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What signs should you look for to tell if a dog is angry?

On Behalf of | Jun 20, 2023 | Dog Bites

A dog bite is often sudden or may appear to come out of nowhere. Aggressive animals can pose a threat to you and other people, which means understanding more about them is key.

Looking for certain signs of anger can help you if you are around dogs or are dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite injury.

Difference in stances

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a dog with an unmoving stance may feel scared or ready to attack. This dog may even bark while it is standing in one place, as well as show its teeth.

Insurers paid out over $1 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2022.  Even though some owners may not realize it, encouraging others to pet their dog or get closer to it can lead to a bite.

Increased play-biting

You may notice the dog get closer to you in order to nip at you before any deep bite happens. This may wrongly seem playful to dog owners who do not warn other people of the danger of a bite. Dogs can show their aggression by growling and barking louder, as well as punching you with their muzzle and then backing away.

Bite and latch incidents

If a dog continues to feel angry, it may finally bite down on one of your limbs and hold on even if you try to move out of the way.

Dog bite victims may be owed significant compensation for injuries, including any reconstructive surgery needed after an attack. Talking to a lawyer as soon as possible is important after a dog bite.