Dog Bite Prevention Tips for Children
According to the American Humane Society, more than 50% of dog bite victims are children. These victims can suffer serious injuries, especially children under 4, who experience most injuries to the head and neck region.
Fortunately, it is possible to reduce your child’s risk of experiencing a dog bite attack. Here are some of the tips for you to learn and teach your children as necessary.
Know That Any Dog Can Bite
It’s important for parents to know and teach their children that any dog can bite. It doesn’t matter the size of the dog. It doesn’t matter the breed. It doesn’t matter the age. Even the friendly family pet that a child has known all their life can bite in the right situation.
That’s why it’s important for a child to always be aware of and gauge the mood of dogs they are interacting with. If a normally friendly dog is acting strangely, a child should give them distance and let an adult know what’s going on.
Don’t Be Alone with a Dog
Children should never be left unsupervised with a dog. As we noted before, any dog could bite, and they can start behaving erratically, which children might not pick up on immediately.
An adult can supervise a situation and detect unusual behavior from a dog before it bites. The adult can also tell when a child’s behavior is becoming likely to set off a dog. Dogs might also be less likely to bite when an adult is around since adults can be intimidating, calming, or both. If worse comes to worst, an adult can intervene if a dog does bite, protecting a child from the worst injuries.
Ask Before Petting a Dog
Another important thing to teach your child is that they should always ask the dog’s owner before petting a dog. There are some people who might not want their dog petted, especially if it is a dog in training. Other times, though, a dog might be known to bite, especially when approached by strangers or children. In this case, their owner might recommend that you not pet them, a request you should respect.
Let a Dog Sniff Your Closed Hand Before Petting
If you do get permission to pet a dog, let them sniff your closed hand before petting them. Demonstrate this for your child.
Once the dog has your scent, pet them gently on the chest and/or shoulders. Don’t move immediately to petting a dog on the head, as this can sometimes provoke them.
If a dog seems alarmed or uncomfortable when you are petting them, make soothing sounds and remove your hand slowly from the dog. Movements that are too sudden can spook a dog.
Ask Before Playing with a Dog
Children love to play with dogs, but not all dogs love playing with children. If you don’t know a dog’s play habits, it’s easy to cross over the line from friendly to dangerous without knowing you’re doing it.
Ask a dog owner if it’s okay for your child to play with a dog, and, if so, how they can play safely.
Be Quiet and Still If an Unknown Dog Approaches
Teach your child to be still and quiet if a strange dog approaches. Running from the dog might cause them to give chase. Sudden movements and loud noises can frighten a dog, making them more aggressive.
If a dog seems like it might get aggressive, kids should try to move away slowly and quietly, while trying to get up high or inside a building. If a child can’t get to safety, they should tuck their closed fists under their arms.
Don’t Try to Pet a Dog That Looks Anxious or Aggressive
If a dog is looking stressed in any way, it’s best to leave it alone, even if it’s generally a friendly dog that you know well. Give the dog space and let it alone. If the dog goes away, never pursue it.
Signs that a dog might be stressed include:
- Growling
- Whimpering
- Ears back
- Ears down
- Hair raised
- Standing tall
- Cowering
If you notice these behaviors, it’s best to leave a dog alone.
Help After Dog Bite Attacks in Denver
If you or your child was bitten by a dog, the consequences can be severe. Infections, disability, disfigurement, and other long-term complications can be expensive effects of dog bites.
Colorado law is clear: dog owners are typically liable for injuries caused by their dogs. The dog owner can usually be made to pay for the injuries their pets cause. This can include expenses related to:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Trauma, pain, and suffering
- Therapy
- Accommodations necessary in your home after your injury
Denver dog bite attorney Brian Pushchak focuses on these types of cases and uses his expertise to help his clients in their pursuit of the compensation they deserve. In addition, you will benefit from Pushchak Law’s Informed Decisions™ Approach focused on helping you achieve the best possible outcome to your case. We start by listening to your goals and priorities in your case, then use our expertise to recommend a course of action that is most likely to deliver the results you want. We care about you, and we will give you our contact information so you can always get in touch with us when you have important questions, concerns, or decisions to make about your lawsuit.
To learn more about how Pushchak Law can help your family after you or a child suffers a dog bite attack, please contact us today for a free initial consultation. We serve clients in Denver and the surrounding areas.
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