Dog bites can be traumatic, life-threatening experiences, especially to the young ones who are most often the victims of these vicious attacks (a recent study show that 81% of dog bite attacks involve children). They can leave a victim scarred for life, both physically and emotionally, and require hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills and other expenses.
While it can often be challenging to prevent a dog from biting, there are a few tips individuals can take into consideration in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations involving dogs and that can help reduce the risk of a dog bite injury. Remember, while pit bulls tend to be involved in the most dog bite attacks, any dog has the potential to bite and cause serious injury to an innocent victim. When near a dog, especially one you do not know well, it is crucial to pay attention to the dog’s cues that they are upset. This can include barking, growling, or showing their teeth.
6 warning signs that a dog may be prone to attack
1. It’s a Guard Dog. When a dog is on his home turf, he has the potential to become territorial. This behavior can be exaggerated if the dog is in his yard without his master.
2. It’s a Dangerous Breed. While this is a sore topic amongst many dog lovers, statistics do show that some breeds are more likely than others to attack and that when they do, the injuries they cause can be quite severe. Powerful breeds like pit bulls, rottweilers, akitas, and chows can cause very life-threatening injuries if and when they attack.
3. Dogs are in a Pack. In 2014, 57% of dog bite fatalities involved two or more dogs. Perhaps it is the “pack mentality” the can turn an ordinarily docile dog into an aggressive one.
4. A Chained or Tethered Dog. When a dog feels threatened, it normally has the options o
f running away from the situation or attacking. A chained or tethered dog does not have any option but to bite, resulting in a number of serious dog bite injuries throughout the San Fernando Valley.
5. Male Dogs. Generally speaking, male dogs are often more aggressive than females.
6. New to the Household. Experts say that it can take up to 60 days for a household to settle into a comfortable hierarchy after a new dog or new house guest comes to stay.
For parents, it is also important to make sure that you do not leave your child unattended with a dog he or she is not familiar with.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries as a result, contact experienced San Fernando Valley dog bite lawyer Barry P. Goldberg today.
