In 2014, about 28,500 reconstructive surgeries were performed to repair injuries from dog bites in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year approximately 4.7 million Americans are attacked or bitten by a dog.  More than half of the 4.7 million are children.

Dog bites and attacks can be serious, especially if the victims are children.  However, many of them can be prevented.  Parents with young children should talk to their children about dogs.  A lot of children love dogs, and they think that dogs look like stuffed animals.  Children often want to hug and kiss them by putting their faces up close to the dog's face.  Parents should never allow children to do this.   If a dog attacks while the child is trying to kiss it, the child will most likely sustain injuries to the face and neck.  Facial injuries from dog bites can be disfiguring and even disabling.  Many need reconstructive surgery not only immediately after the dog bite, but years after the dog attack.

Not only do dog bites and injuries leave physical scars, they also leave emotional scars.  Below are things parents can discuss with their children in terms of how to treat dogs and how to behave around dogs to prevent dog bite injuries.

• Do not run towards a dog and try to pet, hug or kiss the dig.
• Do not try to take food from the dog's bowl while the dog is eating.
• Do not pull the dog's tail.
• They can only pet a dog if they are with an adult.

Tips For Parents

Parents should never leave a child alone with a dog, even if it's a family dog.  Parents may have a false sense of security when their children are around dogs they know.  Dogs are unpredictable, especially around children. 

When parents want to get a family dog, they need to do their research about the dog.  Does that particular breed of dog do well with children?  If the dog is being rescued or adopted from a shelter, what is the dog’s history?  Was it abused before? Has the dog been in a home with children?

All of these things should be considered prior to bringing a dog home.

Related: PA & NJ Dog Bite Cases – Sources Of Financial Compensation For Victims

Help After A PA Dog Attack

If you or a loved one was attacked or bitten by a dog in PA, call Daniel J. O'Brien, Esq. at White and Williams LLP to schedule a FREE consultation. Mr. O’Brien has helped PA dog bite victims recover for their damages and injuries. 877.944.8396