Dog Bites and Dog Attacks Can Be Prevented

With the return of the warm weather, many dogs are back outside with their owners in our neighborhoods, parks and yards.

This is the time of year dog bites often occur, as dogs encounter unfamiliar people and environments. Dog bite injuries can result when dogs are not properly trained, do not receive the right care and are not prepared for social interaction.

May 20 to May 26 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). One of the organization’s messages is that dog bites and dog attacks are preventable if owners take the right steps to train their pets.

Children are the most frequent dog bite injury victims. Of 800,000 Americans who receive medical attention for dog bites each year, approximately half are children. In 50 percent of dog bite cases involving children, the dog responsible belongs to a neighbor.

Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims. On the job, more than 5,600 postal workers are attacked by dogs each year.

If you own a dog or plan to obtain one, you have a responsibility to practice safe ownership and protect others from dog bites and dog attacks. Our Boston dog bite lawyers offer you these safety tips:

• Make sure your dog is licensed and has received all of its vaccinations. These are your most basic responsibilities.
• Always use a leash when walking your dog. This is a courtesy to other people you encounter and helps protect everyone.
• Select your dog carefully and take time to research the breed. If it is a puppy, ask to meet the parent dogs. Never obtain a dog on impulse.
• Make sure your dog is always wearing its tags with appropriate identification information.
• Ask your veterinarian if they suggest a dog training school. If you choose to use one, do your research. Seek out references online and ask the dog school owner for client names.
• Train your dog to know basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and other actions. This builds a bond of trust between your dog and people
• Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer whether crate training may be appropriate
• Make sure your dog has opportunity for healthy interaction with other people and animals as a puppy. According to the AMVA, the first 6 to 14 weeks are critical to a puppy’s social development. The challenge is this is the time when a puppy is most vulnerable to illness so it is important to work with your veterinarian.
• Do not put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.
• Make your home a safe environment for yourself, your dog, guests and neighbors. Consider fencing your yard. Make sure you have a door partition and a crate. Also make sure there are not any door or window openings which allow your dog to exit your home on its own.
• Your dog needs physical exercise and mental stimulation. Make time in your schedule to regularly walk and exercise your dog.
• Dogs can become bored and potentially destructive when left alone for many hours at a time. If yours is left alone all week, consider dog walking or daycare services for parts of the week.
• Avoid high-excitement games with your dog, such as wrestling.
• If your dog is showing signs of aggression, talk to your veterinarian and a dog trainer. If your dog bites or attacks someone, the injuries may be severe and long-term. You may also be held liable and have to pay damages.

The Boston dog bite lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck are experienced at representing injured individuals throughout Massachusetts. If you have been injured by a dog, it is important to learn your rights. For a free legal consultation, contact us today at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.