Dog bites and attacks are extremely dangerous, as this can lead to serious injuries or even death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 4.5 million people are the victim of a dog bite every year. Of these people, approximately 900,000 end up with bites that become infected.
While these statistics are sure to scare you, here’s something to remember: Knowing why dogs bite humans can help you avoid trouble. Here are some of the many reasons why this happens:
- Dogs bite when they are put in a stressful situation
- Dogs bite when they feel threatened or become scared for any reason
- Dogs bite as a means of protecting themselves or their puppies
- Dogs bite if they are not feeling well
- Dogs bite when they think they are playing with another animal or person
Many people fall into the trap of believing that all dogs are friendly. This often happens when a person owns a dog that never acts out in an aggressive manner. But just the same as humans, no two dogs are the same.
If you become the victim of a dog bite, it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention. The sooner you are treated by a medical professional the greater chance there is that you can avoid a serious and long lasting injury.
Once you have been treated, you can then turn your attention to the accident. You may be able to seek compensation from the dog’s owner, such as if this person allowed the dog to get loose, subsequently leading to your accident and injuries.
Source: Canine Journal, “Dog Bite Statistics,” Sara Logan Wilson, July 19, 2017
