Dog bites can cause serious injuries, especially for children. Injuries can range from minor cuts and scratches to more severe wounds involving the face, head or neck. With dogs in so many households across the country, it’s important for parents and caregivers to know how to help prevent bites and what to do if one occurs.
Help Prevent Dog Bites
Prevention is one of the best ways to protect children from dog bites. Many bites involving children happen with a familiar dog, such as a family pet or a relative’s dog. Even a dog that is normally friendly can react unexpectedly if it feels scared, threatened or uncomfortable.
Parents should teach children how to safely interact with dogs. Children should be gentle when petting or playing with a dog and should never pull its ears or tail, climb on it or disturb it while it is sleeping. They should also know not to approach or pet an unfamiliar dog without permission from its owner.
Most importantly, young children should always be supervised when they are around dogs. Staying nearby allows an adult to recognize potentially unsafe behavior and step in before an interaction escalates.
Be Careful Around Food
Food can also create situations where a dog may become protective or defensive. Children should be taught not to approach, pet or attempt to take food from a dog while it is eating. Keeping children and dogs separated during meals and snack times can help reduce the risk of an unexpected bite.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If a dog bite does occur, taking the right steps can help protect the child and prevent further injury:
- Separate the child and dog immediately. Move them to safe, separate areas to prevent additional injuries.
- Address the wound. If the bite is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Rinse the wound with clean water when possible.
- Seek medical attention. Dog bites can carry a risk of infection and may require additional treatment. If the wound is deep, bleeding heavily or involves the face, head or neck, seek emergency medical care.
- Gather information. If the bite involves a dog you do not know, obtain the dog owner’s name and contact information, along with information about the dog and its vaccination history when possible.
- Document the injury. Take photos of the bite and surrounding injuries and keep records of any medical treatment the child receives.
- Report the bite. Depending on where the incident occurred, the bite may need to be reported to local animal control or another appropriate agency.
Hupy and Abraham Is Here to Help
A dog bite can leave a child and their family dealing with painful injuries, medical bills and questions about what to do next. If your child or another loved one has been injured by a dog, Hupy and Abraham is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can review your situation, explain your legal options and help you understand your rights.
Contact Hupy and Abraham today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 1-800-800-5678 or visiting Hupy.com.
