Dogs and kids often seem to have a magnetic attraction to one another. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, to hear that children often fall victim to dog bites and dog attacks.
Learning more about why dogs tend to bite kids so often, can help you take measures to keep your child safer when they’re around someone’s dog.
Dogs often bite when they’re ill
Humans don’t tend to want anyone to touch or bother them when they’re in pain or otherwise not feeling well. Dogs feel the same way. The only difference between humans and their canine companions is that the latter may act out aggressively: Biting is their way of saying, “Back off.”
It’s often hard to tell if a dog isn’t feeling unwell just by looking. If you notice a dog acting differently from how they typically do, however, it’s wise to act with caution. You may particularly want to steer your child away from elderly dogs, who may suffer from joint pain and other problems.
Dogs may bite when their territory is threatened
Dogs tend to develop a sense of ownership over the area they spend a lot of time in. It might seem innocent enough to let your child out into the yard to play fetch with a dog — but the dog may become concerned about their food, water or toys being taken away. They may bite when your child innocently reaches for a ball to throw.
Dogs bite out of anxiety
Dogs may become alarmed if they see someone move quickly or when some is making a loud noise. That can be a problem when you have a rambunctious child who is laughing, squealing and running in the same area with the animal. Their predatory instincts may kick in and cause them to lash out.
All dog owners have an obligation to take the necessary precautions to minimize the chances of their dog injuring others. You may be able to hold a dog’s owner liable for your medical bills and other incident-related expenses, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case.
