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Dog bites can cause serious injuries, whether from a large breed dog like a Rottweiler or pit bull, or a small dog, such as a Jack Russell terrier or Chihuahua. Puncture wounds from dog bites can be painful and carry the risk of infection, meaning that every dog bite should be taken seriously.
Just as important as treating dog bite injuries, however, is preventing them from happening in the first place. If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior to people or other dogs, it is your responsibility as the dog owner to address the behavior to prevent attacks. 
Canine aggression can be scary, stressful, and embarrassing, particularly when it’s coming from your own dog. Do not give up hope– there are ways to treat aggression. Below are tips for dealing with and preventing aggressive dog behavior.

See a Vet

Some health problems, such as rabies, thyroid issues, and metabolic disorders, can cause an otherwise friendly dog to begin exhibiting aggressive behaviors. Hidden injuries may also cause your dog to behave abnormally. Speak with your veterinarian to see if your dog’s behavior problems may be related to a health condition.
Additionally, always make sure your pup is up-to-date on vaccines and regular preventative healthcare. This will keep your dog healthy and help prevent others from getting sick in the event of a bite.

Understand Your Dog’s Stressors

Dog aggression is nearly always caused by some kind of underlying fear, stress, or pain. By recognizing the situations that cause your dog to become aggressive, you can begin to understand the motivation behind their aggression. Types of aggression include:

• Protective aggression
• Territorial aggression
• Fear aggression
• Social aggression
• Leash aggression
• Possessive aggression
• Defensive aggression
• Sex-related aggression
• Redirected aggression

Recognize Signs of Dog Aggression

In many cases, dogs display warning signs before resorting to biting. Understanding how your dog displays fear or stress can help you prevent attacks. By keeping an eye on your dog’s body language in potentially stressful situations, you may be able to anticipate and therefore prevent a bite. Common signs of aggression in dogs include:

• Growling
• Snarling
• Snapping
• Lunging
• Becoming still and rigid
• Avoiding eye contact
• Yawning or licking lips

Train and Socialize Your Dog Appropriately

It is crucial for dogs to receive proper training and socialization from puppyhood in order to help them learn how to interact appropriately with humans and other dogs. In many cases, aggressive or fearful dogs were not given proper socialization when they were young, and therefore new situations or people may cause them unnecessary stress.
Dog training and socialization involves exposing your dog to other dogs, humans, and new experiences. While it is easier to socialize a puppy, thanks to their curiosity and lack of world experience, it is possible to socialize an adult dog as well.

When exposing your dog to an unfamiliar situation, start slow. Begin in controlled environments, where things won’t get out of hand and traumatize your dog. Short walks around the neighborhood, where your dog is allowed to sniff and explore without being approached by other dogs or humans, is a good place to start.
Other activities that can help your dog learn to remain calm in strange situations include:

• Call your dog’s name and reward them when they look at you. Start in a quiet, familiar environment, and gradually work up to busier areas.
• Walking side-by-side with another dog (but keep the dogs several feet apart, unable to reach each other)
• Invite an adult friend or family member over and ask them to ignore your dog until your dog is able to be calm

Use treats and praise as positive reinforcement while your dog is trying new experiences. This will help them associate the stimuli with good feelings.
If your dog has harmed other dogs or people, consider using a basket muzzle while you work on behavior modification in order to keep everyone safe.
Avoid introducing an aggressive dog to small children except in very controlled environments, where everyone is able to remain calm and you can ensure that no one will be hurt. A dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help you determine if, when, and how you should introduce your dog to young children.

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

When it comes to sex-based aggression, you may be able to fix or improve your dog’s behavior by having your dog fixed. Intact male dogs are prone to aggression toward other male dogs, particularly if a female in heat is nearby.
Female dogs may also exhibit aggressive behaviors toward other dogs of either sex, but especially males.
Warning signs of sex-related aggression include:

• Refusal to follow commands
• Barking or lunging
• Destructive behavior
• Territorial behavior, such as marking 
• Urge to escape or roam

Spaying and neutering dogs can solve sex-related aggressive behavior as well as a variety of other issues, such as marking. Studies have also shown that dogs who have been spayed or neutered may live longer than unaltered dogs.

