How Do I Keep My Child Safe from a Dog Bite?

Your small child may not have developed the capability to sense danger yet, so as a parent, it is your duty to constantly monitor them and serve as their protector. This responsibility may extend to teaching your child how to safely interact with strange dogs. While they may seem friendly, playful, and harmless on the surface, you may never know what could trigger a dog and prompt them into attack mode. With all that being said, please read on to discover helpful tips for keeping your child safe from a dog bite and how a seasoned Miami-Dade County injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, can swoop in when your family needs it the most.

What can I do to keep my child safe from a dog bite?

If you and your child are playing at a public park or walking past a neighbor’s private property and you spot a dog, your child should be well-equipped with information about how to handle the situation. First things first, you must teach them never to pet a strange dog without first receiving the owner’s permission. Even when they get this approval, they must know not to touch the dog too roughly, such as by hugging them too tightly or pulling on their tail or ears. 

Then, as a parent, you are responsible for supervising the entire interaction. For example, if the dog retreats to eat their food, you should instruct your child to give them physical space. You must be on the lookout for warning signs of a dog’s annoyance, such as if they are physically stiff or audibly growling, to which you would pull your child away. Lastly, it would be in your best interest to ask the owner personally if their dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations.

What happens if my child is made the victim of a dog attack?

Further, you should prepare your child for the unfortunate situation of a dog attacking them. Specifically, they should understand not to scream or run away from an approaching dog, as this may trigger their chase instinct and make the circumstances even worse. And if a dog pounces even when your child remains still, their next step should be to curl into a ball, face the ground, and wrap their arms and hands around their neck and ears. 

Despite your best efforts to parent right and your child’s brave attempt to protect themselves, they may, sadly, still be made the victim of a dog bite or attack. If so, your priority should be to take your child to the emergency room for immediate medical attention. Then, you should call local law enforcement and animal control to report the incident. Lastly, you should consider recovering your child’s damages through a dog bite injury claim against the negligent owner.

The bodily injuries and financial damages your child is facing may just underscore the importance of obtaining strong legal representation. For this, look no further than a competent Miami-Dade County injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA. Our team looks forward to collaborating with you.