Bite This: Staying Safe Around Dogs

Half of all dog bites are caused by dogs that the sufferer is familiar with, belonging to a family member or friend. 4.5 million people in the United States get bitten each year, and young children are the most frequent victims. All dog owners must put in the time to train the dog in order to make sure that they provide a safe environment when the dog is around others.

First, remember that dogs have instincts that they will fall back and rely on if necessary, even on the owner. The size, gender or breed of the dog is irrelevant in these situations; a dog can and will react negatively if provoked. Dog bites also have the potential to become quickly infected. If this does happen, irrigate the wound and seek medical attention as soon as possible — and legal counsel, if necessary.

When dogs find themselves in unfamiliar situations, they could become anxious or feel threatened, causing them to attack or defend themselves if they deem it appropriate. The dog could also be doing this to protect something else, such as territory, food, toys, or offspring.

One option to curb aggression is to spay or neuter the pet, but easier, less invasive methods such as regular exercise and obedience training are recommended first. Another method is to have the dog be around other dogs and other humans from an early age. This allows the dog to get more comfortable in different situations when others are around.

For more tips on how to prevent dog bites from occurring, please see the provided resource created by Van Sant Law.

Infographic courtesy of Van Sant Law, Atlanta’s top personal injury claim lawyers