Site: www.youclaim.co.uk Article Release date: Immediate Date: 18 July 2005Protecting your child from a dog bite
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to see their owner; they are loving and have their own distinct personalities. However, every animal has
potential to become aggressive. Each year 200,000 people are bitten by dogs in UK, and a number of those are tragically killed as a result. It is an extremely distressing statistic which comes as a surprise to many people who see dogs as friendly animals which often become part of family unit.
Being bitten by a dog is unpleasant for anyone. Even when a dog is playing, its strong jaw can inflict wounds to human flesh that cause pain and infection. Even breeds of animal that are known for their gentle temperament are potential biters. Any dog can become annoyed and agitated during hot weather, when they are eating, sleeping or with their puppies. Amongst number of people bitten by dogs is an alarming amount of children. 70% of all dog attacks are on children with 77% of animals known to child.
Children are attacked by dogs for several reasons. Firstly, their inexperience and trusting nature can result in an angry dog; they are not aware that dogs can be dangerous, as family pet is often well loved by children. They may irritate a dog without realising it by playing and stroking a dog that is feeding or sleeping. It is not advisable to leave a child unattended with any animal whether it is familiar family pet or an unknown dog. The second reason that children are susceptible to dog attacks is their height. A child is often same height as a dog and young children will come face to face with a dog when standing. Whilst an attack on an adult may result in a bitten arm or leg, an attack on child can lead to serious facial and head wounds.
There are several points that can be followed to help prevent a dog attack on an adult or a child. They are as follows:
•A dog should never be disturbed when it is eating, sleeping or caring for its puppies •A dog that is tied up behind a fence or in a car shouldn’t be approached •Never touch a dog without letting him see and sniff you first •You must always ask permission to stroke someone else’s dog, some animals don’t react well to strangers •Never approach a strange dog or a dog without its owner •Never tease a dog by poking it •Never run away from a dog that is chasing you, stop and stand still and calm and back away from animal without looking into its eyes. Never scream •If a dog attacks it is a good idea to put something between you and him such as a jacket or bag •If a dog attacks you should curl up into a ball and cover your head with your hands
