Warning Signs a Dog May Bite & How to Protect Yourself
Why Recognizing Warning Signs Matters in Ohio
In a single recent year, nearly 15,600 people reported suffering dog bite injuries in Ohio alone – incidents that left many of the victims with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and debilitating long-term conditions. Fortunately, while the consequences of an attack are often severe, there are certain steps you can take to avoid becoming a statistic yourself. Dogs typically do not attack without any warning. Rather, they exhibit certain signs of fear or aggression beforehand. Knowing these signs can defuse a tense situation and help prevent dog bites.
Most Common Warning Signs a Dog May Bite
While dogs can’t use words to communicate, they often send clear messages through their body language. Common warning signs a dog will bite include:
- Growling or Snarling – Vocal warnings can be intimidating, and that’s their whole point. Dogs will growl or snarl to let you know they’re prepared to protect themselves from a perceived threat.
- Baring Teeth – Bared teeth are the silent version of growling or snarling. It means the dog feels threatened and may escalate.
- Raised Hackles (Hair Standing Up) – When the hair on the back of a dog’s neck is raised, that means it’s alert and potentially fearful or aggressive in dog body language.
- Rigid or Stiff Body Posture – If a dog stiffens its body posture and becomes still, it may sense a threat or feel uncomfortable. This behavior may be the prelude to a sudden lunge or bite.
- Intense, Unwavering Stare – Eye contact is an important communication tool for dogs. An intense, unwavering stare can mean they see you as a threat. Further interaction may cause the dog further stress, potentially leading to an attack.
- Tail Position – A dog communicates a lot about how its feeling through its tail. Low or tucked tails can indicate fear, while stiff, raised tails indicate alertness. Both of these may lead to an attack.
- Avoidance or Hiding – Some dogs naturally avoid perceived danger or conflict by hiding. If they’re prevented from their attempts to hide, they may bite.
- Yawning, Lip Licking, or Turning Away – While not the most common warning signs a dog will bite, these supplicating behaviors can indicate a dog’s discomfort.
- Sudden Freeze in Movement – Abruptly stopping whatever they’re doing is one of the final warning signs a dog will bite. Do not engage them any further and back away slowly.
Understanding Why Dogs Bite: Behavioral Triggers
While it’s important to know the warning signs of a bite, understanding why dogs bite is just as important. Common reasons dogs become aggressive include:
- Fear
- Pain
- Territoriality or protection
- Maternal instincts
- Past trauma.
- Poor training
- Lack of socialization
Remember, not all aggressive dogs are “bad”—some are just scared or hurt. Knowing what may cause aggression in dogs can help you prevent a bite from happening in the first place.
Special Considerations for Children and the Elderly
Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites because they don’t understand warning signs or how to interact safely with dogs, especially unfamiliar dogs. Moreover, their short height puts their faces closer to the dogs’, which can lead to more severe injuries. Older adults, meanwhile, can’t always react quickly enough to retreat from aggressive dogs. In both cases, owners should supervise their dogs’ interactions with higher-risk individuals.
What to Do if You See the Warning Signs
When you note a warning sign that a dog may bite:
- Stay calm and avoid sudden movements
- Do not make direct eye contact
- Back away slowly—don’t turn your back
- Avoid yelling or running
These are things that everyone must learn at some point. It’s important to teach children and anyone in your household who’s unfamiliar with dogs these steps if you want to avoid any incidents.
Ohio Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
Ohio is a strict liability state for dog bites. That means that dog owners may be liable for injuries caused by their pet, even if they weren’t negligent in the handling of the dog and the dog has never bitten before. Ohio law also requires dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash no longer than six feet whenever outside of designated leash-free zones, like dog parks or hunting areas.
When to Report a Dog That Shows Aggression in Ohio
Preventing serious dog attacks begins with identifying and documenting an animal’s aggression. If you note aggressive behavior in a dog, you should let the owner know about the potential danger. If the owner does not take appropriate steps to control their dog, report it to local animal control or police. This is particularly important if the dog attacks unprovoked, repeatedly shows aggressive behavior, and/or roams outside its owner’s property off-leash.
FAQ Section
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding dog bites, how they occur, and how to respond if you or someone you know is attacked.
Can a dog bite without warning?
While it does happen, it is unusual for a dog to bite without warning. It’s more common for a dog’s warning signs to go missed or misinterpreted.
Who is liable for a dog bite in Ohio?
Provided the victim was legally on the property where the dog attack occurred and they did not provoke the dog, the dog owner is likely liable for the injuries their pet caused.
What should I do if my child is bitten by a dog in Ohio?
If your child suffers a dog bite in Ohio, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even a small wound is susceptible to infection and disease. The next thing you should do is contact a lawyer. They can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for the injuries your child has suffered.
Be Informed, Stay Safe
By knowing the signs and reasons a dog may bite, you are better able to prevent a painful, traumatic, and costly attack. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to predict when a dog may attack. If you’ve suffered dog bite injuries that have caused pain, suffering, and mounting medical bills, Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, is ready to fight for your right to fair compensation. Contact us today for your free case evaluation with a dog bite lawyer, and let’s discuss your next steps together.
