6 Dog Caution Signs You Should Be Aware Of
While some dog breeds are naturally more aggressive, all dogs can bite. Dog bites are extremely painful and can potentially cause serious nerve damage, disfigurement, and even death.
Recognizing the most common dog caution signs can help you stay safe.
Warning Signs a Dog Will Bite
Never assume that your familiarity with a dog will prevent it from attacking. To reduce the risk, never consider any dog completely safe. Learn to recognize the six most common warning signs in puppies and dogs, which include:
- Aggressive body language: Dogs display various signs of aggression before they bite. These signs include raised fur along the back, a stiff and tense body posture, bared teeth, growling, snarling, and a direct, intense stare.
- Growling or snapping: Growling or snapping their teeth is a warning sign a dog will bite. These indicate that a dog is uncomfortable and could escalate if the situation worsens.
- Tail position: The position of a dog’s tail indicates its mood. A high, stiffly wagging tail signifies a dominant and potentially aggressive posture, while a tucked tail indicates fear or submission.
- Raised hackles: The hackles are the hairs along a dog’s neck and back. When a dog feels threatened or on edge, these hairs stand on end, making the dog appear larger and more intimidating.
- Avoidance or hiding: Some dogs may exhibit avoidance behaviors when they feel uncomfortable or anxious, such as hiding behind furniture or tucking themselves into a corner. Cornering a fearful dog can lead to biting.
- Previous history: Exercise extreme caution around any dog with a known history of biting. This includes dogs that have previously bitten someone or have shown signs of aggression towards people or other animals.
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
If a dog acts fearful or aggressive, do not provoke it. Instead, disengage slowly and calmly, avoiding sudden movements or loud sounds. Remain alert to the warning signs a dog will bite.
Here are other tips to prevent dog bites:
- Never approach or pet an unfamiliar dog without permission from the owner.
- Teach children to respect dogs and their personal space.
- Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises around dogs.
- Do not disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
- Be aware that even friendly dogs can have hidden health conditions or mood changes that could prompt them to bite.
- Pay attention to the dog’s behavior and signs of feeling threatened or cornered.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Facial injuries
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Broken bones
- Infection
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Emotional trauma
Some dog bites require stitches. You might also need a tetanus booster or a rabies shot if you do not know whether the owner vaccinated the dog.
Get Help from Our Ohio Dog Bite Lawyers
While knowing the common dog bite signs can help you stay safe, they cannot eliminate the risk of an attack. If a dog bites you or a loved one, a dog bite lawyer with Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law can demand the money you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other associated losses. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
