4 Ways to Prevent Dog Bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than four million Americans sustain injuries from dog bites each year. And nearly one in five people bitten by a dog needs medical attention for their bite. Dog bite injuries can be severe, but thankfully, they can be prevented.

If you’ve already been injured from a dog bite in Arizona, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at ELG Law. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help with a free, no-hassle consultation today.

Do Your Research

Before bringing a dog into your home, research the breed that is best for your family. Consider your daily work schedule, children in the home, and the size of your home. If you have small children, avoid aggressive or aloof breeds.

Because children between ages 5-9 account for nearly half of those affected by dog bites, it’s important to be mindful of your children’s interactions with dogs. If possible, spend time with a dog before adopting or buying.

Socialize and Train

First, the best way to reduce aggressive tendencies in dogs is to spay or neuter. After you’ve brought your dog home and spayed or neutered them, ensure that you properly socialize and train your dog. This helps your dog acclimate to its new environment and become more comfortable with those living in the home.

Furthermore, it’s important to avoid playing aggressive games with your dog, like wrestling or roughhousing, and avoid leaving it alone with young children or infants.

Stay Calm

If you’re in a situation with another, unfamiliar dog or encountered a strange dog outside, stay still and be calm. Don’t panic or make direct eye contact with the dog and stand with the side of your body facing the dog. You can tell the dog to go home in a deep voice or say “no” if it approaches.

From there, wait for the dog to slowly back away or leave the scene.

Seek Medical Attention

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, protect yourself with any object you’re carrying, like a bag, purse or jacket. Place these objects between you and the dog. Make yourself look as large as possible to scare the dog and yell loudly but do your best to avoid taking an aggressive posture.

And if the dog has knocked you down, curl into a ball with your head tucked in and hands protecting your neck and ears.

Finally, seek medical attention as soon as possible and contact your personal injury attorney. The dog’s owner may be liable for injuries you’ve sustained, and an attorney can provide helpful legal advice and work as your liaison with insurance companies.

Personal Injury Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona

When possible, it’s important to prevent dog bite injuries. But if you’ve already sustained a dog bite, stay calm and protect yourself by contacting an attorney. If you’ve been injured by a dog, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at ELG Law. Call us at (623) 562-3838 today for a no-obligation free consultation and legal representation.