As the weather warms up and summer approaches, more people, especially dog owners, will be spending time outdoors. Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to exercise, enjoy the weather, and spend time with your pet. In some locations, dogs are allowed to run free in parks.
While this can be fun for your dog, it may also increase the likelihood of dog bites, especially when children are present. Here, the Quad Cities dog bite lawyers at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham Law offer tips on preventing child dog bite injuries.
You can reach our team 24/7 at (309) 794-1515. Our lawyers will make every effort to see that you receive the maximum settlement for your accident.
Ways to Prevent Child Dog Bite Injuries
According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured. Even if your dog is trained and properly socialized, any dog can still bite. Understanding why dogs bite is essential to preventing dog bites.
Dogs may bite for various reasons, including: fear, protection, aggression, or pain. Therefore, the first step in preventing child dog bite injuries is for parents to be proactive in teaching their children how to interact with dogs safely. Along with teaching your child how to interact with with dogs safely, some other ways to prevent child dog bite injuries include:
- Supervise your children at all times when they are around dogs: when your child is around dogs, stay physically present and pay attention to what your child is doing. Never leave a child alone with a dog, even if you know the dog well.
- Teach your children about dog body language and how to approach dogs: dogs use body language to communicate their feelings, and it is important for children to learn to recognize these signals. For example, a dog wagging its tail is not always happy; it may also be anxious or aggressive.
- Teach your children to always ask permission before petting a dog: never approach a dog that is sleeping, eating, or guarding something. Make sure your children know to allow a dog to sniff them first. If the dog does not seem interested, do not pet it. Also, teach your children to avoid making sudden movements or noises around dogs.
- Never leave food or toys out where dogs can reach them: food and toys can be a source of conflict between dogs and children and can lead to accidental bites.
- Be aware of your surroundings: do not allow your children to approach strange, unleashed dogs. If you see a dog not on a leash, cross the street and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- Do not tease or provoke dogs: children will often tease or provoke them, even if they don’t mean harm. Dogs can become aggressive if they feel threatened or provoked.
How Dog Owners Can Help Prevent Child Dog Bite Injuries
Dog owners, along with parents, also have a responsibility to help prevent child dog bite injuries. Being a responsible dog owner gives your dog an active and social life and keeps children who might approach your dog safe. Here are some ways for dog owners to help prevent bites:
- Proper socialization: socialize your dog with people, sounds, and other animals when they are young. This can help your dog feel comfortable and confident around others and reduce the risk of becoming aggressive. In addition, a well-trained dog is less likely to bite.
- Supervision: supervising your dog when they are around children or other animals can prevent bites from occurring.
- Training: properly train your dog to follow commands and teach them basic obedience. This can help you control your dog in situations where they might become anxious or aggressive.
- Recognize warning signs: learn to recognize the warning signs that your dog may be feeling anxious, fearful, or aggressive. These signs include growling, showing teeth, stiffening up, or biting. Also, remember that distance is your friend if your dog is agitated.
- Use a leash: keep your dog on a leash in public or around unfamiliar people or animals. This can help you control your dog and prevent them from getting into situations where they might bite.
- Provide proper exercise and mental stimulation: make sure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation to reduce their stress and anxiety. Tired dogs are less likely to be aggressive.
- Get regular Vet check-ups: regular health check-ups can help identify any underlying health issues that may cause aggressive behavior. Also, ensure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations.
- Spaying or neutering: spaying or neutering your dog can reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
Contact a Quad Cities Dog Bite Attorney
Parents must teach children how to behave around dogs, and dog owners must ensure their dog is properly socialized to prevent child dog bite injuries. By following the tips outlined above, both parents and dog owners can do just that. However, even when children know how to behave around dogs, a dog can still bite. If this happens, our Quad Cities personal injury attorneys team can fight to see you receive compensation.
The personal injury attorneys at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham Law have over 120 years of combined legal experience serving clients in the Quad Cities, including Rock Island, Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Whiteside, and Knox counties in Illinois or Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, Cedar, and Jackson counties in Iowa.
To get started on your free case consultation, contact us 24/7 by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.