Preventing Dog Bites This Autumn
Dog parks are extra busy during the autumn since owners try to get their dogs outside as much as possible before winter sets in. As a result, the risk of bites is heightened.
The Center for Disease Control says that there are 4.5 million dog bites annually in America.
And data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that the average bite claim was around $37,000. And accounted for more than 33 percent of all homeowner liability claims. That’s just insane!
So here are some tips on step you can take that reduces the chance of your dog(s) from biting people or another canine.
Best practices of bite prevention
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a national nonprofit organization devoted to animal rights, makes the following suggestions to dog owners:
- Start socializing your dog with people and other animals at an early age.
- Take your dog to obedience training, which will increase your control over your pet and reduce the chances of a bite.
- If your dog starts to show an aggressive side, take it to a certified applied animal behaviorist.
- Know your pet’s personality and behavior, especially when it is faced with triggers such as strangers or aggressive animals.
- Never leave your dog alone with children under the age of 10.
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that children and senior citizens are the most common recipients of dog bites. So be mindful not to put your dog – or the children and senior citizens in your family – in harm’s way by leaving them together unsupervised.
Take the right steps to protect yourself
If you are not own a dog owner, learn to understand the warning signs of body language and aggression in order to protect yourself and your family. The Humane Society states that tensed body, pulled back ears and stiff tails are just a few of the many warning signs that a dog might attack.
If you do own a dog, the steps above can be helpful, but you really should make sure that you have the right level of liability coverage in the event of an attack. Remember, the average price tag of a dog bite/attack is more than $37,000. Instead, give us a call and let us help you to protect your family and assets in the event of a dog bite.
