Dog Safety Tips for Children
Due to their small size, precarious manner, and relative lack of safety training, children are often more likely than adults to be the victim of a dog attack in Missouri. It is important for parents to educate their children on dog safety, regardless of whether your family owns a dog. Children possess a natural curiosity about dogs, and it is therefore crucial that young children be educated about child-dog interaction. The most important thing for a child to learn with respect to dog bite prevention is that dogs are excited by things that move. Accordingly, the most effective response for a child that is receiving unwanted attention from a dog is to remain still.
The following tips, provided by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention are a perfect starting point for any parent who is eager to educate their children regarding dog bite prevention:
- Do not engage or approach a dog that you are unfamiliar with.
- Do not run away from a dog or scream in fear.
- Remain as motionless as possible ("be still like a tree") when an unfamiliar dog comes near.
- If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball and be still.
- Do not play with a dog if you have no adult supervision.
- Report all stray dogs or dogs displaying strange behavior to an adult.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not disturb a sleeping dog, a dog who is feeding, or a dog that is caring for puppies.
- Do not pet a dog before giving it the opportunity to see and sniff you.
- If injured by a dog, immediately report the injury to an adult.
Even the safest of children sometimes get bitten through no fault of their own. If your child has been attacked by a dog, it is crucial that you seek immediate help from an experienced attorney who can both advise you regarding dog bite protocol and counsel you regarding available legal measures. Our Missouri child dog bite lawsuit attorneys can help you protect your child’s legal rights and obtain just compensation for your child’s injuries. Call (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation. Our St. Louis dog bite lawyers will help you evaluate your options and select the appropriate course of action for you and your child.
