Many animal experts agree that most dog bites are preventable if children are taught proper respect for animals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 4 and a half million dog bites reported each year. Those same statistics tell us that half of those bitten are children between 5 and 9 years old. About one million of these bites require medical attention. Many animal experts agree that most dog bites are preventable if children are taught proper respect for animals. Even the friendliest dog can be provoked when frightened. Children can move quickly and make high pitched sounds which may cause a dog to feel the need to defend itself. A few simple rules you can share with your children will help keep them safe around dogs.
- First off, never startle a dog when they are eating or sleeping. Even dogs need their space and they’ll let you know when they’re ready to play.
- Tell children to move slowly around dogs, especially ones they don’t know. When confronted with a dog they don’t know, they should walk slowly away from them and if they feel threatened, it’s best to freeze and not run.
- The best way for a child to give a treat to a dog is to hold it in their open palm and not between their fingers which the dog could accidentally nip. Tell them to always keep fingers together so the dog doesn’t think that tiny finger is a dog treat.
- Never pet a stray dog and only pet a friends or neighbors dog after you ask for permission.
- Never, ever put your face near a dog’s mouth.
- Never tease a dog, especially one whose personality you don’t know. Taking away a dog toy or something the dog is playing with or chewing on can be very frustrating for a dog. They may not understand a child is only trying to play.
- Have your child learn the warning signs that a dog is angry. Growling, baring teeth or backing away is a sign to let them be.
- Remind your children that the best way to interact with a dog that is not their own pet is to have an adult present. Adults may be able to sense when a dog is getting agitated and can also keep children from doing the things that might put them in danger.
- Teach children to come inside if they see a stray dog and ask a parent what to do next. It can be tempting to want to run up and play with the animal but they should never approach a stray dog.
- If your child finds a wounded dog, again, teach them to get help from an adult. A dog in pain can be unpredictable and even adults should call for animal control to help.
No one wants a dog bite, and all parents want to keep their children safe. Taking the time to teach your children the proper pet etiquette can go a long way to avoiding an unwanted incident.
If you or a loved or has been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention and report it to the police. If the injury was the result of someone’s negligence, you might be eligible for compensation. APKH&C will help determine the legal remedies available to you. Our Northern Michigan office give you access to your lawyer and allows us to personally investigate your case. We live here. We understand what’s important to the members of our community. Sometimes clients aren’t sure if they have a case.
Contact any of our attorney’s today and find out how we can help. Call us today at 1.877.732.2491