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Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites
What should I do if I get bitten by a dog?
If you were bitten by a dog, you need to make sure the wound is cleaned and protected. Severe dog bites should receive medical attention immediately by visiting an emergency room or hospital. A doctor will be able to give you treatment for a dog bite. Mild bites or scratches should be cleaned well with soap and water and then protected with a bandage. If your injury does not heal or becomes infected, visit a doctor as soon as possible for further treatment.
How can I tell if a dog has rabies?
Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the body's central nervous system, eventually shutting down the brain. Animals, including dogs, are principal transmitters of this virus. If you observe an animal that seems hyperactive, agitated by anything that it comes in contact with, and prone to biting, it may have rabies. A dog that drools excessively and has difficulty maintaining its coordination is in the later stages of rabies.
If a person has a "bad dog" sign on their property, can they still be held responsible for my injuries?
Possibly. Florida law states that a dog owner is "liable for damages suffered by persons bitten." However, the statute also mentions that the presence of a warning sign affects the owner's liability. If the dog bite victim is under six years old, this sign does not matter because the owner had a duty to restrain the animal.
What can I do to prevent a dog bite?
Do not touch a dog that you do not know. If you know the animal's owner and you have permission to introduce yourself to the animal, approach it slowly. Speak softly and don't move your hands or body quickly. A dog's instinct is to smell something that is strange to him, so in order to get to know you, the dog will sniff your hands or legs. To prevent a dog bite, make sure you:
- never disturb a dog while it is eating.
- never offer a strange dog food or treats.
- never strike or kick a dog.
- never tease or otherwise actively provoke a dog.
- never touch the dog's owner if the animal is nearby; the dog may have a protective instinct and attack.
- do not panic and run away from a dog if it begins to chase you; stand still and wait for the animal to stop.
Do children or adults get bitten by dogs more frequently?
Unfortunately, children make up a large portion of dog bite victims each year. This is due to many factors. Children do not understand that strange animals may be dangerous. Children also tease dogs by holding out food or toys and then pulling the offering away, which can upset the dog. A child's small size can make them vulnerable to attack by large dogs who have the instinct to dominate. Parents can protect their children by educating them on how to interact with a dog, and by making sure their family pet is a good size and breed for their children to be around.
Which type of dog is more prone to bite?
According to The Daily Beast, the top five most dangerous dogs are Pit Bull, Chow Chow, Rottweiler, Akita, and Bull Mastiff. Male dogs who have not been neutered are more dangerous because they are ruled much more by animal instincts than those dogs who have been fixed.
What kind of diseases are transmitted by dogs?
Apart from rabies, dogs can transmit certain other diseases to humans. Ringworm, a fungal infection that is easily treated with medication, can be spread from dog to human. Because some dogs have a lot of hair, ticks can easily hide on them and transmit lyme disease, which can then spread to humans. There are a few other bacteria and parasites associated with dogs. The Center for Disease Control lists diseases commonly associated with dogs.