Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC
Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) June 20, 2019 – Knowing which breeds of dogs are considered to be a high risk for biting is something people choosing what type of dog they want must consider, particularly if they have children, plan to have children or take their dog places where there are children.
A recent study revealed that in fact some dog breeds bite more frequently than others. The study identified the physical traits and breeds that tend to bite, most often the face, resulting in severe injuries. “It’s good information to have,” stated Austin dog bite attorney Brooks Schuelke, “particularly since Americans own an estimated 83 million dogs.”
The study took into account the dog’s head structure, breed and size. Researchers found pit bulls and mixed breed canines have the highest risk of biting and also cause the most damage per bite. Additionally, the same warning applies to dogs with short, wide heads weighing between 66 and 100 pounds.
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 4.7 million people across the nation are bitten by dogs each year. At least 20 percent of those victims are predominantly kids aged 5- to 9-years old.
The study evaluated 15 years of facial trauma cases from Nationwide Children's Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System. The victims’ injuries included bone fractures, wounds, tissue tearing and other traumatic injuries. The cases typically involved facial trauma which required a reconstructive surgeon. Researchers also thoroughly studied literature on dog bites dating from 1970 to the present and hospital data to score the risk of biting and what constituted average facial tissue damage.
“The most vulnerable victims are the kids who do not notice the often subtle signs of an impending dog bite,” added Schuelke. “Not even all dog owning adults are aware of the signals that a dog may bite.”
Other factors that may cause a dog to bite include the breed behavior, the behavior of the victim, and the dog owner and their behavior — for example, a child mimics what they see parents do and if the parents treat the dog roughly, chances are the child may attempt the same thing.
“Teach your children how to respect a dog’s space and help them understand that dogs have personal boundaries too,” Schuelke said. “A little respect and caution goes a long way toward avoiding being bitten.”
Tips for dog owners with children
· Keep children away from dogs while they are eating
· Offer a quiet eating space for the dog
· Only give high value treats, chews and toys to a dog that is separated from children
· Teach a child that if the dog takes one of their toys, they must find an adult for help
· When a dog is resting, the child(ren) must not bother the dog
· Offer an area for the dog to rest in where children cannot bother it
· Never leave a child unsupervised in a room with a dog
· If the adult needs to leave the room, make sure there is a barrier in place to separate the child and dog
· Teach children that the dog’s resting places are only for the dog
Bitten by a dog? Reach out and talk to an Austin dog bite attorney and find out how to seek compensation for any injuries sustained.
Schuelke Law PLLC
3011 N. Lamar Blvd
Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78705
Call (512) 476-4944
