As a dog owner, there’s probably nothing you love more than your pet! With a loyal companion by your side, you’ll feel like you can conquer the world. Between relaxing at home and long walks in the park, watching your pet interact with the world around them is so much fun! However, before you let your dog play with other dogs or people, there are some important things to know.
Unfortunately, over 500,000 people are bitten by dogs in Canada each year. The majority of dog bite victims are children. Most of these bites are minor, but serious attacks do happen and result in physical and psychological trauma for victims. Dog attacks happen, but they aren’t usually intentional. So you might wonder what happens if your dog bites someone. Let BrokerLink act as your guide to dog bite cases in this blog.
Reasons why dogs bite
Dogs are our pets, and we don’t want to harm anyone intentionally, so why do they bite? Even the cutest dogs bite. What we humans may see as aggression is a dog’s way of communicating or defending himself or herself. Although dog bites aren’t super common, they do happen. With that said, let’s discuss why dog bites occur:
Stress
Acts of aggression and dog bites are often brought on by stress. Dogs bite when they are stressed—it’s a fact. Some dogs are more likely to bite than others, and dog biting is more likely to happen around kids. That’s because all the noise and running around might stress the pooch out, meaning they are more likely to bite than usual. However, a dog bite is less likely to happen if the dog is often around calm and gentle kids.
Pain, fear, anxiety or arousal
A quiet dog will often back away if a stranger intrudes on its space. This is also true if a mother is protecting her puppies. This example, along with approaching a food bowl, is considered resource-guarder bites, which are done to protect something they believe is theirs. Unfortunately, if a dog bite hurts a human, the relationship between a pet and a dog owner is much harder to mend. It’s mainly because the dog views its actions as justifiable.
Steps for dog owners to take If their dog bites someone
Dogs are often unpredictable, and you might wonder what you should do if a bite occurs. Even after a single bite, you can be held responsible for injuries or property damage. You should keep this in mind and take action after your dog bites someone. Here are some steps you can take after your dog bites someone:
- Stay calm and assess the situation.
- Put your dog into a crate or bring it to another room to prevent further harm.
- Attend to the dog bite victim. Help wash the wound thoroughly with warm water and anti-bacterial soap.
- After the bite occurs, be helpful and friendly to the bite victim. Never place blame on them or act defensively. However, with this in mind, you should not admit fault. What you say at this time can be used against you in the event of legal or civil action.
- Next, you should contact a medical professional. If the bite is severe enough, an ambulance may be required. Even if the bite seems minor, you should help the victim seek medical attention. What may look mild on the surface could become infected if not treated right away.
- If the victim is a stranger, offer to contact a friend or family member.
- Then, provide the dog bite victim with your contact information.
- If the event took place in a public space, there are likely to be witnesses. If this is the case, gather their contact information as well.
- Even if you know your dog’s history, reach out to your veterinarian. You will need your dog’s medical records in case of an infection.
- Contact local authorities, such as animal control, and follow their instructions to prevent your dog from biting again.
By taking responsibility for your actions, you can ensure the dog bite doesn’t cause further harm to the victim. It might also prevent further moral and legal repercussions. Making a conscious effort to ensure the victim is okay is an important thing to do. Not doing so will allow them to use it against you if they choose to file a lawsuit. With this in mind, we will explore issues that can be brought on by a dog bite next.
Potential consequences of a dog bite
A dog bite can cause a plethora of issues. This can be worrisome for you as a dog owner and for the dog bite victim. It's important to understand what can happen after a dog bite incident because consequences can range from minor to severe. If a victim sustains a dog bite injury, you should know about the potential consequences. Depending on your dog's history, many of these can work against you:
Injury
When a dog bites, someone will get injured in some way. A dog attack can leave a bite mark and even break the skin, depending on how aggressive the behaviour is.
Medical expenses
If the dog bite is severe enough, the victim may require medical attention. Yes, we have universal healthcare in Canada, but everything will be covered. Vaccines, tests, and professional fees will need to be paid for, but having dog insurance can help pay for these.
Pain and suffering
After a dog bite incident, the victim could experience emotional trauma. Depending on the extent of the aggressive behaviour, it can become ingrained in their memory for years to come.
Risk of diseases
Depending on when you last took your dog to the vet, the dog bite victim could develop diseases as a result of complications. This can be stressful for a victim and dog owner because these things can permanently alter someone's life. Here are the risks of not seeking medical attention after a bite:
Sepsis
Leaving a dog bite untreated can result in sepsis. Sepsis is an infection that can develop after an animal bite and lead to death in the worst-case scenarios. Symptoms can include high or low blood temperature, confusion, extensive daytime drowsiness, as well as severe pain or discomfort.
