Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to something in their environment that makes them feel threatened or stressed. Dogs can view anyone approaching or entering their property as a threat and may bite to defend their territory. This includes mail carriers, delivery workers, utility workers, landscapers, or even guests and friends coming to the home. Dogs learn to anticipate people entering the property at certain times or locations.
Bites often occur when the person reaches to open a gate, touches a door handle, or knocks on the door. Dogs have also been known to burst through screen doors or yard fences when someone enters.
While some breeds are more prone to aggressive behavior than others, any dog is capable of biting under the right circumstances. Recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately can help prevent bites. This article explores common reasons dogs bite, warning signs to look for, and steps to take if you are bitten, including seeking help from a dog bite lawyer.
Common Causes of Dog Bites
Fear
Dogs may bite when they feel afraid or cornered with no escape route. This includes fear of strangers, other dogs, or unfamiliar environments and situations. Fear biting often involves warning signs like growling, ears back, tail tucked, and more.
Pain-induced Aggression
Dogs in pain from an injury or health condition may bite due to feeling vulnerable. This is especially true when the painful area is approached or touched.
Protectiveness
Dogs are instinctively protective and may bite to guard resources like food, toys, bedding as well as people and property. Mother dogs may also bite to protect their puppies.
Predatory Behavior
Some dogs have a strong prey drive and may bite or nip during play with humans or other animals. Usually, the bites are inhibited but can still cause injury.
Territorial Behavior
Intact male dogs in particular are prone to biting when defending their perceived territory against other dogs or strangers.
Learned Behavior
Dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded. Biting may become a learned behavior if the dog was encouraged or not properly corrected for nipping or biting as a puppy.
Warning Signs a Dog May Bite
Recognizing signs a dog feels threatened or stressed can prevent many bites. Warning signs to watch for include:
- Growling, barking, or snarling
- Ears back and tail tucked
- Raised hackles along the dog’s back
- Stiff body posture with head and legs lowered
- Baring teeth
- Lunging forward or chasing
- Freezing in place
- Yawning repeatedly
- Licking lips or yawning
- Whale eye (visible white of eye)
A dog displaying any of these signs is feeling stressed and may bite if they are provoked. Do not approach or touch the dog. Try to remove any trigger and give the dog space.
Next Steps If You Are Bitten
If you or someone else is bitten by a dog, follow these steps:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and warm water. Run water over the bite for 5-10 minutes to flush out bacteria.
- Control any bleeding by applying firm pressure with a clean towel. Raise or elevate any bleeding limbs.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.
- Monitor for signs of infection including redness, swelling, warmth at the site, pus, or red streaks.
- Get medical attention, especially if the bite is deep, large, or on the face, hands, or genitals. Children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk of infection.
- Report the bite to animal control and follow their protocol. Provide details like where and when the bite occurred.
- Call your physician. They may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution against infection. Get a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one in 5 years.
- Take time to recover. Do not participate in strenuous activity which can increase blood flow and chance of infection.
- Consider counseling or therapy if you develop anxiety or fear, especially of dogs. This is common after bite injuries.
While most dogs only bite as a last resort when feeling threatened, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and respond appropriately. With proper first aid and medical care, most dog bites heal without complication. Reporting bites and consulting professionals helps prevent future incidents and ensures the dog gets the behavior intervention it needs. Stay calm, move slowly, and give dogs adequate space to help prevent bites in the first place.
Seeking Help from a Dog Bite Lawyer
In some cases, the physical and emotional trauma from a serious dog bite may warrant seeking additional help in the form of a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog attacks. An experienced dog bite attorney can advise you on the legal process and rights of a dog bite victim. Here are some key reasons to contact a dog bite lawyer:
Maximize Compensation
Dog bite lawyers have expertise negotiating fair settlements and lawsuits that account for all your costs and damages related to the bite. This can include medical bills, lost wages, permanent scarring or disability, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Establish Liability
We will investigate who is at fault and liable for the bite injury based on local animal control laws and negligence principles. This is key to getting compensation.
Deal with Insurance
Navigating insurance claims and negotiations after a bite can be complex. A lawyer from The Brown Firm handles the back and forth with insurance adjustors to get a satisfactory settlement.
Avoid Victim Blaming
Defendants will often try to shift blame to the victim. A personal injury attorney from The Brown Firm can build a strong case against victim blaming arguments.
Save Time
The legal process takes considerable time and energy better spent on healing. A dog bite lawyer handles everything related to your claim.
Though no amount of money can undo a serious dog bite injury, compensation can provide for medical care, lost income, and other costs as you heal and get your life back on track. An experienced dog bite lawyer from The Brown Firm advocates for victims’ rights and works to hold negligent owners accountable. They can significantly ease the legal burden on bite victims.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, visit one of our offices for a chat about your case. You can find us at the following locations:
- 7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
- 320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
- 197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
- 110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909
Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 529-1441.