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Ross & Beckman, PLC.

What can a dog’s eyes tell you?

Dogs are the most popular and beloved pets across the United States. Because of their popularity, they are frequently humanized. However, it’s important to remember that dogs are not human, and they react very differently in certain scenarios.

Some dogs are inclined to be more protective and aggressive than others, but every dog has the potential to bite under the right circumstances. You can tell a lot from a dog’s body language, particularly the eyes. Outlined below are a few things to consider.


The hard stare

Some dogs show that they are about to attack by wielding their teeth, but this isn’t always the case. A dog that has a tense posture, closed mouth and an intense stare could be an unhappy dog. If you are in the vicinity of a dog that is showing these signs, it’s important to be very careful. Try to avoid making the dog feel cornered. It’s also advisable not to make direct eye contact. If you get too close, the dog may begin to snarl and might even attack.


Whale eyes

“Whale eyes” is a common term that is used to describe the eyes of an anxious dog. With dog attacks, it’s easy to obsess over images of large guard dogs that protect their territory. In reality, fear and anxiety are the most common causes of dog attacks. If a dog is wide-eyed, with the whites of its eyes showing, this is a sign that something could be about to go wrong.


Dog attacks are rare but because there are so many of them, the minority that do attack add up to a significant number. The owner bears some responsibility for controlling their canine, and if they have been negligent, resulting in you being attacked, then compensation might be an option. Make sure you seek some legal guidance to find out where you stand.



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