Tetanus
Your first thought when you hear the word "tetanus" is probably stepping on a rusty nail. However, the virus can also enter your body through dog bites—signs of tetanus range from jaw cramping and muscle spasms to difficulty swallowing and stiff muscles.
Rabies
Any animal can carry rabies, including dogs. If the dog doesn't have an up-to-date rabies vaccination, it can give someone rabies. Humans with rabies will often experience headaches, fevers, general weakness and itching or a "prickly" feel around the bite area. If you notice any of these things after a dog bite, seek medical attention right away.
Capnocytophaga
This one might sound like a mouthful, but it's quite serious. It's a common complication of dog bites with serious repercussions. Leaving Capnocytophaga untreated can result in kidney failure, heart attacks, and gangrene.
When a dog bites another person or animal, there are several risks that the owner can be held liable for. A dangerous dog can harm others in more ways than one. That's why it's important to be aware of the potential repercussions of your dog's actions. Understanding these aspects will help you feel sympathy for the victim and start the healing process. It's essential to remember the severity can vary, which is why we will learn about the different classifications of dog bites next.
Classifications of dog bites
Depending on the severity of the dog bite, it will fall into one of six categories. This will be based on the severity of the bite and the injuries following the incident. Although any bite can be viewed as aggressive behaviour, not every bite is the same. Here's what you need to know about dog bites:
Level 1 bite
If your dog growls and attempts to bite someone, it's considered a snap or an air bite. Essentially, your dog misses its target but is giving a warning. In this situation, it's important to identify potential stressors to prevent your dog from actually biting. There is no contact with human skin or another animal in this scenario.
Level 2 bite
Next up, this type of dog bite is the least harmful one that can happen. That's because the dog will bite without breaking the skin. If this happens, attempt to divert your dog and remove any stressors that increase the risk of further harm.
Level 3 bite
This is when things start to get serious. When the dog bites, it punctures the skin, leaving teeth marks. These marks appear in the form of small punctures that are not as deep as the length of the canine tooth.
Level 4 bite
Similar to the previous level, this dog bite is going to leave a mark. However, the difference is the holes are much deeper than the length of the canine tooth. It leaves behind black bruises and slashes around the wound because of the dog shaking its head.
Level 5 bite
This bite is considered a quality of a dangerous dog because of its severity. There is more than one bite with deep punctures. This is likely a multi-attack incident, which occurs when the dog bites or attacks more than once.
Level 6 bite
When a dog kills a bite victim or consumes flesh, it's considered the most severe type of bite. If this happens, you should be worried because once this type of bite has occurred, there's no undoing it.
Dog bite cases can cause serious injuries, especially when dealing with a dangerous dog. Such marks can serve as evidence related to such cases, which should make you feel a bit worried. Dog owners are responsible for the behaviours of their pets. That's why we will find out more about the legal implications of a dog bite injury soon.
Legal implications of dog bites
A dog bite injury has legal repercussions. Although laws may vary from province to province, there are some general rules that remain the same across Canada. In this case, we will review the laws around dog bites or attacks in Ontario. Here's what you need to know:
Ontario dog owners' liability act
In Ontario, it's possible to be charged and convicted of criminal negligence causing bodily injury if your dog bites someone. Previously, there were dog bite laws in the province that held dog owners responsible for the actions of their dogs. However, this is no longer the case, so you'll want to prevent your dog from biting someone when possible.
The Dog Owners' Liability Act was introduced in 1990 to protect dog bite victims. This law holds dog owners responsible if their dog bites or attacks another person or domestic animal. If two dog owners are involved in the case, both are held liable for the damages.
Luckily, there is an exception to this rule. If the dog bite incident happens on the owner's property and the dog bite victim was attempting to commit criminal activity, the owner is not held liable for any damages or injuries. However, if this isn't the case, dogs with aggressive behaviour can be charged in a court of law. With this in mind, certain conditions have to be met, including:
- the dog biting or attacking another domestic animal.
- the dog is a threat to another person or domestic animal's safety.
- the dog owner does not attempt to prevent a dog bite or attack.
- the dog owner deliberately encourages aggressive behaviour.
If the court deems your pet to be a dangerous dog and finds the allegations to be true, you might have to take extra measures to control your dog. It is up to the dog owner to prevent their dog from biting again. With this in mind, here are some of the things the court may order:
- Confining the dog to your property.
