While most dog owners would never dream of giving their beloved pet away, bringing a newborn baby into the home certainly puts a new perspective on things for many people. While kids and dogs can get along just fine in many cases, some dogs – especially larger breeds – may pose a legitimate risk for …
While most dog owners would never dream of giving their beloved pet away, bringing a newborn baby into the home certainly puts a new perspective on things for many people. While kids and dogs can get along just fine in many cases, some dogs – especially larger breeds – may pose a legitimate risk for young children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are injured in dog bite accidents every year, and children are involved in 60% of reported incidents where medical attention is sought. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a dog attack in Oklahoma, contact our reputable attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center today. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and medical bills, which our lawyers can help you pursue by filing a liability claim against the dog owner.
Safety Tips for Households With Babies and Dogs
Even the most gentle dog can knock over a baby if he gets too excited and any dog is capable of biting when he is frustrated, and if your baby is at the receiving end of this behavior, the results could be devastating. Thus, some expecting parents find a new home for their dog rather than run the risk of their child being bitten. For others, the following tips can help make the home a safe place for both dog and baby:
- Keep the dog out of the baby’s room in the weeks leading up to her arrival, so he knows he is expected to keep away from the area.
- Gradually spend less and less time with the dog for several weeks before bringing the baby home so he gets used to not being the center of attention at all times.
- Exercise the dog every day, either on your own or with the help of a friend, family member or dog walker.
- Supervise all interactions between the baby and dog – large and small breeds alike – and keep your eye on the baby once she begins crawling around on her own.
- Designate a separate space for your dog that your baby can’t access to prevent any nipping caused by his inability to escape from a curious kid.
There are a number of reasons why a typically friendly dog may become aggressive towards a baby or young child, one of the most common being fear. “While prey drive can cause [dogs] to bite tiny infants, the most common cause of bites to youngsters overall is actually fear,” says Dr. Sophia Yin, veterinarian and animal behavior specialist. “This is generally very surprising, especially in cases where [the dog] loves all adults.”
Contact Our Reputable Attorneys to File a Claim
Many people view dog bites as an aggressive interaction between a vicious animal and a stranger. However, this is not exactly accurate. According to statistics reported by the CDC, 60% of all dog bite accidents actually occur in the owner’s home, and about 77% of victims are family members or close friends of the dog owner. If you or your child has been injured in a dog bite accident in Oklahoma, contact our knowledgeable lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center as soon as possible. Our law firm is located in Oklahoma City, and our attorneys have extensive experience protecting the legal rights of dog bite victims throughout the state. With our skilled lawyers on your side, you can seek fair and timely reimbursement for your injuries and protect yourself and your family from further harm.