Synopsis

  • Each year, there are over 4.5 million bites in the U.S., and about 800,000
    are severe enough that the victim needs medical treatment.
  • Studies have shown that dog bites occur more often during the peak of summer
    months, but trends begin as warmer temperatures build and as early as
    March in Indiana.
  • Children are at the greatest risk for fatal dog bites and are especially
    vulnerable to severe bites in the head and neck areas.
  • Infants or toddlers should never be left alone with any dog breed. Ever.
  • Dog owners can prevent many injuries caused from dog bites if they simply
    followed common sense dog owning rules.

Dogs Bite Young Children Most During Warmer Months

As the winter weather calms down and the spring-like temperatures head
to the Hoosier state, dog owners and families alike will be starting to
feel anxious about bringing both their favorite Fido outside to play and
their kids out to ride bikes or enjoy a walk. Unfortunately, this will
also be the time when the
dog biting season kicks off.

As many as 31 dog bite-related fatalities occurred in 2016 in the U.S.
despite being regulated. In over 900 U.S. cities, pit bull breeds are
to blame for 71 percent of those deaths. The American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) says each year, dogs bite more than 4.5 million people
in the U.S. Children are the most common victims of deadly dog bites.
Infants, toddlers, or any child for that matter, should ever be left alone
with any dog breed.

Responsible Dog Ownership and Dog Bite Prevention Helps

While it may be easy to try and avoid certain breeds of dogs that may have
a reputation for being aggressive or more prone to bite, all breeds of
dogs can bite and do bite if provoked or feels threatened. The AVMA says
responsible dog owners can prevent many bites from ever happening if they
follow these dog owning rules.

  • Carefully select your dog. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse.
  • Make sure your pet is socialized as a young puppy, so it feels at ease
    around people and other animals.
  • Don’t put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.
  • Train your dog. The basic commands “sit,” “stay,”
    “no,” and “come” help dogs understand what is
    expected of them and can be incorporated into fun activities that build
    a bond of trust between pets and people.
  • Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental
    stimulation.
  • Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war.
  • Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog and to
    show others that you are in control of your dog.
  • Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable
    infectious diseases. Parasite control and veterinary care are also important
    because how your dog feels affects how it behaves.
  • Neuter or spay your dog.
  • Never, ever leave your dog in a room with an infant, toddler or child.

If a dog bites you, seek medical treatment immediately and try to find
out if the dog is current on vaccinations so you can report the full incident
to local animal control. Never agree or sign anything without letting
a lawyer review it first. Keep all important information and documentation
together like the names and contact information of people involved, witnesses,
medical records, incident reports, and a timeline of events.

Owners of Animals That Attack Can Be Held Accountable

If you or one of your loved ones suffered an injury as the result of a
dog bite or animal attack, give our personal injury attorneys a call and let them
get you on the road to recovery.

Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese can handle your dog bite or animal attack
injury claim with years of experience and proven results. Call the law
firm of Wagner Reese today (888) 204-8440 and discuss your case at no
cost. Or speak with us by
submitting our online form and our attorneys will review your information.