Unfortunately, dog attacks are still a frequent occurrence. And while the cause of some dog attacks are clear, other times it can leave the victim and the dog owner scratching their heads.
When a dog attacks a family member, for instance, the cause of the incident may not be easily identifiable and owners can be left wondering what happened.
Why does my dog bite or attack other people or animals?
Do you have it? 10 Reasons Why You Need Pet Insurance
Incredible rescue: How This Dog Managed To Free Itself After Falling Down A 30-Foot Well
Thankfully, veterinarian Dr. Katrina Warren has provided some insight into why dogs bite humans and the ways we can reduce the risk of this happening.
First off, no matter the breed, all dogs have the potential to bite. However, the size and power of the dog and its jaw in particular are important factors that can determine how bad the injury will be.
In many instances, people miss the warning signs that a dog is angry or upset and could potentially bite.
The warning signs include:
- Barking
- Growling
- Tense, puffed up, or stiff body language
- Lifts a corner of their mouth to show a little bit of teeth, or show all of their teeth.
- Ears back, tail tucked, lips tightly together
- Intense gaze
Reasons Why A Dog May Bite
A dog may bite for a variety of different reasons, so let’s get into them.
Fear
A fearful dog may experience feelings of uneasiness, dread, or being trapped, and may attempt to defend itself or create distance between itself and the source of its distress.
Pain
It is not uncommon for a dog in pain to bite when they are touched or handled. This is especially true of older dogs who are losing their hearing and vision.
Additionally, if a dog is startled awake, they may be disoriented and confused, and may bite out of fear.
Territoriality
Dogs can become defensive when unfamiliar people or animals enter their territory, attempting to make the intruder go away. If the pet is somehow restrained, such as being behind a door or fenced-in, this can lead to an increase in their frustration and a more aggressive reaction.
Possessiveness
A dog may respond defensively if it perceives a threat to something it values, such as its bed, food bowls, toys, or people or other animals that it loves.
Frustration
Similar to humans, canines can become frustrated when things don’t happen their way or they can’t achieve the desired response.
There are a lot of reasons why a dog might attack, including protecting its food or toys.
Top 10: What You Should Look For When Buying Pet Insurance
The new way to walk your dog: Watch This Dog Owner’s Ingenious Way Of Walking His Dog!
Dogs Attack Due To The Arrival Of New Family Members
Babies In The House
The introduction of a baby to a household can be a huge adjustment; not only for the parents, but for everyone in the home.
This includes dogs as well.
Dogs thrive off of routine, so major changes (such as a new baby in the home) can be very stressful for them. They might see a decrease in attention, a reduction in exercise time, being sent outdoors more often, and a noticeable change in their owner’s behavior.
Additionally, there is now a tiny person inhabiting the same space who smells a bit different and makes strange sounds.
When it comes to hearing, dogs are more sensitive to high-pitched noises than humans. Therefore, a baby’s squeals and cries can be more stressful for dogs than for humans.
Dogs love routine, so adding new people or animals into your home can be stressful for them.
Viral video: Watch This Dog’s HILARIOUS Reaction To Getting Caught Chewing His Owner’s Shoes
Entries Open! Do You Own The World’s Ugliest Dog?
Furthermore, given a dog’s heightened sense of smell and a baby’s strong scent, it is understandable why a dog might be drawn to investigate the small creature. To do so, they often use their mouths in order to explore their surroundings.
Additionally, the baby’s movements, such as waving arms and bouncing in a bassinet, can draw the attention of a dog. However, the dog may become upset due to the baby’s unpredictable movements.
It is essential to seek professional help regarding any pre-existing behavioural issues your dog may have before bringing home a baby.
Never leave your baby alone with your dog, even for a short amount of time. If you can’t keep a close eye on them, then make sure to keep them separated.
Young Kids Most At Risk Of Dog Attacks
Children under the age of four are the most likely to be hospitalized due to injuries caused by dogs. In general, most children that get bitten are by a dog that is known to them.
This might be because children may inadvertently provoke dogs by hugging them, approaching them while they are eating, pulling on their tails or ears, or staring into their eyes.
Children under the age of four are the most likely to be hospitalized due to injuries caused by dogs.
Before and after: Britain’s Ugliest Dog’s Amazing Transformation
Which breeds made the list? The Dog Breeds That A Veterinarian Would Never Own
Children may also intrude on the dog’s personal space when the dog is eating, sleeping, or resting.
To keep your child safe, active monitoring or secure separation is essential when they are around any dog. It is important to keep in mind that different dogs may respond differently to the same actions from a child.
Furthermore, parents should ensure that their children maintain a safe distance from dogs when they are eating, sleeping, tied up, in a car, or at gatherings.
After reading this article, hopefully you are now aware of why your dog might attack, and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
