People claim that a dog is man's best friend, but if you happen to cross paths with a not-so-friendly canine, you will quickly start to question that notion. The fact is, dogs can be docile, gentle, and all that is good in a pet, but in the blink of an eye, they can become a vicious, dangerous creature that is ready to attack. If you are constantly dealing with a dog in your neighborhood that seems threatening, there are a few facts and statistics that you should know to help you understand just how dangerous dogs can truly be so you can keep yourself and your children protected.

Dog Bite Injuries Are a Real Problem - In emergency rooms across the country, patients are commonly treated for injuries after they have been bitten by a dog. It is so common, in fact, that at least 1,000 dog bite cases are treated in emergency departments of hospitals every single day. This adds up to a whopping figure of more than 300,000 dog bite injuries every year, some of these visits resulting in extended hospital stays. Therefore, you should always be cautious if you come in contact with a dog that seems a bit aggressive or acts strangely. Keep your distance and remind your children not to pet an unfamiliar dog at all.

Fatalities After a Dog Attack Can Happen - You may think that a dog bite may not be such a big deal, but statistical data shows that there were 42 cases of fatalities after a dog attack in 2014. Even more alarming, almost half of the fatalities were children. It is for this reason that anytime you are dealing with a sketchy dog, you must teach your children to stay away and be sure to keep yourself out of harm's way as well. If a dog is growling, tense, or shows signs of timidness, avoid eye contact and move away quickly.

There May Be Few Laws to Protect You Until After An Attack - You may know that a dog is dangerous that you encounter on a regular basis, and you may even expect that eventually someone will get hurt, but unless someone has already been bitten, there may be little you can do to protect yourself and everyone else. If a dog is considered dangerous, all that is required in a lot of places is that they be kept on a chain or enclosure, and the most vicious canines will not be halted by much of anything. If you do see a dog in your neighborhood that is not properly contained, call the local animal control right away to let them know of the danger.

Pet owners have a responsibility to make sure their pet is not a threat to anyone, but statistics obviously show that attacks do happen. If you have been injured by a dog, be sure to talk to a personal injury lawyer for advice and direction about whether you should file a claim.

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