Rs Law Offices/Our blog/Dealing with Dog Bites

Dealing with Dog Bites

11/04/2022

Dog bites, dog attacks and maulings by dogs are a problem the world over. Sometimes these injuries can be fatal. They tend to affect children most (most children have been bitten by a dog they know by age 11), but can happen to anyone. It can be helpful to understand some techniques for avoiding dog bites, keeping your own dog from biting, and what to do if you or your child are bitten.

While no one in the United States has contracted rabies from a dog bite since 1938, caution is always recommended. An animal can transfer rabies to humans, and since 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, it is better to be safe than sorry.



What is the Best Way to Avoid Dog Bites?

First and foremost, make sure children are aware not to touch strange dogs, and do not leave children with dogs unattended. Since children are naturally inclined to approach dogs, teach them not to do so unless they are with an adult they actually know. Tell them to inform an adult if they’ve been bitten.

Keeping your dog from biting may not be easy, but there are some general guidelines:

  • Spay or neuter your dog – this can prevent aggressiveness in both sexes of dog
  • Keep your dog leashed
  • Keep an eye on your dog when the dog is out
  • Socialize the dog so that it can get used to other dogs, children and adults
  • Health: An exercised and well-fed dog is less likely to have a behavioral issue

What If You’re Bitten?

You should be sure to get the personal information of the dog’s owner and remember what the dog looks like, as you may well need to file a report or several about the incident.

  • Stay away from the dog to avoid further injury
  • Wash the wound with soap and water for several minutes
  • Seek medical attention, as you risk disease and infection otherwise
  • Report the dog bite to animal control

How Do You Prevent Being Bitten?

While there’s no foolproof way to avoid bites, as any dog can bite, though they are more likely to bite you if they feel threatened. A good general rule of thumb is to respect the animal’s space and life. Abusing a dog, teasing a dog, and many other disrespectful actions are likely to lead to the animal acting in self-defense.

  • Never hit, tease or pull dogs
  • Use caution when playing with a dog, especially chasing, wrestling or tug of war
  • Dog’s may feel threatened by a presented hand – do not present yours for a smell
  • Don’t disturb a mother dog with puppies
  • Don’t disturb a dog that is playing with a toy, sleeping or eating

Summary

Take care of yourself and look out for your children. Respect animals and their existence. If you’re bitten, get the information of the dog’s owner. Control your dog and keep it feeling safe and comfortable to avoid it acting out. Allow common sense to rule the day.

blogs

You might like

Four Surprising Myths about Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries

Motorcycles have become a pretty popular way to get around in the country. In California alone, there are over 790,000 registered motorcycles. This number is set to increase as more people choose the convenience and the fun that comes with getting around on a motorcycle. But despite these increasing numbers, there are countless myths and […]

19/04/2021
Read more

What to Know About Arizona’s Lemon Law

Like many other states, Arizona has a Lemon Law in place to help protect consumers who buy faulty vehicles from being stuck with them with no recourse. Arizona’s lemon law, though, is a little different from other states, with certain restrictions in place that are specific to Arizona. Here are a few basic guidelines to […]

16/05/2022
Read more

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Cold Weather

Driving any vehicle in cold weather and especially snow is going to make for a much more difficult time than driving in dry, comfortable weather. With enough preparation and all of the right gear, it is possible to mitigate many of these problems, but without them, you run the risk of a deadly accident. Before […]

02/01/2023
Read more

Personal Injury Lawsuits: What You Need to Know and how RS Law Office Can Help

Life is pretty unpredictable. One minute you’re healthy and bubbly, the next one you are nursing an injury due to someone else’s negligence. But the fact that life is unpredictable does not in any way reduce the pain and confusion that may arise when you find yourself in harm’s way due to another person’s negligence. […]

21/07/2020
Read more

Hellcats and Risky Driving

As Americans, and especially Californians, a lot of us love fast cars. But what happens when the speeds of our cars surpass the safety training of the average driver? Let’s take a look at understanding what the Hellcat trend includes, how it could impact you as a driver on the road, and why it can […]

22/10/2021
Read more

Do Lemon Laws Apply in Auto Dealer Frauds

Most state and federal laws penalize fraudulent marketing, sales, and financing schemes. Knowing your rights and if the state’s lemon laws apply is critical to getting compensated. We explain more about auto dealer frauds, the different types, and the best time to hire an attorney. What is an Auto Dealer Fraud? It’s an unlawful and […]

21/12/2020
Read more

Great Motorcycle Roads in Arizona

There’s no freer way to see the great state of Arizona than to travel it by motorcycle. Being one of the last gateways to the West Coast, our streets are manifold, so your options are virtually endless. Whether you’re touring to see the mountains, the wildlife, the succulents or other plants, or just visit towns […]

30/05/2022
Read more

Cell Phones and Accidents on the Road

We have all done it. Even with the headsets, the hands-free devices, and the ability to connect your phone to your car, all of us have reached for the phone while driving. Whether it’s checking a quick text at a stoplight or messing around with your maps app while driving in a new place, the […]

20/12/2021
Read more

Slip and Falls in Private Homes

Slips and falls are serious anywhere, but if you concentrate just on occurrences in private homes, an arresting statistic jumps out right away- falls are responsible for 50% of all accidental deaths in the home. Let’s take a look at two of the top causes of a slip and fall in a private home. We […]

20/11/2021
Read more

5 Things to Avoid After a Car Accident in California

After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips. While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not […]

26/10/2020
Read more

contact form

Get in touch

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from RS Law Offices. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View our Privacy Policy.