September 9, 2011
Portland Animal Attorney: Prevent Dog Bite Injuries
by Dane Johnson
Oregon dog bites occur every day, but most don’t make the news. A bite injury to a Umatilla County child, however, was reported in the public safety log of the East Oregonian today. According to the report, a dog of unidentified breed bit a three-year-old Milton-Freewater boy on his right arm. Medical staff reported that the bite broke the skin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured child and his family.
Among children, the rate of dog bite–related injuries is highest for those ages five to nine years, and children are more likely than adults to receive medical attention for dog bites. A child injured by a dog attack may also suffer a terrible emotional trauma along with whatever physical injuries are inflicted.
Fortunately, children can learn to reduce their chances of being hurt in dog attacks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) suggests that to help prevent children from being bitten by dogs, parents should teach the following basic safety tips and review them regularly:
Dog Bite Prevention Tips
Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, animal law attorney, or dog bite lawyer) to learn what breeds of dogs are the best fit for your household.
Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your household.
Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.
Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
Properly socialize and train any dog entering your household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose the abdomen and giving up food without growling).
Immediately seek professional advice if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
Do not run from a dog or scream.
Remain motionless (e.g., “be still like a tree”) when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured because a dog owner failed to take responsibility, an experienced Oregon dog bite attorney may be able to help recover compensation for medical bills and emotional trauma. contact Portland injury lawyer Dane Johnson toll free at (800) 714-3204 or online for a free confidential initial consultation.
Related Web Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dog Bite Prevention
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