The first thing to remember is to be polite. Respecting a dog’s personal space is key to avoiding miscommunication that can dog bite. Never approach a dog that is unfamiliar to you, especially if the dog is confined in a car or behind a fence. Before petting any dog, even your own, let them see you and sniff you first.
Be especially cautious around dogs you don’t know. Always assume a strange dog may perceive you as an intruder or a threat. Never disturb a dog when they are eating, sleeping, chewing on a bone, or looking after their puppies. Also you should hire a dog bite attorney at Elgin for more safety.
Reading the Dog’s Body Language
When a dog is uncomfortable, they may feel threatened and feel the need to bite. If you see any of the following signals, slowly back away, putting a safe distance between yourself and the dog:
- Stiff tail
- Tensed body
- Furrowed brow
- Head and/or ears pulled back
- Yawning
- Eyes rolled so the whites are visible
- Flicking tongue
- Backing away
- Intense stare
When moving away from a dog who may bite, never turn your back to them and run. The dog’s natural instinct will be to chase after you.
What to do if You Think a Dog is Going to Attack
If a dog approaches you and you feel you are about to be attacked, place your hands down at your sides, remain motionless, and look down, avoiding eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest, back away slowly until the dog is out of site.
Always resist the urge to scream and run away, as that will only incite the dog to chase and attack. If he does attack, utilize your jacket, purse, backpack, or anything else you may have handy and “feed’ it to the dog. If you are knocked down, roll yourself into a tight ball, place your hands over your ears and try to remain still.
If You Are Bitten
Try to remain calm if you are attacked or bitten by a dog. Immediately clean the wound thoroughly with warm water and soap, then contact your doctor for additional care and advice.
Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell them everything you know about the dog, whether you have seen it before, if you know who the owner is, and what the dog looks like.
Find an Elgin Personal Injury Lawyer at Shea Law Group
Avoiding a dog bite injury is, of course, the best-case scenario. However, if you or someone you love has been injured in an attack by a dog whose owner was careless or negligent, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Give us a call at (877)-365-0040 to speak with a dedicated Elgin personal injury lawyer about your particular situation. If you have suffered a dog bite injury, our knowledgeable legal team at Shea Law Group may be able to help. Remember, we never charge a dime unless we win a settlement for you.
