Dogs are common pets for many Connecticut residents. While many dogs never cause harm to humans, that is sadly not always the case. Dogs can attack people for a variety of reasons and sometimes the cause of a dog attack is not fully known. Can you protect yourself against a dog attack? How can you tell if a dog may be about to attack you?
While there may be no way to fully prevent all dog bites, understanding the body language of dogs may be helpful. According to the Humane Society, following are some signs that a dog may be about to attack:
The dog stares intently at you
The dog’s ears are pinned back
The dog’s body and tail are stiff
The dog is backing away from you
The dog’s brow is furrowed
If you notice any of these signs, it is important that you remain calm and stay still, with your hands down by your sides. Quick movements will further agitate a dog. Avoid making eye contact with a dog that is showing signs of aggression and be prepared to start moving away when the dog visibly relaxes or shows less interest in you.
If you are attacked by a dog, do your best to assume a fetal position to protect yourself. Once the dog is away from you, you should seek medical care immediately and you should also report the attack to the proper authorities. This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about preventing dog attacks in Connecticut and what to do if one does occur.
