As summer arrives in Dallas there are more dog owners taking their dogs outside to enjoy the sun. Even though most of these dogs are friendly, it’s easy for you or your child to end up a dog bite victim if you aren’t careful.
Dog bites are the second most common childhood injury that require emergency care, so here are some tips to help protect yourself and your children from dog bites:
- Stay away: Never approach a strange dog, especially if it’s tied up, behind a fence or in a car.
- Don’t run: If you think a dog is going to attack you, never run away. A dog’s instinct is to chase you and attack. Instead, remain still with your hands by your sides and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest, slowly back away.
- Be sensitive: When you are in the middle of eating, sleeping or caring for you new babies, you wouldn’t want to be disturbed. Remember a dog feels the same way. Dogs are more likely to attack if they are distracted when eating, sleeping or watching over their puppies.
- Ask permission: Before petting a dog or trying to play with it, make sure you ask the owner if it’s ok. Even friendly dogs might be more prone to attacking someone if they are sick or pregnant, which you wouldn’t know unless you ask the owner.
- Never leave your child alone with a dog: Since children are usually the victims of dog bites, never leave your toddler or child alone with a dog. Make sure you or someone you trust is always watching them to ensure that they are safe.
Dog bites can lead to serious injury or even death. If you or a loved one were the victim of a dog bite due to a negligent dog owner, you deserve justice for your emotional and physical turmoil. Contact the Law Offices of W.T. Johnson today and set-up your free, no-obligation consultation.
