7 Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
According to a Forbes report, every year, about 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs. Of these, around 800,000 bites are serious enough to require medical care, and nearly 30% of deadly dog attacks occur in children aged one to four years. Recognizing signs of an aggressive dog is crucial to prevent attacks and ensure safety.
While pet owners are responsible for controlling their dogs, there are steps you can take (and teach your children to take) that will reduce the risk of getting bitten by a dog. Understanding how to prevent such accidents is essential, whether you’re a dog owner or someone who occasionally interacts with dogs.
In this guide, we offer practical advice to keep both humans and dogs safe. We’ll cover essential topics like interpreting a dog’s body language, remaining calm, and how to act when a strange or aggressive dog approaches. These dog bite prevention tips aren’t just for pet owners. They’re vital for anyone encountering dogs, ensuring safer interactions and helping prevent dog bites effectively.
1. Always ask the owner before petting a dog.
Before petting a dog, asking the owner’s permission is necessary. This act respects the pet owner’s knowledge of their dog’s comfort levels and behavior. Dogs may appear friendly but could have specific triggers or discomfort with strangers. By asking, you ensure your safety and the dog’s comfort, helping prevent dog bites.
2. Don’t try to pet a dog behind a fence or in a car.
Dogs behind fences or in cars are often in protective mode and may perceive your approach as a threat. Respect their space by maintaining a safe distance. Attempting to pet a dog in these situations can lead to aggressive behavior, as the dog is likely feeling confined and on guard.
3. Never try to pet a dog who is eating, playing with a chew toy, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
Interfering with a dog while eating, playing with their toys, sleeping, or nursing can provoke a bite. These are times when a dog is most vulnerable and likely to exhibit protective behavior. Always allow a dog to finish their activity undisturbed to avoid triggering a defensive reaction.
4. Slowly offer a closed hand for the dog to sniff.
When you first meet a dog, provide a closed hand for them to sniff. This non-threatening gesture helps to establish a calm introduction and gives the dog a moment to get comfortable with your scent. Understanding a dog’s body language during this interaction is key to recognizing their comfort level with your presence.
5. Don’t run towards a dog.
Running towards a dog can trigger their instinct to chase. To prevent a dog bite, approach dogs calmly and steadily without sudden movements. This approach helps you remain under the dog’s threat radar and fosters a peaceful interaction.
6. If a dog is off the leash and an owner is not present, do not attempt to run away.
If you encounter a loose dog without an owner nearby, resist the urge to run. Running may incite the dog to chase you. Instead, remain calm, avoid eye contact, and back away slowly until the dog loses interest. This method helps prevent an aggressive encounter and keeps you and the dog safe.
7. If a dog comes at you, don’t scream.
In the event a dog approaches you aggressively, keep calm and avoid screaming or making loud noises, which could further excite the dog. Stand still with your hands at your sides and avoid making eye contact. Once the dog senses you are not a threat, it’s more likely to lose interest, allowing you to slowly back away.
How to Avoid Major Injuries From Dog Bites
If a dog has bitten you, taking immediate and appropriate steps is needed to handle the situation and minimize the risk of further complications. Here are key actions to take following a dog bite:
- Ensure Safety: First, distance yourself and the dog to prevent further attacks. If the dog continues to show aggressive behavior, try to find a barrier or a safe space away from the dog.
- Examine the Injury: Check the severity of the bite. Minor scratches or shallow bites might only require basic first aid, while deep wounds could necessitate professional medical attention.
- Clean the Wound: Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt and bacteria. This helps reduce the risk of infection.
- Seek Medical Attention: It’s important to seek medical attention immediately for serious bites. Medical professionals can assess the need for treatments such as stitches, tetanus shots, or antibiotics.
- Report the Incident: Contact local animal control to report the bite. Reporting is important for the safety of others and helps authorities track potentially dangerous dogs. Provide a detailed description of the dog and the circumstances of the attack.
- Gather Information: If possible, obtain information about the dog from the dog owner, such as vaccination history and any previous aggressive behavior. This information can be critical for medical treatment and legal purposes.
- Monitor for Signs of Infection: Over the following days, monitor the bite for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Taking Immediate Action After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can result in serious injuries. If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor. If you know the owner, alert them that you have been bitten. File a report with the police and take photos of your injuries. An experienced dog bite attorney can advise you on the next steps to take and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to for the medical expenses and other losses a dog bite may have caused.
An accident can change your life in an instant. When your life turns upside down, you need a strong advocate. Consult with THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys. Our personal injury lawyers help accident victims in Las Vegas pursue the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
