you or your child. If another person’s dog bites you or your child in South Carolina, you might have the right to file a compensation claim. Our Charleston dog bite lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm can help you with a dog bite case.

Source:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820741/#:~:text=Because%20of%20their%20size%20and,to%20be%20bitten%20than%20adults.&text=A%20search%20of%20the%20peer,studies%20analyzing%20pediatric%20dog%20bites