Most of the time, dogs are loyal companions, goofy sidekicks, and our best friends. But in high-stress situations when a dog may feel scared or threatened, they can lash out. Every year, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. alone, and scary, confusing events like Halloween can make such incidents far more likely. Here’s what pet owners and trick-or-treaters need to know to stay safe. As an Owner Even if you know your dog is normally good with people, it’s best to play it safe during Halloween. Strangers in masks coming to the door in droves can make even the most mild- mannered dogs anxious. To make matters worse, young trick- or-treaters may not know to respect your dog’s space, increasing the likelihood of a violent outburst that could leave a child hurt. To avoid such a situation, dedicate a closed-off section of your house to your dog for the evening. Give them toys to play with and gnaw on to help with stress, and keep the blinds closed. While you wait to pass out candy, try to get to the door before trick-or-treaters. Doorbells or knocks will only set off your dog’s alarm bells. As a Trick-or-Treater Make sure your children know not to approach dogs that are on the street or that come to the doorwhen candy is being passed out. MAKE HALLOWEEN SAFE FOR HUMANS AND PETS
If a dog’s presence feels threatening, notify the owner and have them put their pet in a safe place away from the trick-or-treaters.
If a Bite Does Occur Regardless of who you are, if you’re present when a dog bite occurs, it’s critical to take swift action. The dog needs to be removed from the area and secured, ideally by the owner. If the owner is not available, this is best left to animal control professionals. Next, the dog’s vaccination records need to be confirmed. Rabies shots are extremely unpleasant for humans. Knowing a dog has been inoculated can spare the bite victim this painful procedure. Either way, the victim should seek medical attention immediately to avoid further complications. The dog’s owner should exchange their contact and home/renter’s insurance information with the victim. Most policies cover dog bites. In the aftermath of a bite, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at the Medlin Law Firm, can give you a better idea of what your legal options are.
Braised Chicken & SPRING VEGETABLES
Brain Buster
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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8 small bone-in chicken thighs 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
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12 radishes, halved
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4 large carrots, cut into sticks
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Salt and pepper
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1 tablespoon sugar
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in pan for 6–7 minutes per side. 3. Remove chicken from pan and scrape off excess fat. Add broth and stir in radishes, carrots, and sugar. 4. Return chicken to pan, placing on top of vegetables. Gently simmer with lid on pan for 15–20 minutes. Finish with chives.
Recipe inspired by Real Simple
www.medlinfirm.com | Pg. 3
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