Being a parent in Tennessee means always looking out for your kids. You teach them about crossing the street, eating healthy, and being kind. But what about dog safety? It can be tricky to know how to keep your children safe around dogs, especially when some owners aren’t as careful as they should be.
Recognizing dangerous dog behavior
All dogs have the potential to bite, but recognizing signs of aggression can prevent incidents. Look for these warning signs:
- Growling or snarling
- Baring teeth
- Raised fur on the back
- Stiff body posture
- Intense staring
These behaviors indicate a dog might feel threatened or aggressive. Teaching children to recognize these signs can help them stay safe.
Spotting a negligent owner
Sometimes, the risk comes not from the dog itself, but from an irresponsible owner. Here are signs of negligence:
- Dogs off-leash in public areas
- Failing to properly restrain a dog, allowing it to run at large
- Ignoring local laws about muzzling certain breeds
- Allowing dogs in restricted areas like some parks
These behaviors put everyone at risk, especially children. If you see these issues, it’s okay to speak up or report them to local authorities.
What to do after a dog bite
If a dog bites or attacks your child, it’s essential to act quickly:
- Seek medical attention: Even if the bite seems minor, see a doctor.
- Report the bite: Contact your local animal control.
- Gather information: Get the owner’s name, contact information and the dog’s vaccination records, if possible.
- Document everything: Take photos of the injuries and keep records of medical bills and other expenses.
- Contact an attorney: A Tennessee attorney experienced in dog bite cases can help you understand your rights and options.
Dog bites can lead to severe physical and emotional scars. Taking legal action can hold negligent owners accountable and help you get compensation to cover medical bills, therapy and other damages.
Understanding the signs of dangerous dogs and negligent owners can empower parents to protect their children. However, if the worst does happen, know that you have rights and there are remedies to help your family cope with serious injuries and difficult recoveries.
