Preventing Dog Bites
Taking steps to prevent the painful and devastating injuries connected to dog bites is often overlooked. However, nearly 4.5 million dog bites take place each year in the United States. Let’s rephrase the previous statement, a person is bitten by a dog every 7 seconds. Of the nearly 4.5 million dog bite victims, 885,000 obtain medical treatment, with about 400,000 dog bite victims requiring emergency room treatment. Even worse, the vast majority of all severely injured dog bite patients are kids, who have a greater risk for bites on their head and neck.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
According to the CDC, dog bites are a major public health epidemic. However, it should be emphasized that dog bites are preventable. Dog bite prevention strategies can really teach adults and youngsters alike on how to reduce the likelihood of becoming a dog bite victim.
Learn These Dog Bite Prevention Tips
Kids are the most common victims of dog bites. Listed below are tips for children aimed at reducing the occurrence of dog bites. Keep in mind, these tips work for adults as well.
- Stay away from dogs you do not know.
- When a dog approaches that you do not know, stand absolutely still. Do not scream or run.
- If the dog knocks you down, quickly curl into a ball and don’t move a muscle.
- If you see a frightening dog or see one behaving strangely – tell an adult.
- Do not pet or play with any dog unless a parent or other adult is present.
- Alert an adult if you see a stray dog in your area.
- Do not make eye contact with a dog.
- Never try to break up a fight between dogs, even if they just play fighting.
- Never attempt to pet an injured, scared, or sick dog.
- Never attempt to pet a dog that is in a vehicle.
- Never attempt to pet a dog that is behind a fence or chained up.
- If a dog is caring for its puppies, eating or sleeping, leave the dog alone.
- Make sure a dog sees you and is already familiar with you before petting it.
- Tell an adult right away if a dog tries to bite you or you have been bitten.
Take the time today to go over these safety tips designed to prevent dog bite injuries with your children. If you have any questions regarding your rights after being bit by a dog, please call an experienced personal injury attorney.
Sacramento Dog Bite and Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento dog bite injury lawyer. If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury, please call me at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice. If you are calling from outside the Sacramento region, please give me a call toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
I have been assisting Sacramento families with their personal injury and wrongful death cases for over 3 decades.
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