Steps to Take When Approached by an Aggressive Dog

If an aggressive dog approaches you how would you respond? This scenario could happen. Close to 5 million people report dog bites every year according to data released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also says one-fifth of dog bites need to be treated by a medical professional. The most at-risk age group to be bitten are young children age five to nine.

There are a variety of reasons why dogs bite, but ultimately if you are bitten by a dog in Arizona, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to pay for your damages. Sometimes, dog owners are receptive to paying for medical care and treatment of a victim who their dog bit. Other times, not so much. If you are having a difficult time with the owner of a dog that bit you pay for the damages that were inflicted upon you by their pet, call the Arizona dog bite attorneys at ELG for help. You have the right to sue for compensation.

How to Handle an Aggressive Dog

The truth is that any dog has the potential to bite. Any dog bite can cause a myriad of medical issues for the victim outside of their physical pain. There can be immense disfigurement, the mental trauma of animals, infection, plus potentially severing of the muscles, ligaments, or nerves. Large, muscular breeds such as the Doberman pinscher, Pitbulls, and Rottweilers have a higher potential of inflicting fatal bites.

There is a right way to approach a dog and a wrong way. The following illustrates the wrong way:

• Never charge or run to a dog you don’t know.
• Don’t get close to a dog, look at them straight in the eyes and smile. This will make the dog think you are being aggressive by showing your teeth.
• Never sneak up on a dog and scare them.
• Stay away from a dog that tells you to keep your distance by growling, barking, and raising his fur.
• Don’t get in the way of a dog and his food.
• Don’t pull on a dog’s tail.

If you are confronted by an aggressive dog, the following tips may reduce your risk of an attack:

• Don’t panic and try to stay as calm as you can.
• Don’t run away from the dog.
• Never turn your back to the dog, but while facing them, slowly back away.
• Ball yourself up in a fetal position should you find yourself on the ground and make sure to cover your head while also keeping your fingers tightly in a fist.
• Do not stare into the eyes of an aggressive dog.
• Never smile at an aggressive dog.
• Speak in a soft voice, calm voice.
• Should you sustain an Arizona dog bite, don’t pull yourself away or hit the dog, rather look for some type of object to put space between yourself and the animal.

Speak to an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney Today

The Phoenix dog bite attorneys at ELG can help you secure as much compensation as possible after your dog bite incident. Call the Spanish-speaking, bilingual Arizona personal injury claim attorneys at ELG to schedule your free consultation at (623) 877-3600.