The Risk of Dog Bites: What Pet Owners Should Know

At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose, Berg & McKarski, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a dog bite can change someone’s life. Often, these incidents are entirely preventable.

Dogs are amazing companions, but even the most gentle, well-trained pet can unexpectedly attack someone. Fear, pain, feeling threatened, or simply being startled can trigger a bite that no owner saw coming. That’s not an excuse. It’s a reminder that your pets require ongoing attention, not just good intentions.

Let’s say a mail carrier has walked the same neighborhood route for three years without incident. Then one afternoon, a neighbor’s dog gets loose through an unlatched gate. The dog had never shown aggression before, but within seconds, the mail carrier is on the ground with bite wounds to her arm and hand serious enough to require surgery and after she heals, physical therapy.

She doesn’t blame the dog. She might not even blame the owner personally. But the negligence,  a gate that had needed fixing for weeks, has real consequences. She misses work. Medical bills pile up. She develops anxiety about a job she used to love.

It’s the kind of situation we  think about when clients say their dog “would never hurt anyone.” That may well be true. But prevention isn’t just about protecting other people. It protects your pet, too.

What Dog Owners Can Do

Good pet ownership and preventing bites go hand in hand. There are a few ways to make a real difference:

Socialize your dog early and often. Dogs that are regularly around different people, environments, and situations are less likely to react out of fear. Obedience classes are also a great investment.

Keep your property secured. Fences, gates, and leashes aren’t just rules; they’re your first line of defense. If something needs fixing, fix it.

Learn to read your dog’s body language. Stiff posture, tucked tail, pinned ears, and growling are all signs your dog is uncomfortable. Respecting those signals and teaching others to do the same goes a long way.

Never leave children unsupervised with a dog, even a familiar one. The majority of serious dog bites to children happen with dogs they know, often in their own home.

Know your dog’s triggers. Some dogs are protective of food, toys, or their sleeping space. That’s manageable — but only if you’re aware of it.

Pennsylvania Law and Your Responsibility as an Owner

Pennsylvania operates under a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. If your dog bites someone and breaks skin, you can be held financially responsible for their medical bills,  regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before. If the bite causes more serious injury, additional damages may also be sought.

This isn’t meant to alarm you. Most dog owners will go their whole lives without incident. But understanding the legal landscape is part of being a responsible pet owner. If your dog has ever shown signs of aggression, speak with a trainer sooner rather than later and make sure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers dog-bite liability.

And if you or someone you love has been bitten, don’t dismiss it. Even minor-seeming bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, or scarring. A conversation with a personal injury attorney at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose, Berg & McKarski costs nothing and can help you understand your options.