Exercise Your Dog Regularly

While walking your dog certainly won’t fix all aggressive behavior, it may provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need to relax in stressful situations. Many dog breeds were bred to be active, working animals. A dog who spends too much time lying around, especially alone, will find ways to expel that energy, and it likely won’t be in a positive manner.
Dogs who are not getting enough exercise may exhibit:

• Destructive behavior
• Restlessness
• Depression
• Excessive barking
• Attention seeking
• Lunging or pulling while on leash
• Biting, nipping, or scratching

By giving your dog the chance to walk, run, or play with you or another dog, you expose them to stimuli that will engage their brain and wear them out, and as the old saying goes: A tired dog is a good dog.

Avoid Situations That Trigger Aggressive Behavior

If you understand the type(s) of aggression your dog displays, you may be able to help them avoid those situations. For example, if your dog exhibits possessive aggression and resource guarding behaviors, you can move their food bowl into a quiet room during meal time and allow them to eat alone.
Early in the process of behavior modification, it is wise to avoid situations that may be triggering for your dog, particularly if it may pose a danger to other people or animals. If your dog displays fear aggression when feeling cornered or trapped by other dogs, you can avoid dog parks and other places where off-leash dogs may be present. When people visit your home, put your dog in a secure room or kennel.
While canine aggression can be difficult to treat, in many cases, all hope is not lost. Seeking professional help can help you learn what causes your dog’s behavior problems and understand how to give your dog the best chance at a calm, happy life.

See a Dog Trainer or Behaviorist

While all of the above suggestions can help you begin to understand your dog and improve their behavior, aggression in dogs can be a complicated issue. Your dog may have multiple triggers, or exhibit a variety of aggressive behaviors.

A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help you understand the causes behind the aggression, and come up with a treatment plan to address your dog’s needs. Your local humane society may have resources to help you find a behaviorist in your area.

Our dogs are sources of joy and love, but even healthy and happy dogs have a slew of bacteria that should not be transferred to humans. A dog bite is a perfect way to transfer bacteria from the unaffected host to their unsuspecting victim. Staph infections, which are often passed around in hospitals from an affected person, can be acquired from a dog bite, and that can be a danger to everyone’s health.

What is a Staph Infection?

Staphylococcus (sta-fill-oh-KAW-kuss) is a group of bacteria made up of many different species. The type most commonly found on humans is called Staphylococcus aureus (often shortened to S. aureus). These bacteria live on the skin and inside areas like the nose or throat in about one-third of people. Most of the time, they are harmless and are considered part of the body’s normal microbiome. They usually do not cause problems unless they enter the body through a cut, scrape, or other break in the skin.

When S. aureus gets inside the body, it can attach to cells and begin to multiply, sometimes leading to infections. These infections can range from mild skin issues like pimples or boils to more serious conditions such as wound infections, pneumonia, or even bloodstream infections. The severity often depends on where the bacteria spread and the strength of a person’s immune system.

In some cases, S. aureus has developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics. One well-known example is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is harder to treat because it does not respond to many standard antibiotics, making infections more persistent and complicated. This has become a growing concern in hospitals and communities because it can spread more easily and lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and in severe cases, death.

How Can a Dog Bite Cause a Staph Infection?

Staph bacteria found on dogs are different from the S. aureus commonly found on humans. In dogs, the main species is called Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (sood-enter-mee-dee-uss). This bacterium normally lives on a dog’s skin and in areas like the nostrils and saliva. Studies show that roughly 22% to 69% of dogs carry S. pseudintermedius. Like other staph bacteria, it usually does not cause harm while it stays on the surface of the body and is considered part of the dog’s normal microbiome.

Problems can occur when the bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin. In dogs, this may lead to skin infections such as hotspots or wounds that do not heal properly. When it comes to humans, transmission can happen through close contact, especially through dog bites that puncture or break the skin. This allows S. pseudintermedius to enter the human body, where it can attach to cells and begin to multiply.

