Be Careful When Petting Other People's Dogs
Some people like dogs and naturally want to pet them when they see them. While many dogs are friendly, it's important to remember that any dog can bite if it becomes frightened, startled, feels protective, or simply does not want to be touched.
Even if a dog is on a leash, appears calm, is small, or the owner believes the dog is friendly, there is still a chance it could bite unexpectedly. There have been news stories about a child who was told by the dog's owner that it was okay to pet the dog, but the dog suddenly bit the child's face, causing serious injuries. There have also been reports of an adult trying to pet a small dog that was on a leash, only to have the dog unexpectedly bite the person's hand. Emergency medical help was needed. These situations remind us that even leashed dogs can react without warning.
A dog's size does not determine whether it will bite. Both small and large dogs can cause injuries.
A dog bite can be painful and may require medical attention. There can also be concerns about infection and, in rare cases, diseases such as rabies. Although rabies is uncommon in vaccinated pet dogs, every dog bite should be taken seriously.
Being careful around unfamiliar dogs helps protect both people and the dogs themselves. A little caution can go a long way in preventing a painful accident.
