A dog is a man's best friend. They don't bite unless triggered (or have a history of aggression). They often give signs before they lash out. Understanding these signs can help you prevent serious injuries resulting from dog bites.
As a Houston personal injury attorney firm, we have seen how dog bite cases are mostly preventable. It's a matter of recognizing the signs and acting accordingly. If you aren't aware, here are the top five signals a dog gives before biting:
This is an obvious sign indicating that the dog is feeling uncomfortable. Some people mistake it as a playful behavior or don't pay attention to it, especially with smaller dogs. But growling and even snarling clearly indicate that the dog is feeling threatened and it is time for you to back off.
Dogs usually move their eyes pretty smoothly. When they feel threatened, they might turn their head away but keep their eyes on you. This phenomenon exposes the whites of their eyes, indicating the dog is feeling attacked. This look, also called the whale eye, is a precursor to more aggressive behavior, and you should know that the worst is coming.
You might think that is a harmless behavior, but we would say it isn't. Constantly licking lips or yawning repeatedly indicates that the dog is stressed. It is their way of communicating that they don't feel comfortable. They also do this to soothe themselves in a tense situation, just like cats purr loudly and more evidently to feel better. If you ignore this sign and still keep getting closer to the dog, a bite might be incoming.
When a dog feels relaxed, their body is all wiggly, and they have a loose poster. But when they feel anxious, they might have an upright tail or the one sticking between their legs, indicating discomfort. If the dog seems to have frozen in place or is still holding its tail high up, this is a serious red flag, and you must be careful, as something inappropriate might be about to occur.
Often, dogs that feel uncomfortable in a given circumstance try to back away or escape to avoid confrontation. But then we also see cases where kids, or even grown-up adults, might have cornered them, and the dog had no choice but to bite. It is important for you to give them space and avoid chasing them, especially if they are fearful or anxious.
If a dog bites anyway, it is important for you to make the right decisions after that incident. Seek medical assistance ASAP, especially if there is tearing or punctured skin. Make sure you get all the details of the dog owner, document the accident site and your injuries, and report the incident to the local authorities. If you wish to, you can contact a trusted dog bite lawyer to learn about the legalities involved and pursue fair compensation for your damages (both economic and non-economic).
Most dogs are certainly friendly, but they can also act otherwise in any given circumstance. If you are faced with a dog, you need to understand their body language and prevent devastating injuries. If a dog still bites you, do not deal with the aftermath all by yourself. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the way forward and claim the compensation you deserve.