Although infections in humans are less common than those caused by S. aureus, they can still be serious. In some cases, they may lead to skin infections, deeper tissue infections, or complications if not treated properly. Because of this, it is important to clean and monitor any dog bite carefully and seek medical attention if signs of infection appear, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge.

Unfortunately, staph infections from dog bites are often mislabeled as staph infections caused by S. aureus. This is cause for concern since the testing to see if the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics is completely different. MRSP, which is methicillin resistant S. pseudintermedius, has similar symptoms as MRSA but has a very different treatment regimen. If you are bitten by a dog and develop boils, bone and joint pain, or nausea/vomiting, tell your doctor you were bitten by a dog and that they will need to test for MRSP instead of MRSA.
Were you bitten by a dog? The Advocates have skilled dog bite attorneys who have experience seeking compensation from the homeowner’s insurance from the owner of the dog. They can keep track of your medical bills and lost wages and receive it all back from the insurance company, as well as extra for your pain and suffering. You initial phone consultation is free and confidential so call now!

Utah’s summers are renowned for being long, hot and bristling with open-air concerts, festivals and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. As the snow slowly yields its icy grip on the Wasatch Mountains, ski resorts turn into hubs for rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking. Areas once impassable turn into vast paradises waiting to be explored. Painfully so, this time of year is also known for an increase in the number of fatal Utah car accidents.
Following a national trend, the “100 days of summer” are considered one of the most dangerous times to operate a motor vehicle. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the likelihood of being involved in a fatal car accident increases almost 50% between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekend. Increased traffic, as well as other factors, nearly double the dangers of driving during the summer months.
Here are the most common causes of summer car accidents in Utah and more importantly how to minimize your risk of being injured in a crash.

5 Common Causes of Summer Car Accidents

1. Speeding

It may seem like an obvious point but excessive speed remains the perennial number one cause of fatal car accidents in Utah. In 2016 alone there were over 11,000 speed related accidents resulting in over 100 fatalities. And here’s why:

• Accidents where speed was a factor accounted for 38% of all fatal accidents and were 2.7 times more likely to result in a fatality compared to other car accidents.
• Utah Highway Patrol says for every 5% increase in speed there is a 10% increase in the chance of a crash related injury and a 20% increase in the chance of a fatal accident.
• Exceeding the posted speed limit dramatically increases not only your risk of being in an accident but that a fatality could occur.

Plan extra time for summer trips to avoid feeling the need to rush. Always obey the posted speed limit and take into account the road and traffic conditions to ensure you are driving safely.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are still one of the most common causes of summer car accidents in Utah, even though police consider it the most under-reported reason. The reason being is that a driver’s hesitation to report themselves and the inherent difficulty in verifying certain types of factors leads police to believe the problem is more widespread than reported. So, what is considered distracted driving?

• Using a phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio
• Feeling fatigued

These are all commonly reported distractions while operating a motor vehicle. It’s vital to strive for a safe, distraction-free environment while driving. On long summer drives it’s important to take time to rest. Highway Patrol suggests taking a 15-minute break every two hours as well as having someone else stay awake to keep you company. Don’t be afraid to pull over for a nap if needed.

3. Teen Driving

Receiving one’s driver’s license is a venerable right of passage on the road to adulthood, but it is also one of the most common causes of summer car accidents in Utah. There is no nice way to say it. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely to get into car accidents. While the overall number of car accidents involving a teenage driver remain fairly steady over the course of the year, the number of fatal accidents nearly double during the months of May and June.
Friday evenings are considered the most precarious time for these young drivers. Following too closely is the number two cause for car accidents involving teenage drivers with excessive speed and failure to yield rounding out the top three. It’s important to use the learner’s permit period to work closely with your teenager to build safe driving habits. This starts by setting a good example when you are behind the wheel.

