You may have the most sweet-tempered dog in Connecticut, but that does not mean your dog will never nip or bite. The same can be said for other dogs you know or run across during your daily walks with your pup. Dogs can be unpredictable, and a dog that is normally very friendly might cause a serious injury.
Every year in the United States, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, according to Canine Journal. This is about one out of 72 people, so as you can see, dog bites are quite common. Many bites go on to heal fine and do not need treatment, although others can result in infections and scarring and require medical treatment. As you know, some dog bites may be fatal.
This raises the question of why some dogs bite in the first place. Dogs are known as man’s best friend because generally, they love their human families and want to please people. Usually, dogs bite people they know, which means that dog bites are not limited to aggressive dogs that want to attack strangers. A dog may snap if he is stressed out, frightened or startled. Dogs who are protective of their food or toys may bite if you get too close. A mother dog with puppies may nip at a child she feels could hurt her babies, or your dog may feel as if another dog or human is threatening you and try to protect you. Even rough play can get too intense and result in an accidental bite.
Understanding the varied reasons dogs bite may help you or your family members avoid an injury. However, you cannot always prevent all accidents, and someone who is negligent may be held liable for your medical expenses.
