JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

For many, the sight of a friendly dog brings a smile and a welcoming reflex of warmth and openness. Often, the dog reciprocates back with a wag of a tail and a lick of affection. But what happens when a seemingly sweet dog turns vicious? The Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys of Mednick, Mezyk and Kredo, P.C., wanted to share the top five reasons that dogs attack so you can be better prepared:

• Dominance

Dogs who believe they are the dominant being will turn aggressive should you attempt to force them out of a situation where they are comfortable.Often, aggression in these cases is towards the owner of the pet; should you attempt to move a dog out of your path or cross it in a way that may make the animal uncomfortable, bites or attacks could ensue.

• Protection of Valuables

Dogs can feel threatened and become aggressive when protecting items they value such as toys, food, and even human beings. Withholding food or taking toys away from a dog could provoke aggression.

• Pain-Induced Aggression

Some breeds of dogs can experience painful inflammation in the ear canal or from hip dysplasia, causing even friendly breeds to snap or lash out when touched in the wrong way. Even a well-intended pet or pat on the back could cause a dog to bite or act aggressively.

• Maternal Protection

Mothers are internally wired to protect their young. Dogs are no different.Picking up a newborn pup to play with may seem well-intended, however the mother dog may feel differently, causing the increased potential for an attack.

• Redirected Aggression

Often the most common reason for dog attacks, redirected aggression occurs when one attempts to break-up a dog fight and the aggression of the fighting dogs turns towards the human. The best way to break up a fight is not to pull the tails, block bites, or touch the dogs, but to make loud noises and stay away from the dogs’ mouths.

Regardless of the reason the dog bit you, know that the owner of the dog is responsible for the dog’s actions.  If you have been seriously injured by a dog bite in Pennsylvania, call the experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk and Kredo at 888-807-WORK for a free case evaluation.