[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Most people do not think twice about petting what appears to be a friendly dog.
However, each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans require emergency medical treatment for a dog bite. Most serious dog bite injuries are suffered by children and infants, sometimes resulting in life-changing, permanent injuries, or even deaths. According to a dog bite statistics tracker, 31 people were fatally injured in dog attacks last year. Of those 31 victims, 42% were under the age of 10.
Even one fatal dog bite is too many. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth has collected some tips on how to prevent dog bites from happening. Teaching children these guidelines could help protect them from injury.
- Do not approach dogs you are unfamiliar with.
- If approached by an unfamiliar dog, don't make any sudden movements or noises. Running away or making loud noises could agitate the dog.
- While staying still, if the dog knocks you to the ground, curl into a ball and continue to stay still.
- If you see a stray dog or a dog exhibiting unusual behavior, contact authorities.
- To a dog, eye contact can be perceived as threatening. Try to avoid making direct eye contact.
- If two dogs are playing or fighting, do not interfere. You could be bitten mistakenly.
- Do not pet any unfamiliar dog that is restrained.
- Accidentally surprising a dog could lead to a bite. It's best to leave dogs that are sleeping, eating, or nursing alone.
Dog Owners
Are you a dog owner? In California, you are 100% responsible if your dog causes injury to another person. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and others!-
- Spay and neuter your pets! Among other benefits is reduced aggression.
- Play non-violent games with your dog, like catch or fetch. Wrestling and similar games can foster violent tendencies.
- Before rescuing a new dog, make sure the dog's breed is compatible with your household and family. If you have children, it's important to not adopt any dog that exhibits aggression.
- If possible, bond with your new dog before introducing it to young children.
- Avoid raising an 'outside dog'. Leaving a dog outside on a chain can cause socialization issues.
- Do not leave young children or infants alone with any dog.
- During training, do not let your dog growl or show its teeth.
If You've Suffered a Dog Bite
Following every tip is still not a guarantee of safety. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, call our offices today at 888-517-9888 for a free consultation with an injury attorney.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
