Reducing Your Chances Of Suffering A Dog Bite
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, about 4.5 million dog bites occur. Obviously, some bites are more serious than others. Only about 20 percent require medical attention. Infants and children are more likely to suffer serious or even fatal injuries than adults because of their small size and their likelihood of being near a dog’s mouth
While some types of dogs such as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers are perceived as dangerous, the way that a dog is treated has a lot to do with their propensity to bite. Dogs who are kept chained, for example, are more likely to bite or attack than those who are not. Further, dogs who haven’t been spayed or neutered are more likely to be aggressive. Nonetheless, a bite from a large dog is generally more serious than one from a Chihuahua or other small dog.
There are things that you can do to minimize your chances of being bitten. First, it’s essential to understand why they bite. Dogs have their reasons, even if humans don’t understand them. They may bite because:
- They’re afraid.
- They’re in a stressful situation.
- They’re startled
- They are protecting themselves, their owners or their puppies
- They don’t feel well.
- They get overly excited while playing.
If you understand why dogs bite, you can reduce the risk of injury. If you encounter an unfamiliar dog, particularly one who isn’t with a person, it’s best not to approach it. If the dog approaches you, remain still. Don’t scream, run or make eye contact. If a dog knocks you down, roll into a ball, covering your neck and ears with your arms.
No matter how friendly a dog is, don’t approach it when it’s sleeping, eating or with its puppies. Remember to let a dog sniff you before you pet it. Don’t give a dog any reason to fear you. Once it’s gotten your scent, it’s best to scratch it under the chin rather than pet its head.
Many people’s homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bites. In fact, about a third of the claims paid out on these policies involve dog bites and other injuries caused by dogs. Therefore, if you are bitten or attacked by a dog and suffered an injury, it’s wise to seek legal advice to determine what your options are for seeking compensation to cover medical care and other expenses.
Source: Canine Journal, “Dog Bite Statistics,” Sara Logan Wilson, accessed Sep. 01, 2017
