Getting bitten by a dog can be a scary and dangerous experience, especially for young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 4 and 5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States, with children being the most common victims. Dog bites can cause serious injuries such as lacerations, infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. In rare cases, dog bites can even be fatal.
As a parent, it’s important to understand the risks of dog bites and take steps to prevent them from happening to your family. This article provides tips on dog bite prevention specifically for families with children in Pennsylvania. Following these precautions can help keep your kids safe around dogs.
Choose the Right Dog
The first step in preventing dog bites is being very selective when choosing a dog to bring into your family. Certain breeds have higher incidents of aggression and biting, so avoid those breeds if you have young children. According to the statistics, pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, huskies and Alaskan malamutes are all breeds with higher than average biting rates. Also, avoid stray dogs with unknown backgrounds.
If you already have a dog, monitor its behavior closely, especially around children. Look for signs of aggression like growling, raised hackles, bared teeth, stiff tail and intense staring. If your dog shows any aggressive tendencies, keep it separated from your kids.
Train and Socialize Your Dog
Proper training and socialization can significantly reduce the likelihood of biting. Puppies should be enrolled in obedience training as early as 8-10 weeks old to teach commands like “sit”, “stay” and “no”. Always use positive reinforcement like treats and praise instead of punishment. Socialization introduces dogs to new sights, sounds, people, and animals in a gradual and controlled way. Well-socialized dogs are less likely to feel threatened and bite.
Supervise Dog and Child Interactions
Children under 10 years old should never be left alone unsupervised with dogs. Even friendly, well-trained dogs can bite if provoked. Active supervision means watching carefully when kids and dogs are together. Teach children safe behavior like being gentle, not teasing or disturbing a resting dog, leaving dogs alone when they are eating or chewing, and avoiding hugging or crowding dogs.
If a dog growls, snaps, or shows signs of annoyance, immediately separate it from the kids. Reinforce bite inhibition training with your dog so if they do snap, it will be gentle. Monitor dogs closely when new babies come home, since dogs may see them as a threat. Keep dogs secure in a crate or separate room when you can’t actively watch dog/child interactions.
Create Safe Spaces
Having dog-free zones in your home gives children and dogs an escape if needed. Use baby gates, a crate, or keep doors closed to certain rooms like bedrooms so kids have places they can safely get away from the dog. Dogs also need access to quiet areas where they can relax without being bothered by children. Feed dogs in an area separated from kids.
Educate Children
Use books, videos, and your own instruction to teach children how to safely interact with dogs. Explain that dogs don’t always like hugs and kisses. Show them how to gently pet dogs on the shoulders or chest, avoid tails and paws, and never disturb a resting dog. If a dog growls or bares its teeth, teach them to stay still and yell for an adult. Always remind kids to ask the owner before petting unfamiliar dogs.
Practice Safety Outdoors
Take precautions when going outdoors where unknown dogs may be present. Avoid areas where stray or loose dogs roam. Even on walks in the neighborhood, crossing paths with an aggressive dog is a risk. Carry dog repellent spray or a walking stick when out with your family for protection. If an unknown dog approaches, tell children to stay still with arms crossed and don’t make eye contact.
Inspect Dog Play Spaces
If you take your kids to dog parks or playgrounds, inspect the environment first. Check for proper fencing, shade, water sources, and cleaning stations. Make sure no aggressive dogs are present before allowing your child to play. Stay nearby and be ready to intervene at any sign of trouble.
Be Cautious at Other Homes
Many dog bites happen when visiting someone else’s home. Don’t assume their dog is safe or good with children. Ask permission before petting the dog, and make sure the dog is secured if your kids are playing in their home. Require that dogs be put in another room or crate when your family visits someone’s house.
Seek Medical Care After Bites
If a dog bite occurs, seek medical care right away even if wounds appear minor. Dog bites easily become infected and may require antibiotics or a tetanus shot. Severe bites need assessment for nerve or tendon damage which could require surgery. Report dog bites to animal control authorities so the dog’s behavior history is documented in case further incidents occur.
Get Legal Help
Dog bite injuries and trauma should not be ignored. If a dog bite happens due to a dog owner’s negligence, families have a right to pursue compensation through a dog bite lawsuit in Pennsylvania. An experienced dog bite attorney can help assess what damages you may be entitled to, such as:
- Medical bills from bite injuries
- Costs of future medical treatment
- Lost wages from missing work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress
The dog owner is responsible for controlling and managing their dog to prevent bites and attacks. If they failed to do so, they may be liable. To explore your legal options after a dog bite or attack in Pennsylvania, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Monge & Associates at (888) 477-0597 for a free consultation.
With 32 offices in 19 states, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina, our legal team has helped many families get the compensation they deserve after suffering from a traumatic and preventable dog attack. Don’t hesitate to call us today to learn more.