Protecting Children From Dog Bites

Unfortunately, dog bites remain a serious safety concern in New York, especially for young children. Because children are smaller and may not recognize warning signs, they are more vulnerable to injury. Understanding how dog bites occur and how to prevent them can help families reduce the risk of bites and protect their children.

Why Children Are at a Higher Risk

Children often fall victim to dog bites, with many incidents occurring with dogs they already know. In fact, a significant number of bites occur at home or around familiar dogs rather than with unfamiliar ones. Several factors contribute to this danger.

Young children might unintentionally scare or annoy a dog by pulling its ears, climbing on it, or trying to take away a toy or food. Dogs may also bite when they feel frightened, surprised, or protective of their territory or possessions. Additionally, some dogs might see sudden movements or loud play as a threat. Since children often do not understand how dogs express discomfort, situations can escalate rapidly.

Teaching Children How To Interact Safely With Dogs

Teaching children how to behave around dogs is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of bites. Children should never approach a dog they don’t know unless the owner and a supervising adult say it is okay. They should also move calmly and speak softly, since sudden movements, loud noises, or running can frighten or excite a dog.

Respecting a dog’s space is equally important. Children should not disturb dogs that are eating, sleeping, or playing with toys because dogs may react to guard these items.

Recognizing Warning Signs From Dogs

Dogs usually show signs before biting, but children may not always understand what those signals mean. Teaching children how to recognize these behaviors can help avoid risky situations. Some common warning signs include a rigid body, ears pulled backward, the whites of the eyes showing, growling, or showing teeth. These behaviors often indicate that the dog is uncomfortable, scared, or feeling threatened.

If a dog exhibits these signs, children should cease interaction and slowly back away. Running or yelling can provoke a dog’s instinct to chase, making the situation more dangerous.

What Children Should Do if a Dog Approaches

If a dog approaches a child and makes them feel uneasy, they should remain calm and still. One useful strategy is to “be like a tree.” This means a child should stand still, keep their arms close to their body, avoid looking directly at the dog, and remain quiet until the dog loses interest. When it feels safe, the child can slowly step away and seek help from a nearby adult. Running or waving their arms may excite the dog and trigger its instinct to chase.

When a Dog Bite Happens

Despite preventive efforts, dog bites still happen and can cause serious harm to children. These incidents may lead to infections, scarring, emotional trauma, and costly medical treatment. New York law applies the legal principle of strict liability for medical costs, regardless of the dog’s history, but proving negligence is necessary for other damages. This means the dog’s owner may be responsible for the child’s medical expenses, and additional compensation may be available if negligence can be proven.

Contact Us for Legal Help

If a dog has attacked your child, speak with an experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer at Jacobson Law for help understanding your legal options.