Getting bitten or attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience, especially for a child. Dog attacks can cause significant physical injuries, and the psychological impact can last a lifetime.
People can protect themselves by learning the common causes of dog bites in Colleyville, how to prevent them, and when to contact an experienced dog bite injury lawyer.
Reasons Why a Dog Might Attack
According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, dogs usually bite in reaction to something. A bite is a dog’s last resort, and learning why a dog might feel the need to attack could prevent bites.
A dog may feel the need to bite when it feels threatened. Like humans, dogs have differing needs for personal space. Approaching a dog too closely or cornering it, even inadvertently, could trigger a defensive response. Loud or high-pitched noises and extended eye contact can also feel threatening to some dogs.
Dogs have strong protective instincts. A dog could bite if someone approaches its owner or enters its property. In addition, dogs may bite to protect their:
- Puppies
- Favorite toys
- Food
- Other resources
It is best to turn away from a dog that seems to be in defensive or protective mode to prevent an attack. Dogs that are extremely protective of their space but not properly contained by their owners are among the leading causes of dog bites in Colleyville.
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Signals That a Dog Could Bite
Few dog attacks come without warning. Learning how to recognize a dog’s signals can help prevent bites and other scary incidents.
To begin, dogs will often put distance between themselves and a person they do not want to engage with. Following the dog, continuing to pet it when it has turned away, or trying to force it to engage or play can trigger an aggressive response from the dog. Many dogs will growl, bare their teeth, or both if they find someone threatening or irritating.
Body language can also provide clues a dog might bite. The hair on the nape of their neck may stand up or the dog might try to make itself look bigger. Some dogs will tuck their tails and try to shrink before biting. Most dogs hold their bodies stiffly when they are preparing to bite.
Tips to Prevent Dog Attacks
Most dog attack victims are children, and sadly, children are more likely to suffer severe injuries from dog bites. In most cases, the child is bitten by a familiar dog, such as their family pet or a neighbor’s. Supervising children’s interactions with animals is essential until the parent is confident the child respects the dog’s boundaries and can read its cues.
Some bites are not intentional responses to fear or a perceived threat but are accidents resulting from overexuberance. Puppies bite each other during play, and nipping behavior can continue into adulthood if training does not break the habit. Even a well-trained dog might nip when it gets overexcited, wrestles, plays tug-of-war, or if someone attempts to remove the dog’s food or toy. Good training and avoiding over-excitement can reduce the chances of an accidental dog bite. A lack of training or poor training is a common cause of canine attacks in Colleyville.
Some dogs are patient and trusting, while others are more short-tempered and reactive. The latter personality can become a higher risk for biting, especially if the dog has shown aggression toward people or bit someone in the past. According to Colleyville Code of Ordinances § 14-16(b)(1)(e), a dangerous dog must wear an orange collar and red tag at all times. Children should be taught to stay clear of dangerous dogs and not make eye contact with them, and adults should do the same.
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Discuss Common Causes of Dog Bites With a Colleyville Attorney
You may do everything in your power to avoid upsetting a dog and still end up bitten due to the unpredictability of animals. In cases where the dog was running loose or the owner’s conduct was negligent, the bite victim or their family could seek compensation for their losses.
Talk to a local personal injury lawyer about whether you have grounds to file a claim against the dog’s owner or to learn more about the common causes of dog bites in Colleyville. Call today to schedule a consultation.
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