Dog Bite Prevention TipsOwning a dog can be one of the most rewarding life experiences but what if while entertaining guests at your home, your dog bites somebody, inflicting very serious wounds to your neighbors arm? Subsequently, your neighbor has had several surgeries and incurred thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Knowing some basic dog bite prevention tips can help avoid a situation like this one.

Approximately 1,000 U.S. Citizens Per Day Will Require Emergency Care for a Dog Bite Injury

This is an alarming statistic, but the facts don’t lie. Additionally, more than half of all dog bites occur on the dog owner’s property, leading to a top contender for common homeowners liability claims. If you are a dog owner, you must consult with your N.C. independent insurance agent to verify your homeowners/renters policy and the coverage it affords for liability, should your dog bite someone. Knowing your policy and the coverage limits should ALWAYS be discussed with your local N.C. independent insurance agent.

Ways to Prevent Your Dog from Biting

If you are a dog owner, there are ways to help prevent your dog from biting people in your own family or others. However, keep in mind that your dog may still bite even if you follow the below tips:

  • Train Your Dog- There are dog-training facilities available so that your dog can become better socialized while you learn proper training techniques. Training classes are a great investment for responsible dog owners.
  • Spay/Neuter Your Dog- Studies show that this can reduce aggressive behavior in dogs.
  • Take Necessary Precautions When Having Guests- Just because you love your dog doesn’t mean your guests will. If you are hosting an event at your home, it may be best to put your dog in another room, closed off to the guests.
  • Socialize Your Dog- Introducing your dog to many different people/dogs/circumstances may help reduce stress within the dog, making him less likely to act aggressively.
  • Never Leave Children Alone with Your Dog
  • Be a Responsible Dog Owner- A responsible dog owner will do all the things above and will ensure the dog stays current on all required vaccinations, license(s), and veterinary check ups.

Tips to Avoid a Dog Bite

Dog bites can happen to anybody, no matter how careful you are. Knowing ways to avoid a dog bite if you encounter an unfamiliar dog or one that is acting somewhat unusual or aggressive is vital to help avoid injury or even death. Below are some helpful ways to respond should this happen, but not limited to:

  • Don’t run from a dog or scream if a dog approaches
  • Stay calm and still if a dog approaches
  • Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog
  • Avoid contact with a dog while the dog is eating
  • Don’t be aggressive with a dog
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog
  • Don’t pet a dog without asking the owner if it is safe

Once Bitten; Quite Shy

If your dog does bite somebody or a dog bites you, immediately have the wound washed with soap and water and consult a physician right away if necessary. Also, provide/obtain the vaccination information concerning the dog in question so that everyone involved knows if the vaccinations are up to date. Man’s best friend can indeed be a dog if you know how to maintain safety around dogs.

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