Dog bites in Hollywood and other communities can be a concern at this time of year for a number of reasons. Dogs tend to interact with more people during the holidays as owners host parties and take trips with their pets. This time of year can also be stressful for pets, and this stress can lead to aggression. Luckily, there are many things you can do as a pet owner to prevent dog bites:
1) Take your dog to the vet to get a checkup and get vaccines up to date. A dog is more likely to bite if they are ill or unwell. If a dog does bite someone, having vaccinations to date at least ensures that the pet does not spread illness.
2) Reduce holiday stress for your pet. Holidays are stressful for everyone – and that includes your pet. There are new people, smells, and sounds, and this can be distressing for a dog used to a quieter life. In your home, keep noisemakers to a minimum and introduce decorations gradually so that your pet can get used to them.
3) Use extra caution if you will be traveling with your dog. If you are traveling by car, keep your dog in a kennel or otherwise restrained. This not only prevents the dog from becoming a distraction, but if you are in a car accident in Hollywood, your dog has a better chance of surviving if they are restrained. Always follow your vet’s recommendations for travel; if your dog is a nervous traveler, your vet may recommend a sedative or other medication for your trip.
4) Consider keeping your dog away from holiday guests. If you are traveling to a holiday event with your dog or if you will be hosting a party in your home, consider keeping your pet in a separate room, away from guests. This will help reduce stress on your pet and will ensure that guests are not teasing the dog or feeding your pet table scraps. This is especially important if some of the guests at the event are children. Children are attracted to dogs but may not realize that they are teasing a pet. They may find themselves in a position where they sustain head injuries or other serious injuries from a dog bite.
5) Be aware that some holiday decorations and foods can make your pet ill. Anything that is small enough to be swallowed can be a danger to your dog and rich holiday foods can mean a sick stomach. Make sure that decorations and food are kept well away from where your pet can reach.
6) Keep your dog out of the yard if you will be getting unexpected guests and deliveries. At this time of year, many of us are getting extra mail and deliveries. Keeping your dog indoors and away from the front door can reduce the risk of a bite and a premises liability claim in Hollywood or your community.
7) Give your pet plenty of attention. This will help reduce stress for both you and your pet. Tale time away from your busy schedule to take your dog on a walk or just play in the yard. The exercise is healthy and can reduce some of the anxiety that pets can experience at this time of year.
8) Make sure your dog has obedience training. A dog that has taken obedience classes may be less likely to bite and may be easier for an owner to control.
Have you been injured in an animal attack? In many cases like these, the owner may have been negligent in protecting the public from their dog. If you would like to know whether you have a case, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free, no obligation consultation.