Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Many families were blessed with a new family member over the holidays. We’re talking about a new wet nose and a wagging tail as people invite pets into their home.
It’s important that your take the proper safety steps when introducing this new family member to your household. Our Cape Coral dog bite attorneys are here to offer you some important tips. Dog bite incidents injure millions of Americans each and every year, but there are ways that you can work to minimize these risks.
The first thing you want to do is prep your home. Make sure you have plenty of puppy supplies. You want to make sure that you have safe chew toys, water bowls, the proper collar and leash, bedding and the right grooming tools. You’re going to also want to make sure that everyone understands their responsibilities with your new dog. Make sure everyone knows who’s going to walk them in the morning, afternoon and night.
It’s important that everyone knows how to act safely around your pup, too!
-Talk with a professional! Make sure you’ve chosen a pup that fits the needs of your household.
-Avoid choosing a pup that has a history of aggression.
-Be wary of children. They might not always be as welcoming to pups as you are. Take notice of their behavior, especially frightened behaviors. Talk with them about important safety tips, too!
-Before bringing a dog in, make sure that they’re spayed or neutered. This will help to calm aggression.
-Never leave young children alone with a dog. Always provide them with the proper supervision.
-Never play aggressive games with your new pup.
-Make sure that they’re properly trained and socialized. Teach them submissive behaviors.
-If your dog begins to display aggressive behaviors, talk with a professional.
-Never approach a dog that’s unfamiliar.
-Always allow a pup to smell you before you try to pet it.
-If you spot a stray dog or a dog that is displaying unusual behavior, report to an adult or professional immediately.
-Never bother a dog that is feeding, caring for pups or sleeping.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 5 million Americans who are bitten by a dog each and every year. Close to a million of these Americans require medical attention for these injuries and another 400,000 require treatment in an emergency department. In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs. More than 15 people are killed by dog bites each and every year, too. Remember that children are the most vulnerable in these kinds of incidents, so keep a close eye on them when interacting with dogs.
Welcome your new pup with open arms and welcome it with knowledge of the proper safety precautions. Preparation is your number one defense against a dog bite incident.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured. Call 1-800-Dial-BLS for a free and confidential consultation today!
More Blog Entries:
11-Year-Old Victim Facing Nearly $70,000 in Bills After Dog Bite Incident, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, August 4, 2012
Dog Bite Claims in Fort Myers and Elsewhere Cost Insurance Companies Nearly $500M in 2011, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, May 24, 2012
