Who can resist a cute dog or puppy? Yet each day the Centers for Disease Control estimate that approximately 2,400 attacks from man’s best friends occur that end in bites requiring medical attention.
Over 50% of these happen to children. 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.
- Always ask the owner before petting a dog.
- Don’t try to pet a dog that is behind a fence or in a car. The dog is likely to see these spaces as home and their job is to guard them.
- Never try to pet a dog who is eating, playing with a chew toy, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
- If an owner gives permission to pet their dog start by slowly offering a closed hand for the dog to sniff.
- Don’t run towards a dog—this may scare him or her and cause them to go into attack mode.
- If a dog is off the leash and an owner is not present, do not attempt to run away. Instead, stand perfectly still like a tree and do not make eye contact with the dog.
- If a dog comes at you, don’t scream. Roll up like a ball on the ground and clasp your hands over your neck to protect the ears and neck. Stay quiet and hopefully, the dog will sniff you and walk away.
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 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.
