10 Dog Bite Prevention Tips and Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

According to the American Humane Association, half of all dog attacks involve children under the age of twelve. Many times, these attacks involve dogs owned by family members, friends and neighbors. Some of these attacks are minor and do not require any medical treatment. Others are very serious and cause great emotional distress, pain, scarring and disfigurement.

If you or someone you love is seriously injured in a dog attack, contact a skilled personal injury attorney at Schmidt Kramer for assistance. Our number is (717) 888-8888 and the case consultation is free. You may also wish to download a free copy of our book Who Pays My Injury Claim: Understanding Joint and Several Liability for more information.

The best way to keep kids safe around dogs is to supervise them closely and teach them the following ten dog bite safety tips:

Avoid pulling on a dog’s ears, paws or tail.
Never kick or slap a dog.
Never stare directly into a dog’s eyes. It perceives the eye contact as a confrontation and may become aggressive.
Keep away from a dog on a chain—it may become aggressive in an attempt to protect its territory.
Never tease a dog on the other side of a fence. It may become frustrated and aggressive as a result.
Keep away from a loose dog. Even the nicest dog may become aggressive if it is lost, injured or frightened.
Stand still if a loose dog approaches and keep your body angled sideways. Be sure to avoid looking directly into the dog’s eyes. Back away very slowly when it is safe to do so.
Stay away from a dog when it is eating. Dogs are protective of their food and may become aggressive if they think you are trying to take it.
Avoid startling a sleeping dog; make sure it is awake before you touch it.
Ask the pet owner for permission before petting a dog. If the owner allows it, hold out a closed hand for the dog to sniff before proceeding to pet the dog.

Kids and adults who know how to interact safely with dogs are much less likely to be the victim of a serious dog bite injury. However, dogs can be unpredictable and may still attack despite your best efforts to prevent an accident.

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Use These 10 Dog Bite Prevention Tips and Let Sleeping Dogs Lie