Dog Safety
Approximately 800,000 people are treated each year in America for dog-bite injuries. We mostly tend to think of dogs as loving companions, and forget that they are animals, capable of inflicting serious harm to those who may not understand exactly how to interact with dogs.
In order to keep yourself and your family safe, here are some tips for avoiding dog bites and dog-related injuries.
- If you have children, make sure you teach them how to safely deal with animals. They should never be left alone with a dog, as children may inadvertently harm or antagonize a dog, thus provoking aggressive behavior.
- You should never approach an unknown dog, as you have no way of knowing if it is aggressive or not.
- If an unknown dog approaches you, you should remain motionless until it has moved a safe distance away.
- Before petting or touching any dog, hold out your hand so that the dog can sniff you first.
- If you are near a dog, do not make sudden movements or make high-pitched noises. Most of all, do not run away. All of these things may provoke aggressive behavior.
- If you are attacked by a dog, curl into a ball and protect your head. You should remain still in this position until the dog has left.
- Do not make eye contact with a dog.
- If a dog is eating, sleeping or taking care of puppies, it should be left alone.
If you or someone you know has been attacked by a dog, the dog’s owner may be liable for your injuries. Contact the Minneapolis dog bite lawyers of Terry & Slane, P.L.L.C. today to receive information on your full legal rights.
