A Blog about the dog.

     In a recent report, dog bites and dog related injuries accounted for over one third of homeowners claims in 2016. In fact, the amount paid by insurance companies last year is an excess of over $600 million dollars. The increase in dog bite claims is nearly 18% than those files in past years. Since 2003, the increase of homeowners claims has actually risen nearly 70%. Report provided by Insurance Information Institute and accessible here

    Did you know Dog owners are liable for any injuries their pets cause in the following instances:
- if the owner knew the dog had a tendency to cause that kind of injury;
-if a state statute makes the owner liable, whether or not the owner knew the dog had a tendency to cause that kind of injury;
- or if the injury was caused by unreasonable carelessness on the part of the owner

No need to fear Homeowners. Below, Snotherly Insurance offers a few tips that all dog owners can follow to avoid a dog bite homeowners claim. Tips below are provided via the Insurance Information Institute.

Follow these Safety Steps:

• Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household and neighborhood.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home of with an infant or toddler. Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
• Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
• Have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that dogs are three times more likely to bite if they are NOT neutered.
• Socialize your dog so that it knows how to act with other people and animals.
• Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
• Play non-aggressive games with your dog, such as “go fetch.” Playing aggressive games like “tug-of-war” can encourage inappropriate behavior.
• Avoid exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response.
• Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
• Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.