Attacks From Dogs
Animals should be kept on a leash in public areas and parks, especially in those areas that are designated leash zones.
Additionally, a owners should be sure that their pets are properly trained to obey commands and react calmly toward strangers.
Unfortunately, many pet owners neglect their basic responsibility toward others and fail to secure proper training and control over their animals.
Because of this, almost 4 million people suffer from dog bites and attacks each year in the United States.
Dog Bite Risks Dog lovers know that a majority of the animals are friendly and playful, and therefore often pet and play with animals that belong to other people.
However, if a dog begins to feel intimidated, it may attack with little to no notice, even if it was acting normally just moments before.
Even in parks and residential areas, it is always smart to stay away from strange animals and to use caution if you choose to approach someone else's pet:
- Ask the dog's owner for permission before approaching or attempting to pet the animal.
The owner can warn you about any of the pet's fears or potentially dangerous reactions to your approach. - If the dog's owner is nowhere in sight, it is always a good idea to leave the dog alone in case it becomes scared and attacks.
- When approaching a dog, hold out your hand and allow the dog to evaluate your scent before you reach out to touch it.
If it still seems relaxed and friendly toward you, it may be safe to pet it on the back or the shoulders. - If at any point the dog begins to growl, pull its ears back, bare its teeth, or bark, immediately stop touching it and slowly back away.
- Teach children never to approach strange dogs and to treat family pets with love and respect.
Even dogs that are simply playful toward adults can cause serious harm to young children, even inadvertently.
Dog owners may even feel that their dog is perfectly trained and well-behaved until an attack occurs unexpectedly.
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, especially young children, it is important to understand how to act around strange dogs and reduce the risk of a dog attack.