- Restraining the dog using a leash.
- Using a muzzle on the dog.
- Keeping warning signs on your property.
Before making an order, the court will consider the dog's history. The severity of the injuries caused by the bite will contribute to the case's outcome. The probability of future attacks and the physical potential to inflict harm are also taken into account. From there, the court will let the dog owner know what's required to keep the community safe.
Factors influencing the outcome of dog bite cases
The court can only determine if your pet is a dangerous dog by taking certain factors into account. This determines who was responsible for the attack and what compensation will need to be paid out, if any. Here's what you should know about these cases:
Provocation
Although it might sound partially contradictory, a dog bite victim can be held half responsible for a dog bite incident. Suppose the dog bite victim provoked the dog to attack. In that case, they may have to pay for some of the expenses associated with immediate medical attention and other costs related to the incident.
Negligence
A personal injury lawyer often tries to prove that the dog owner was negligent. In other words, it means suggesting the dog owner did not take reasonable precautions to prevent the bite or attack. This can include not restraining the dog or failing to address aggressive behaviour.
Trespassing
If the dog bite victim is trespassing on the dog owner's property and the dog bites them, the burden of liability may be transferred. This doesn't get dog owners off the hook completely, though. They can still be held responsible if the dog biting is deemed to be unreasonably aggressive.
What dog owners are responsible for if convicted of a dog bite offence
Dog bites can cause severe injuries. Because of this, there are things that dog owners will be responsible for if their dog attacks someone. A dog attack can impact someone's life in a variety of ways, which is why pet insurance is necessary to pay for expenses such as the ones we'll list in the following section:
Medical care
If someone has to pay for vaccinations, testing and other medical care after your dog bites them, you can be held liable for these costs. That's because not addressing such issues can lead to more severe medical issues.
Property damage
When your dog bites or attacks another person or animal, you can be held liable for property damage. For example, if someone's cell phone breaks as a result of your dog attacking them, you might have to pay for the damage, which makes pet insurance worth the cost.
Lost wages
If the dog bite is bad enough to put someone out of work temporarily, they will lose their wages. As a result, you will have to help them recover these wages by paying out a certain amount of compensation. If a bite has occurred, and it alters someone's life in this way, you will face financial repercussions.
Veterinarian bills
If your dog's actions result in another pet getting injured, you might have to pay for the other pet owner's vet bills. Humans aren't the only ones who can get injured by dog bites. Keep this in mind, especially if your dog hurts another dog or animal. If your dog hurts someone else’s pet, you will have to pay the costs of an emergency vet visit.
Heading into court as a result of your pet's actions can be unnerving because you don't know what will happen. This is definitely a lot to take in, especially if your dog is a young age. However, if you remain calm, you can navigate the legal system with ease. Dogs can sometimes be unpredictable creatures, but there are ways to prevent biting in the future. We'll discuss these aspects shortly.
How to prevent your dog from biting again
Dog bite cases can range from minor to serious. Dangerous dogs will attack if they feel threatened, and it's up to you to assess the risks of your pet. As dog owners, we are responsible for our dog's behaviour, and it's up to us to take reasonable precautions to prevent incidents from happening again. Here are the options you have after your dog bites someone:
Help manage your dog's behaviour
Once a dog bites, it might seem impossible to manage their behaviour. However, it's not impossible because, with proper training, your dog can go back to being its friendly self again. If there isn't another option, consider keeping the dog crated in a room or in a kennel when certain visitors come over to prevent further incidents.
However, most dogs won't be a fan of restricted movement. That's because it will likely lead to fewer walks in the park on or off leash, no more riding in the car, and only spending time outside in a fenced backyard. Think of your pet's happiness before committing to this option.
Put your dog through a behaviour modification program
Dog owners can take the initiative to get help from a professional to deter aggressive behaviour. A specialist can help determine the dog's stressors. From there, you can work with your dog to prevent future incidents. It's all about showing your dog that he or she doesn't have to be fearful of certain things and act aggressively in different situations. It's important to remember that change takes time. After a dog bites or attacks, it takes time to unlearn such behaviours. Despite this, if you are committed to helping your dog improve, the process will work over time. Always have patience.
Rehome your dog
Rehoming your dog should be one of your last resorts. However, it's a viable option if you don't think you can help your dog unlearn aggressive behaviours. Sometimes, a dog that bites can be accepted into training programs for drug or bomb-sniffing dogs or as part of police K9 units. Previously called dangerous dogs, some pets have the opportunity to do good later.
