Dike Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Victims of dog bites can trust dog bite injury lawyers for essential support. These attorneys specialize in the complex legalities of animal incidents, ensuring proper management of liability and compensation to achieve justice.

Dog Safety for Kids in Iowa

Many families in Iowa enjoy the companionship of a four-legged friend. While dogs make great pets and members of the family, they can sometimes be dangerous, even when unprovoked. For parents, teaching dog safety to kids—especially around dogs they don’t know—is essential to keeping them safe. This guide provides essential tips for child safety around dogs, what to do if a dog bite occurs, and the necessary legal steps to take in Iowa.

Teaching Kids Dog Safety

Be Calm around Dogs

One of the first things parents should teach kids is to remain calm around dogs. Dogs, like humans, don’t always respond well to stress. Yelling, jumping, and yanking a dog’s tail can create a stressful environment, making a dog more likely to react negatively. Encourage children to use an inside voice and be gentle when approaching dogs.

Leave Sleeping and Eating Dogs Alone

No one likes being disturbed while enjoying a meal or a nap, and dogs are no exception. Interrupting a dog while it is eating or sleeping can increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior. Teach children to avoid approaching dogs that are distracted with other activities and to wait until the dog is alert and calm before approaching.

Ask the Dog’s Owner Before Petting

Children, especially those who love animals, are often tempted to pet strange dogs. However, approaching an unknown animal can be dangerous as the dog may feel threatened. Teach your child to always ask the dog’s owner for permission before petting. If the owner gives the okay, the child can proceed with caution.

How to Pet Nicely

Children may not know how to pet a dog appropriately and might try to hug, kiss, or pull on its fur or tail. These actions can be seen as threats by the dog, leading to an aggressive response. Teach children to pet dogs gently on the chest or side of the neck, avoiding the top of the head for unfamiliar dogs.

Avoid Eye Contact

Dogs can interpret direct eye contact as a threat. To reduce the risk of an attack, instruct children to avoid making direct eye contact with dogs, especially those they do not know well.

What to Do When Approached by an Unknown Dog

Teach children to remain completely still when a strange dog approaches them. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this can help prevent an attack. Children should never play with a dog without adult supervision and should allow the dog to sniff them before touching it.

If a child is knocked down by a dog, instruct them to roll into a ball and stay still. This minimizes the chance of further injury.

Supervision is Key

Some dogs are more tolerant of children than others. Even if a family dog is familiar with your child, always supervise interactions between children and pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends this to ensure safety.

If Your Child Has Been Bitten by a Dog

Immediate Actions and Medical Treatment

If a child is bitten by a dog, the first step is to call 911 for immediate medical and police assistance. It is important to identify the dog and its owner to confirm rabies vaccination status. If the dog cannot be identified, rabies shots might be necessary. The police can help track down the owner and obtain proof of vaccination.

Medical treatment for dog bites may include antibiotics, stitches, and possibly rabies shots. Emotional trauma is also common, and counseling may be necessary for issues such as flashbacks, anxiety, or fear of dogs. After physical injuries heal, plastic surgery might be considered for scar revision if scars remain visible and bothersome.

Legal Steps

Iowa has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, meaning the dog owner is liable for all damages caused by their dog unless the victim was committing an illegal act at the time of the attack. To pursue a claim, you need to prove the dog bit you, you suffered injuries, and you were not doing anything illegal.

Evidence for statutory claims includes:
- Identifying the dog
- Documenting injuries
- Proving legality of actions at the time

For negligence claims under case law, additional evidence is required:
- Owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous
- Owner failed to prevent the attack
- The dog bit or attacked you
- You suffered injuries

When to Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer

For the complete list of things you should do if bitten by a dog you can request our FREE book, "Iowa Consumer's Guide to Dog Bites- Secrets to Not Get Bitten by Your Case" which is available to you with no risk or obligation by clicking here or by calling 641-792-3595. 

Why offer a Free Dog Bite Book?  Since 1997, I have been representing injured Iowans, including many dog bite victims from central Iowa and throughout the state.  I have heard too many horror stories about people making costly mistakes, causing them to lose thousands of dollars.  Before you talk to the insurance company you should know your rights and perhaps more importantly your responsibilities.   

If you need immediate assistance, contact us online or call us at (641) 792-3595. If you are not local to us, we will come to you.