Having a dog as a pet provides so much joy to a person’s life. However, dogs can cause serious injuries, especially when their owners are lax about proper care.
All pet owners must behave responsibly when it comes to the care of their animals, but there are also some steps you can take to keep yourself safe. Here are a few things you can do to avoid dog attacks.
What you can do
Dogs often assume certain types of body language before they attack. Lunging, baring teeth, and holding the tail straight into the air usually signal that the dog is on the defensive and that you should avoid it at all costs. Dogs can even lash out due to fear or anxiety, so exercise caution if the pet appears nervous or skittish.
You should also inform your children about the risk of dog attacks and what they can do to alleviate it. Kids should never approach unfamiliar dogs and should always ask for the owner’s permission before engaging with the animal. In the event a dog behaves aggressively, tell your child to remain calm and refrain from making direct eye contact.
What dog owners can do
It is ultimately up to pet owners to restrain their dogs and prevent them from harming others. Accordingly, pet owners must ensure their dogs are well socialized with other people and pets. Obedience training is also recommended, as it can prevent the pet from developing bad habits that could become a problem later.
Finally, pet owners should have their dogs spayed or neutered to reduce the risk of fighting, aggression, or running away from home. By taking these steps, pet owners can enjoy the time spent with their animals without putting other people at risk.
