Being bitten by a dog can be a painful and scary experience. A dog bite can also cause serious physical and psychological injury, as well as permanent scarring. People who were once dog lovers might now be afraid to go near a dog ever again.
The experience could be confusing if the dog who bit you is one you have been around before and who was previously friendly. Perhaps it was a friend or family member’s dog that let you pet or cuddle it in the past and this time suddenly bit you.
There are several reasons that dogs bite, even dogs who have never bitten anyone before might never bite anyone again.
All dogs can bite
It somewhat depends on the dog. Some dogs have a higher tendency to bite in certain situations, while other dogs will rarely bite. However, all dogs can bite, depending on the circumstances, so do not ever assume that a certain dog would never bite.
Fear is one of the main reasons that dogs bite. Dogs can become afraid from more than just anticipating some sort of physical harm. Dogs that become overwhelmed by a situation, such as if more people than usual are around, can become afraid and try to protect themselves by biting.
Dogs also bite if they are confused or startled. A friendly dog who is sleeping peacefully could still instinctively bite if they are suddenly awakened. You should be extra cautious around sleeping dogs, especially older dogs who might not see or hear as well.
Sickness or pain can cause dogs to bite. If your dog is injured, handle them with extreme care and contact your vet. Do not try to move them if they appear to be in pain.
Seeking help after a dog bite
As a dog bite victim, you have the right to compensation, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Your priority after a dog bite should be to immediately treat the injury and follow all your doctor’s instructions before exploring potential legal options.
