Tag Archive for: dogbite

Dog Bites Girl On Flight, Raising Questions About Owner’s Claims

About a month ago, we wrote a post about dog bites in 2016 and how that data shows that pit bulls are a massive safety problem. They are disproportionately involved in fatal dog bites, and their powerful jaws can lead to devastating injuries — even if they don’t turn out to be fatal.

Today, we have a dog bite story that turns the conventional plot line on its head. A 6-year-old girl that was aboard a plane was bitten by an “emotional support” dog before the flight took off. The incident left the child with scrapes on her forehead, and the passenger that owned the dog — as well as the dog itself — was removed from the flight, which was delayed by 20 minutes because of the incident.

Since an emotional support dog isn’t the same as a properly trained service dog, this dog bite incident has raised questions about what should and shouldn’t be allowed when it comes to these emotional support dogs. Some owners may just fabricate a story that allows them to bring their dog onto a flight or into a building that they normally wouldn’t — and since the dog isn’t actually trained in any service capacity, it could pose a serious risk to others in the vicinity.

No matter the dog, when they attack, serious harm can occur. Dog owners that are negligent in their duties deserve to be held accountable for their reckless ways.

 

Source: Patch.com, “Southwest Flight Disrupted When ‘Emotional Support’ Dog Bites Kid,” Colin Miner, Feb. 22, 2018

Dog Bites: Know What To Do To Avoid And Treat Wounds

Dog bites are dangerous not only because of the physical damage they cause but also because of the potential for infection. Even if a bite seems minor, the wound may become infected and lead to severe illness. Some bacteria and viruses even have the potential to cause death if they infect a patient and the patient isn’t treated.

Preventing dog bites isn’t always possible. It’s hard to predict when a pet might run away or when a dog is at large. Strays do sometimes bite, but it’s more common for people to suffer bites from known animals. Even then, the risk for infection is high.

How can you reduce the chance of a dog bite in your home?

If you allow people to visit with their pets, be aware of the pet’s disposition. If the dog appears nervous or aggressive, ask to separate it from the people in the home. If the dog is eating or feeding puppies, don’t approach it.

Remember never to leave children alone with dogs, even if they’re well-known pets. A dog might normally not bite, but one that isn’t feeling well or that gets annoyed or injured by a child may snap and bite out of reflex. Teach your children not to scream or run around dogs, since those actions could lead to the dog “hunting” the individual and causing an injury.

What should you do if a bite does occur?

If you or your child are bitten, seek immediate treatment. Place a clean towel over the wound and keep the injured area elevated above the heart. Call for emergency care for deep wounds or those that bleed heavily. For others, wash the bite with soap and water, then call for an appointment or go to a local emergency room.

Not all dog bites are preventable, but it’s still the responsibility of the owner to cover the expenses you accrue. Owners are liable for the actions of their pets.

Protect Your Kids From Dog Bites On Halloween

Halloween is one of the funnest nights of the year for kids. However, it can be scary and confusing for dogs. Hearing the doorbell ring for hours on end can send them into a frenzy. The opening and closing of the front door gives them ample opportunity to make a break for it and find out what’s going on.

Some dogs, unfortunately, get tied to a tree or fenced in on Halloween night, which can make them aggressive if they manage to break free.

That’s why it’s essential to be careful around any dog that you encounter while you’re trick-or-treating. A lot of dog bites occur on Halloween. Even a friendly neighborhood dog may not recognize your child behind a mask and costume, wielding a wand or light saber. It may think that you’re there to attack its family.

Dog guardians should take care to keep their dogs safely tucked away in their home where they can’t escape or even encounter visitors at the door. However, if you and your little ones run into a dog whose people have not been so responsible, there are ways to protect yourselves:

  • Don’t approach any dog, even one you know.
  • If you encounter a dog out with its person, ask before you or your children do any petting.
  • If you come upon a dog that is loose, don’t look at it. That’s considered a challenge in dog language.
  • If a dog knocks your child to the ground, instruct him or her to roll up into a ball. The face is often the first thing a dog will go for.
  • If a strange dog approaches, remember the instruction, “Be a Tree.” Everyone should stand still and be quiet. The more movement and sound a dog hears, the more it will be likely to attack.

If you or your children suffer a dog bite or attack, you should seek medical treatment. Dog bites can be particularly serious for children, who are more likely to suffer injuries to their faces than adults are. Then, it may be wise to consult with a New Mexico personal injury attorney who can help you seek compensation for any required medical care and other damages.

 

Source: 2 Dawg Nite, “9 Tips to Prevent Dog Bites on Halloween,” accessed Sep. 19, 2017

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

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