You can rehome your dog yourself, but you have to be aware of where your dog will be going. You wouldn't want your dog to end up with someone who punishes biting. Additionally, you might have some liability if the dog bites again, legally or morally. Finding a new owner will be difficult, especially if a dog has a history of biting.
Have your dog euthanized
No one wants to choose this option. Before making this decision, you should think about the dog's current quality of life. If you're the only one who knows how to manage your dog's behaviours, it might be difficult to let your dog engage in everyday activities. When this isn't the case, and you resort to rehoming your pet, you have to think about whether or not your dog will bite again.
When dog owners can help manage their pets' behaviours, they should keep them. It's important to note that dog bites are a result of stress, and if these triggers cannot be eliminated, another dog bite will likely occur. Euthanizing should be a last-ditch option if there isn't any other way to protect your family, friends, and community.
It's important to weigh all your options before making a decision. Frequent bites may be a sign that your dog is a threat to public safety. However, there are preventative measures you can take to protect yourself and others from harm. Physical injuries can heal over time, but you should be able to recognize the warning signs that your dog is going to become aggressive. If something does happen, that's what insurance is for.
Insurance for dog bites
The Dog Owners' Liability Act will hold you responsible for your dog's actions. That's why you might wonder if pet insurance is worth it. The truth is having pet insurance coverage can help you pay a plethora of expenses associated with dog bite incidents. However, it's important to note that what's not covered by pet insurance can often be bundled into your home insurance policy. Let us break down how this coverage can help you pay for expenses associated with dog bite cases.
In legal terms, your dog is considered your property. That's why your dog can fall under your personal liability insurance policy, which is part of your homeowner's insurance. That's why it's important to let your insurance company know if you have a dog. If your dog bites someone, you might want to have a higher amount of coverage to pay for the expenses associated with such cases.
Dog breeds excluded from insurance coverage
Did you know that certain breeds are not covered by insurance? This is because they are considered aggressive dogs and need unique policies to compensate you in the event of an incident. In this case, you might want to have a higher pet insurance deductible. These breeds include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- German Sheppards
It's important to be aware of this because you will have to pay for everything out of pocket if you are not insured. These dogs are not as common to keep as pets nowadays. As a result, you will have to seek out an insurance provider that will give you coverage. Otherwise, a dog bite can turn into an expensive mistake in no time.
Having insurance will help pay for the majority of expenses related to dog bites. However, you should keep the breed-specific legislation in mind to ensure you have the right coverage. It will allow you to compensate the injured party without suffering a large financial loss. With this in mind, we will soon provide you with some tips to prevent your dog from biting again.
Tips to prevent your dog from biting
Encouraging good behaviour will stop your dog from hurting others in the future. Assuming you still have your dog after something like this happens, you can take preventative measures to keep yourself and others safe. Here's what you should know:
Train and socialize your dog
Dogs are naturally social creatures, so it makes sense to introduce them to people and other animals at a young age. This will allow you to teach them good behaviours early on and reduce the chances of bites.
Fencing and leashing
When you're at home, ensure you have a secure fence in your yard — this will let your dog run around freely without being provoked. When you go for a walk, keep your dog on a leash and hold on to it tightly.
Watch your dog
Whether at home or in a public space, you should supervise your pet. This is especially true when around other people and animals. Pay extra attention if your dog has bitten people or animals in the past.
Spay and neuter your dog
Spay and neuter your dog early on to prevent incidents from happening in the first place. These procedures will make your dog less aggressive in the long run. By taking these simple steps, your dog will be able to socialize with others in your community without biting. While these aren't surefire methods to prevent attacks, they can help your pet remain calm and avoid stressors that can result in biting. Even recognizing a single warning sign can prevent future issues. After all, you should know what happens if your dog bites, regardless of whether it has happened in the past or not.
If you're a dog owner, contact BrokerLink to find pet insurance!
Our pets are our friends, and we always want to think the best of them. However, there's always a possibility of something going wrong. Why take the risk of paying out of pocket for your dog biting someone when you can protect yourself with pet insurance? If you have home insurance, you may already have coverage. Otherwise, you should look for one on your own.
Finding insurance on your own is challenging, though. That's where BrokerLink can help you out. Our team of insurance brokers can connect you with insurance companies that offer policies that cover your needs at an affordable price. What are you waiting for? Contact us today for a free quote!
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