Dog Bite Warning Signs and Prevention Strategies You Need to Know

Dogs bite and injure millions of Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These bites can cause painful, disfiguring injuries and infections that could threaten your life.

Given the potential for serious injuries, it is vital to know the common dog bite warning signs. If you know what to look for, you will know when you need to keep your distance. For example, dogs may be more likely to bite when they are in stressful situations. Even our pets or other dogs we know to be friendly can bite under certain circumstances

Our Harrisburg dog bite attorneys have compiled the following essential information to help you stay safe and understand your options if you were bitten. If you need help with your dog bite injury claim, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

What Are the Dog Bite Warning Signs to Watch For?

We have become so accustomed to domesticated dogs that we forget they are descended from wolves. Any dog you encounter has inherited some of the same behaviors as wolves.

These animals have a series of vocal signals, postures and facial positions they use to communicate their intention to bite or attack. Wolves and dogs use these signals as a warning.

For example, dogs or wolves may be warning others to stay away from food. They may also be protecting their territory or driving another animal away. Wolves and dogs would rather avoid a physical confrontation, because it is a threat to their own safety.

Like wolves, dogs display several signs that can alert you to their uneasiness or intention to bite or attack:

• Lip Licking and Yawning: Dogs may lick their lips or yawn when anxious or uncomfortable.
• Growling and Snapping Teeth: These are clear indications of a dog feeling threatened. If you can, identify and remove the source of the threat. If you cannot remove the threat, the situation may be likely to escalate.
• Bearing of the Teeth: If a dog’s mouth is open and its teeth are clenched together, it may be about to snap at you. You should keep your distance and let the dog calm down.
• Tail Wagging: A wagging tail does not always mean a dog is in a friendly mood. A slow, high wagging tail with a stiff body can signal discomfort or aggression.
• Stiff Body and Raised Fur: A dog may appear stiff, with raised fur on its neck or back, when it is feeling threatened or defensive. The hairs on the dog’s neck and back are called the hackles.
• Exposed Whites of Eyes: Dogs that show the whites of their eyes are likely stressed or fearful, which could precede an aggressive reaction.
• Hiding Behind or Underneath Furniture: When dogs feel anxious, they may hide to protect themselves from danger. You may want to get the dog to come out, but you need to be cautious. When dogs feel like they are cornered, they may be more likely to lash out, even at their owners and others they are familiar with.
• The Dog’s Ears are Pinned Back: If the dog’s ears are pinned back and look rigid, the dog could be preparing to defend itself.
• Pacing Back and Forth: Sometimes dogs pace around and retrace their steps when they feel uncomfortable or agitated.

While you should be careful around any dog that displays these signs of defensiveness or aggression, you should be especially careful around dogs with a previous history of attacking or biting. Any dog that has bitten someone before or been aggressive towards others in the past may be more likely to do it again.

Infographic: Signs a Dog is Afraid or Anxious

Tips on How to Prevent Dog Bites

There are many steps you can take to prevent dog bites, especially when the dog has displayed signs of aggressiveness:

• Recognize the Warning Signs: Knowing the warning signs will help you to avoid dangerous situations.
• Avoid Unknown Dogs: Do not pet or approach dogs that you do not know. You should never assume any dog is entirely safe.
• Ask for Permission: Always ask a dog’s owner before petting the animal.
• Proper Petting: Allow the dog to sniff your closed hand before petting. Pet only the dog’s shoulders and chest.
• Avoid Making Sudden Movements: This is especially true when you are close to the dog. They may interpret sudden movements as a threat.
• Do Not Make Direct Eye Contact: Dogs perceive this as a threat.
• Avoid Making Loud Noises: Dogs often interpret loud noises as a threat, and they may start barking as a warning.
• Respect Boundaries: Avoid dogs that are eating, nursing, sleeping or chewing on toys.
• Keep Your Distance: Steer clear of dogs that are barking or growling.
• Stay Calm: If approached by an unknown dog, remain still and quiet. Avoid turning your back or running.
• Avoid Injured Dogs: Contact animal control if you encounter a dog that is injured. Do not attempt to handle it yourself. Injured dogs may be more likely to bite to defend themselves.
• Supervise Children: Never leave small children alone with dogs, even if they are family pets. Supervise playtime and teach your children how to have safe interactions with pets.
• Introduce Your Dog to Other Animals and People: This helps dogs to feel more comfortable around new people and animals. This can make dogs less likely to view people or other animals as a threat. Take your time and do not introduce the dog to too many people too quickly.

What Kinds of Injuries Can be Caused by Dog Bites?

Dog bites can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe and possibly life-threatening. Here are some common examples:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep puncture wounds from the dog’s teeth can penetrate skin, muscle and tissue, leading to serious complications.
• Lacerations: Bites can cause cuts and tears in the skin, often requiring stitches or even surgery.
• Crushing Injuries: Larger dogs can cause crushing injuries to bones and soft tissues, leading to fractures or broken bones.
• Infections: Dog bites often carry bacteria that can cause serious infections, such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis, especially if these infections are not treated right away.
• Nerve Damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, resulting in numbness, loss of function or permanent disability.
• Scarring: Bite wounds, particularly on the face or hands, can cause permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can also be psychologically traumatizing, as victims may experience fear and anxiety around dogs.

What to Do if Bitten by a Dog

If you or your child were bitten by a dog, follow these steps to protect your health as well as your legal rights:

• Use warm, soapy water to wash the wound immediately.
• Seek effective medical care as quickly as possible to avoid infection and assess the extent of injuries.
• Report the dog bite to local animal control. Give all information you have to the agency, including the owner’s name and how to contact him or her. If the dog is likely a stray, tell the agency where the bite happened, details of what the dog looks like, the direction the dog headed and whether you have seen the animal around before.
• Talk to an experienced attorney about your legal options for pursuing compensation for your dog bite injuries in Harrisburg.

Call to Speak with Our Experienced Attorneys

If you were injured by a dog, our Harrisburg attorneys may be able to assist you in seeking compensation.

If you call our office and we determine there may be a case, you can set up a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. We can review your claim and inform you of your legal options for recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Schedule your free, no obligation consultation today. There are no upfront fees and payment is only due if we recover compensation for you.

Call (717) 727-2669 or complete our Free Case Review form today.