An important part of being a responsible dog owner is knowing what not to do in order to prevent the dog from biting. It is equally important for those who are often around dogs or who may have interaction with a dog.
Dog bites can be very dangerous. The sharp teeth of a dog can shred through the skin and muscle tissue of a human in seconds. After this damage is done, the bacteria-containing saliva can cause the body to become infected. Victims can become very sick—and possibly die—due to a Wisconsin dog bite.
To prevent a dog bite there are certain situations and actions that should be avoided. Knowing just a few “don’ts” can lead to a pleasant encounter with a dog, instead of a painful one. When interacting with a dog:
- DON’T hold his face. A person should never hold the dog’s face, forcing the dog into an unpleasant situation. This is especially true with a dog that the person is not familiar with.
- DON’T allow the dog off its leash. The owner or person in charge of the dog should always keep the dog on a leash. If you see another person’s dog roaming free, you should politely ask the owner to use a leash.
- DON’T approach a strange dog. Any situation involving a dog that is new or strange should be handled with caution. The dog may be vicious, hungry, or aggressive. The best way to deal with a strange dog is to talk to the owner first. If the dog is a stray, contact your local animal control office.
- DON’T ignore aggressive behavior. Recognizing the signs of aggressive behavior will allow a person the opportunity to deal with the dog before it goes too far.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Wisconsin, it is important to know your legal rights. To discuss your legal options contact a Milwaukee dog bite attorney at Hupy and Abraham. Call 800-800-5678 today for a free case evaluation. Request a FREE copy of our client brochure on dog bites, and we send it to you at our expense.