4. Weekend Traffic

Summer weekends still remain the most popular time in America for taking a vacation road trip. Unfortunately, the massive influx of drivers on the road heavily contributes to the cause of summer car accidents in Utah. With Saturday afternoon traffic into early evening is the most dangerous time to drive during these summer months.
If you take a vacation trip by car, consider mapping out a plan to do your driving on weekdays if possible. Prepare for the roadways to be busy and allow yourself extra travel time with strategic breaks to prevent you from getting road weary.

5. No Seatbelts

Seat belts save lives; it’s that simple. Half of the deadliest summer Utah car accidents in 2016 involved drivers who were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. If you were injured in a serious accident, you are 24 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury when you are not restrained. Law enforcement agencies from Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona are marshalling together this summer to step up enforcement of the seat belt laws.
According to Utah seatbelt regulations, the minimum fine costs drivers $45. Each person in the car also receives their own ticket even if they are buckled up. The law has recently been changed to allow police to pull over a car solely for failure to wear a seat belt. Play it smart and always wear a seat belt.

Utah Car Accident Lawyers – The Advocates

If you’ve been hurt in a Utah car accident through no fault of your own, you will need a personal injury attorney to guide you through the steps toward your recovery. When you hire the Advocates to represent your legal claim, you will work with the best car accident lawyer in Utah to fight for the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Being injured in an Utah car accident can cause a whole new layer of stress that no one is ever truly prepared for. We make it our mission, as Advocates for the people, to help you get back on your feet again. Your recovery is always our number one priority. Contact us today by phone at 801-326-0809 or through our live chat here on our homepage. You deserve a trustworthy Advocate!

What is the Average Car Insurance Increase in Utah After an Accident?

Being in an accident can often leave drivers wondering whether their car insurance will increase or not. When calculating how much your annual rates will increase, it’s important to remember that determining who is at-fault for the accident is one of the leading factors that will decide if your rates change.

One of the first steps you should take after being in an accident that wasn’t your fault is to submit an accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re able to file a claim with their insurance company, you will likely not have to worry about your yearly rates increasing.
However, there is certainly grey area when it comes to being involved in more rare types of accidents, such as a hit-and-run or being in an accident with an uninsured motorist. In these instances, you may run into trouble with having to submit an accident claim with your own insurance carrier. You might see an increase in the cost of your coverage. Typically, this depends on your carrier’s insurance policies regarding submitting not-at-fault claims.
Drivers who are at-fault, however, almost always face a high increase in their insurance rates more than the accident victim does. In fact, there are several states in the country that have significantly higher average rates following an accident claim. Unfortunately, Utah is one of those states.

How Much Does Utah Car Insurance Increase on Average?

According to insurance.com, car insurance rates go up about 31% on average nationwide for one at-fault accident with over $2,000 in damages. Utah’s average rate, on the other hand, goes up 40% for one at-fault collision.
Most drivers in the Beehive State pay an annual insurance rate of $1,212, which can jump to $1,699 yearly if you cause one collision.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that these numbers only reflect being the at-fault driver in one accident. Depending on the state you live in, your insurance company and, ultimately, your driving record, these rates can change significantly.
When shopping around for car insurance, you should always try to understand the ins and outs of your coverage when it comes to submitting both at- and not-at-fault insurance claims, especially for specific circumstances such as a hit-and-run.
If you ever see an increase in your insurance after submitting a not-at-fault claim with your own insurance company, you should speak to one of their representatives right away. It’s possible that they made a mistake, but if not, maybe it’s time to consider driving with a new insurance company.

When to Call an Advocate About Your Accident

If you or a loved one were recently injured by another driver, you will need the best legal representation on your side. The car accident lawyers at The Advocates will make your recovery our top priority. While you focus on healing, our attorneys will work with insurance adjusters and get you the maximum compensation for your insurance and losses.
Our car accident attorneys have represented thousands of injured people throughout the state of Utah. We always keep your best interests in mind and will work with you and your family each step of the way. Don’t wait to contact The Advocates. You can call us today at 801-657-4604 or use our Online Chat Here on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate!