Dog Bite Behavior: The Red Flags You’d Never Expect
Spot the early warning signs of a dog bite and prevent danger. Protect your family and prevent injury. McCoy & McCoy is here for you.
Dog Bite
THE NOT SO OBVIOUS WARNING SIGNS BEFORE A DOG BITE
Most people believe that a dog bite comes out of nowhere – but in reality, dogs almost always give warning signs first. However, the issue is that these signs are easy to mistake for normal dog behavior. Knowing what red flags to look out for can help protect yourself and your loved ones – and may prevent a dangerous situation from arising.
THE "FREEZE"
When a dog is being calm, many people might mistake this for normal behavior. This is one of the least-expected behaviors that happens before a dog bites. When a dog suddenly goes still it could mean that it is going into “fight or flight” mode and deciding what to do next. This stillness signals that the dog could be in serious distress and a bite may be next. Pro tip: Give the dog space, stay calm, and do not reach toward them.
"WHALE EYES"
The term “whale eyes” refers to when a dog is showing the white of the eyes. It might look “cute” or “silly” to see the white of the dog’s eyes, but this could often mean the dog is in distress and they are trying to carefully watch their surroundings without moving their head. Their eyes are so fixed on something that the white of their eyes are very exposed. Pro Tip: Stop what ever is causing the dog’s discomfort and step away.
SHOWING TEETH/ GROWLING
This is the most obvious sign of all. When a dog is showing their teeth and/or growling, it’s clearly telling you that it feels threatened, uncomfortable, or upset with the situation that it is in. Many people make the mistake of punishing a growl, however, it’s actually a helpful warning sign that can give a person the chance to diffuse the situation before a bite happens. Pro Tip: Stay calm, avoid direct eye contact and back away.
LIP LICKING OR YAWNING
Yawning might seem like a normal behavior, especially when the dog is tired, but if a dog yawns when it is not tired, it can actually be a “calming signal.” This is the dog’s way of trying to calm themselves down because they are nervous or stressed. In nervous instances, a dog might present unwanted behaviors such as biting – if their warning signs are ignored. Pro Tip: Pay attention to the context. If the dog is yawning along with other warning signs, it’s a clear sign to give them space.
RAISED HACKLES
“Raised Hackles” is when the fur on the dog stands up. This is a sign of high arousal – meaning that the dog’s adrenaline is high. The dog could be in fear or overstimulated. This could also be a sign of early aggression. It’s not always a warning sign for a bite – but it’s something to look out for if you’re being extra cautious. Pro Tip: Give the dog space and back away.
SPOT THE SIGNS & PROTECT EVERYONE
Recognizing all the not so obvious warning signs of a dog bite can help prevent a dangerous situation from happening. Share these tips and warning signs with others so that you can protect your loved ones. If you see a dog showing any of these signals – especially around children who may not recognize the signs – step in immediately. Remove the child from the situation, give the dog space, and diffuse the situation calmly. Try not to startle the dog or child.
Take the time to talk with younger children about being gentle, respecting an animal’s space, and what these warning signs mean. Sharing this knowledge keeps everyone – and every dog – safe.
At McCoy & McCoy, we love dogs, but it’s important to remember that even the sweetest dogs are still animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable when they feel nervous or threatened. By understanding and respecting a dog’s signals, we keep everyone safe and avoid putting dogs in situations that make them uncomfortable.
If a dog bite does occur, McCoy & McCoy is here to help. Our experienced dog bite attorneys can guide you through your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 860-244-9100.
MCCOY & MCCOY LAW FIRM
CT Personal Injury Lawyers
Established in the 1960, the law firm of McCoy & McCoy continues to provide residents of Connecticut with reliable, sympathetic, and efficient legal help in the areas of accident claims, personal injury, and wrongful deaths. With over 50+ years of combined experience, our team compromises Connecticut natives who have a passion for justice and the local communities we live in.
Few law firms that practice personal injury can truthfully state that 100% of efforts are allocated to cases involving serious injures. We understand these cases involve complex legal theories and that our clients face added obstacles created by catastrophic injuries through no fault of their own.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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