There is a lot of joy to be had during the holiday season, so it’s important that you take full advantage of every opportunity available to you. However, there’s something else to remember: You could find yourself in a dangerous situation at some pont.
The holiday season often brings an increase in the number of dog bites, as many people invite family, friends and even strangers into their home.
With this in mind, there are a few things to remember if you’ll find yourself in close proximity to a dog that you don’t know:
- Don’t play aggressively with the dog, as it may not understand your intentions
- Never take away a dog’s food, water or toys
- Don’t disturb a dog that is attempting to sleep or rest
- Don’t make any fast movements around the dog, especially one that is already on edge
- Don’t allow small children to agitate the dog, such as by stealing its toys or pulling at its hair
It’s easy to believe that every dog is man’s best friend, but this is not always the case. If you don’t know a dog, you don’t know if it has a history of aggression.
In the event of a dog bite or attack, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Depending on the severity, you may need to call 911 and wait for emergency assistance to arrive at the scene.
Once you receive treatment and understand your long-term prognosis, you can then turn your attention to the cause of the accident, who was responsible and your legal rights for seeking compensation.
Source: The Mercury News, “‘Tis the season for dog bites,” Tracy Seipel, accessed Dec. 22, 2017
