Children and dogs seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. There is nothing cuter than seeing a small child light up when they encounter a dog. Most children will jump at the chance to play fetch, pet, or just run around with a playful dog. As adults and parents, it may be even more fun for us to watch the enjoyment.
Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that something that can bring so much joy can also be dangerous. Where there are dogs, there is the possibility of dog bites. It can be hard to imagine our friendly neighborhood dog ever hurting a child. And yet even the friendliest of dogs can be triggered to bite or harm a child or anyone for that matter.
Approximately 1 percent of emergency department visits are prompted by bite wounds, and dog bites account for the overwhelming majority of these injuries. Dog bites can range from minor to very severe and the scope of which they will affect your life can be large. With that said, we don’t want children to miss out on the joy of petting a dog but we also need to be aware as adults, dog owners, and parents the risks that are associated with interacting with a dog.
As a dog bite lawyer office serving Hamilton and Cincinnati, Ohio, we’d like to share what you should know about dog bites and children.
What Can You Do To Prevent Dog Bites?
Preventing dog bites starts with awareness and preparation. While we want children to experience the joy that comes with interacting with dogs, safety should always come first. Dogs are very instinctual. Most bites occur because a dog feels startled, threatened, or possessive. It can be difficult for a child to understand this. That’s why adults play a critical role in modeling safe behavior and teaching children how to approach and interact with dogs respectfully.
These habits not only reduce the risk of injury but also foster more positive, trust-filled experiences between people and pets.
Children Should Never Be Left Unattended With a Dog
No matter how familiar a child may be with a dog, they should never be left alone with one. Yes, this includes family pets who may have a history of gentleness. Even a well-behaved dog can react unpredictably to certain movements or sounds, especially from young children who might not recognize or understand boundaries and warning signs. A familiar dog is highly likely to out-right attack a child, but it may take a quick snap if a child takes the wrong action. All it takes is one bite to cause serious physical and emotional harm.
Supervision allows adults to step in at the first sign of discomfort or agitation, preventing potential harm before it occurs.
Teach Children Not to Pet a Dog Without the Owner’s Permission
Whether at a park or on a walk, there is a certain excitement most people feel when they come across an adorable dog. This is especially true for children. Many children impulsively want to reach for and pet any dog they encounter. As a parent, it is important to teach your children to always ask permission before allowing them to pet a dog. If the owner says yes, make sure your child approaches the dog safely and respectfully.
Of course, the dog owner is partially responsible for boundaries.
As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to understand the temperament and preferences of your dog. If you know your dog doesn’t react well to strangers or children, it is important to firmly hold those boundaries. You can help others respect your dog’s boundaries by being prepared to warn of expected behavior around your pet well in advance of any opportunity to interact with your animal. That may very well mean that you need to be forceful in conveying those expectations.
Warn Against Petting Dogs Through Fences
A fence may seem like a barrier that protects both people and pets, but for many dogs, it represents their territory. Approaching or trying to pet a dog through a fence can provoke a defensive or aggressive response. Teach children to admire fenced-in dogs from a distance and never to reach through or over a barrier. It is also wise for dog owners to monitor their pets when they are near fence lines, especially if children are known to play nearby. While a fence reduces the chances of your dog encountering a stranger, it does not eliminate the possibility.
Don’t Allow Children Near Dogs Who Are Eating or Playing With Toys
Dogs are naturally protective, especially when it comes to their possessions. Whether it’s food or a toy, this isn’t necessarily aggressive, but it can lead to biting when a dog feels its resources are being threatened. A dog doesn’t have hands that can grab their possessions or hold someone back. They only have their mouth, and if they feel it’s necessary, they will use it. Teach children to avoid approaching dogs during meals or when the dog is actively engaged with a toy.
Even if it’s a throwing toy, a child should be very cautious when retrieving it from a dog. It may work best for an adult to first take the toy from the dog and then hand it to the child to throw.
Respecting these moments helps keep interactions safe and allows the dog to feel secure in its environment. When in doubt, always wait for the owner’s guidance before approaching a dog that is eating or playing.
What If My Child is Bitten By a Dog?
If your child is bitten or attacked by a dog the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. For minor injuries, you may need to simply clean and bandage the wound. For more serious injuries, you may need to call 911 or visit the emergency room.
Contact your local health department to report the bite and document any details about the incident. Get the name and number of the dog owner if it is someone you don’t know.
Dog bites can be a concern for more than just a surface wound. The affected area will have a high risk of bacterial infections and damage to surrounding tissues. Dogs carry a number of bacteria in their mouths, some of which can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised people.
If you or your child have been attacked or bitten by a dog, the dog owner may be liable for damages. The Richards injury firm has settled many dog bite settlements as personal injury lawyers in the Cincinnati area.
We understand that some people are hesitant to contact a lawyer, especially in situations involving a dog. You may be afraid that a dog that bites a child has to be put down. This, however, isn’t always the case. An attorney can help you understand your options, answer questions about what may happen to the dog, and ultimately guide you to the best course of action.
Whatever happens, we hope you never have the joy of interacting with a dog taken away by experiencing a bite or attack. If you do, The Richards Firm is available to help you navigate the legal process of this unfortunate situation.