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

Involved In A Car Accident? Here’s Why You Should Engage a Car Accident Lawyer

It is never easy to live a normal life after surviving the horrors of a severe car wreck. In the United States alone, millions of individuals get injured in car accidents every year.  According to research, most of these disasters are caused by several factors that include speeding, inattentive driving, inexperienced driving, reckless driving, and […]

01/03/2021
Read more

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the United States

Whether due to size, or footprint of the motorcycle, or sheer stability, or a combination of these factors, motorcycles are much more likely to be involved in an accident than other automobiles. Certainly, in some cases, this is a visibility issue as well, with many drivers of other automobiles not looking in their blind spots […]

06/01/2023
Read more

Five Products for Increased Automobile Safety

It should be no surprise that in Arizona and California, with the increasing dependence on cars, automobile accidents are increasingly likely. In the event of an accident, you want to have as many bases covered as possible – from minor repairs you can do yourself to getting yourself out of harm’s way as quickly and […]

20/08/2022
Read more

Car Specific Repair Issues: When to Invoke California’s Lemon Laws and How RS Laws Can Help

Car specific problems are the leading cause of recalls by most automakers and dealers globally. Last year, for instance, over 20,000 units of Volkswagen Golf MK.8 were recalled because of a software bug. Earlier this year, Volvo stated that they were planning to issue a recall for some of their cars. How do such car […]

03/08/2020
Read more

Finding the Right Mechanic

In a state like California, which is full of drivers, it is interesting that finding a trustworthy mechanic is such a difficult task. There are many inscrutable technicians out. It is not uncommon to be informed, months after the supposed installment, that your “brand new brakes” have actually never been changed. And, surprisingly, even in […]

03/01/2022
Read more

Defensive Driving in Arizona

Learning to drive defensively can be an effective skillset for any driver, anywhere. With collision-related deaths in Arizona going up from 2019 to 2020, from 980 to 1,057, now is a good time to keep in mind your safety and the safety of those around you while on the road in Arizona. Of course, many […]

23/05/2022
Read more

Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety

Rideshares can be fun and convenient, but if you’re putting your life in the hands of a stranger by taking a rideshare, you’ll want to feel safe. No one wants to be put in a situation where they feel unsafe or lost, or where they might end up in a ridesharingaccident. Here are some apps […]

10/10/2022
Read more

Defensive Driving During a Summer of Distracted Drivers

With warm weather, we’re all trying to relax as best we can, wherever we can. Unfortunately, some people can take this a little too far, and find themselves incredibly distracted when in the driver’s seat. Not only that, but with heat exhaustion a possibility, some drivers could be making even worse decisions. It’s your job […]

17/06/2022
Read more

Dog Bites: Your Dog and Compensation Law

Many people who experience severe injuries from dog bites usually wonder whether it is worth the hustle to pursue legal redress. Most fear they are a small minority and decide to suffer in silence. However, the truth is that dog bites are shockingly common and are among the most frequent types of personal injury lawsuits.  […]

22/02/2021
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

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.