Dog Bite Prevention in California
Dogs can be man’s best friend, but they can also pose a danger. According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Out of those, nearly 800,000 people sustained injuries so serious they had to seek medical attention. Dog bites can cause damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and bones, but they can also cause serious infections, such as rabies, tetanus, MRSA and others. Understanding warning signs that a dog might bite and what to do if you are bitten can help you protect yourself from dangerous injuries.
Reading Dog Body Language
According to the Humane Society of the United States, knowing the body language that a dog is exhibiting can help prevent dog bites. Dogs have a different way of showing their emotions than people do, but they do have a predictable pattern of behaviors. These are some signs that a dog is distressed and you should keep your distance:
- Tensed body;
- Stiff tail;
- Intense stare;
- Yawning;
- Pulled back ears; and
- Backing away.
What to Do and Not to Do
There are a few “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to preventing dog bites.
You should:
- Ask the dog’s owner if you can pet it before you do so;
- Try not to make any sudden movements if you are approached by an unfamiliar dog;
- Observe the dog’s body language before you decided to pet it; and
- Allow the dog to see and sniff you before you reach out to pet it.
To best prevent dog bites, you should not:
- Approach an unfamiliar dog;
- Run from a dog;
- Panic or make loud noises;
- Disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies; and
- Let children play with a dog unsupervised.
Get Help From A San Jose Dog Bite Lawyer
These tips can help you prevent a dog bite, but they do not eliminate the risk entirely. Sometimes accidents happen, but in the state of California, owners can be held liable for accidents that concern a dog bite that causes great injury to another person. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, you need the immediate help of a San Jose personal injury attorney. You could be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, time spent unable to work or pain and suffering. Contact Janoff Law to get your personal injury case started. Call 408-286-2300 to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/avoid_dog_bites.html
https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html
