Many families in Texas enjoy the company of the family dog. Sadly, research shows that cases of dog bites continue to increase. The following are some reasons why.
Territorial behavior
According to research, one of the primary reasons why dogs attack kids is territorial behavior. Younger kids have an increased chance of getting bit by a dog when the animal feels that a child is threatening their food or toys. Older children get bit if a dog believes the kid intrudes on its territory. Dogs are more likely to attack a child they are familiar with if they are guarding their food. In territorial attacks, the victim is often an unknown child.
Children don’t discern when dogs are in pain
Dog bite injuries happen to children because, unlike adults, they cannot always discern when pets are in pain. The following medical conditions may cause a dog to try to protect itself by biting a child:
- Eye problems
- Kidney disease
- Illnesses that affect their bones
- Liver conditions
- Skin conditions
Aggressive actions stimulate biting behavior
Some studies suggest that boys between the ages of five and nine have a higher chance of getting bitten than other groups of people. At that age, boys can be energetic, and their actions may mimic what young dogs do when playing with each other. When young dogs play, they typically bite each other.
If a dog bites your child
Contact your family doctor immediately. Your child may need to be treated by the emergency department. A dog bite might seem minor on the surface, but it could injure nerves and bones. If the dog is not yours, get the owner’s information to ensure the dog has proper vaccinations.
No parent wants their child to get bit by a dog. However, if a child learns the right and wrong way to act with dogs, unfortunate dog bites can be minimized.
