Like most people, there’s a good chance you have a soft spot in your heart for dogs (and many other types of animals).
Unfortunately, man’s best friend is not always as friendly as you expect. And this is why dog bites happen.
Big or small, young or old, there is no way of knowing if a dog will attack. Even the cutest and friendliest of dogs could bite someone when it’s least expected.
With this in mind, it’s important to understand why dogs bite. With this knowledge, you’ll find it much easier to avoid trouble in the future.
- Dogs bite when they are reacting to something, such as a feeling that it needs to protect itself
- Dogs bite when startled, so it’s important that you never make any sudden aggressive movements
- Dogs bite when they are playing, but it’s not always fun for the person on the other end
- Dogs bite when someone takes away their food, water or toys
- Dogs bite if they are teased when they are trying to rest or sleep
Even the most well socialized dogs can attack if provoked. This isn’t to say that you should keep your distance from all dogs, but you need to realize that you could do something that puts you in a dangerous spot.
In the event of a dog bite or attack, the first thing you should do is move to safety. You don’t want to stay where you are, as this could lead to another attack by the animal.
Once you do this, call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Even if you feel well enough to transport yourself to a local hospital, you may be better off waiting for an ambulance. You don’t want to take a risk with your health.
After you understand your injuries, focus on the finer details of the accident and why it happened. When you combine this with knowledge of your legal rights, you can decide which steps to take in the days and weeks to come. You may be able to hold the dog’s owner responsible for your injuries and other damages.