NEW JERSEY DOG BITE ATTORNEY | ANIMAL ATTACK LAWYER NJ

Many kids grow up with a dog in the house and have a great relationship with the pet. Having a pet can benefit your children in many ways, including teaching responsibility. Having a dog also offers companionship and can teach social skills, such as not to be too rough when playing.

One of the main downsides of allowing your children, especially younger ones, around a dog is that sometimes dogs bite. In fact, the CDC estimates that more than 400,000 children are bit so severely every year that they require medical attention.  In addition, every year about a dozen people are killed from dog bite injuries.  These dog bites are a big health problem, but one that is largely preventable. That is why it is important to help reduce your child’s chances of being bitten by a dog.  One of the easiest and most important things that you can do is to not leave your younger children alone around a dog, not even the family dog.

According to the CDC, other tips include:

• Carefully choose your pet dog. Evaluate your environment and lifestyles and speak with a professional to determine the appropriate type of pet.
• Dogs should be neutered to reduce aggressive tendencies.
• Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog.
• Teach children basic safety around dogs and review regularly.
• Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate for families with children.
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog.
• Never approach an unfamiliar dog. Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• If knocked down by a dog, lie still and remain in a ball.
• If bitten by a dog, immediately report the bite.

One myth of dog bites is that your child will most likely be bitten by a dog he doesn’t know. However, most experts report that about half of dog bites are from a dog that the child may be familiar with, either the family’s own dog or that of a neighbor.