Preventing Dog Bite Injuries: What Ontario Families Should Know

September 02, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Dogs are an important part of many Ontario families. They provide companionship, exercise and enjoyment. But even a familiar, friendly dog can bite or attack when frightened, startled, protecting food or property, or placed in an unfamiliar situation.

Dog bite injuries can be particularly serious for children, who may suffer facial injuries, scarring, fractures or psychological trauma. Understanding how dog attacks happen—and knowing what to do when they occur—is an important part of keeping families safe.

Why Do Dog Bites Happen?

Dog attacks are not always caused by an obviously aggressive animal. A dog may react unexpectedly when it feels threatened or overwhelmed.

Common situations that can increase the risk of a bite include:

• Approaching an unfamiliar dog without permission

• Disturbing a dog while it is eating or sleeping

• Taking a toy or object away from a dog

• Running toward or away from a dog

• Hugging or climbing on a dog

• Allowing young children to play with a dog without supervision

• Entering a property where a dog is present

• Ignoring warning signs such as growling, stiff posture or bared teeth

Children should be taught never to assume that a dog is safe simply because it belongs to a friend, neighbour or family member.

Ontario Law Takes Dog Attacks Seriously

Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act establishes important rules concerning responsibility for dog bites and attacks.

Under the Act, the owner of a dog is generally liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack on another person or domestic animal. Importantly, liability does not depend on proving that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or acted negligently.

That means the familiar question, "Has the dog ever bitten anyone before?" is not necessarily determinative of a victim's legal rights.

The Act also requires dog owners to take reasonable precautions to prevent their dogs from biting or attacking people or behaving in a manner that poses a menace to safety.

How Can Parents Reduce the Risk?

Parents can teach children several simple rules:

Always ask before approaching a dog. Children should wait for the owner to give permission and should allow the dog to approach rather than immediately reaching toward it.

Never disturb a dog while eating or sleeping. Even a normally gentle animal may react defensively.

Do not tease or chase a dog. Pulling tails, ears or fur can provoke an otherwise calm animal.

Supervise young children. A child and a dog should not be left together without appropriate adult supervision.

Teach children what to do around an unfamiliar dog. If a dog approaches aggressively, children should avoid screaming or running. Standing still, avoiding direct eye contact and slowly moving away can reduce the risk of escalation.

What If a Dog Bites You?

Seek medical attention promptly, even if the injury appears minor. Dog bites can cause infection, nerve damage, tendon injuries and permanent scarring.

Photograph the injuries and, where possible, record information about the dog and its owner. Obtain contact information from witnesses and keep records of medical treatment, medications, travel expenses and other losses.

Do not assume that a claim is insignificant because the wound eventually heals. A facial scar, psychological injury or infection can have consequences long after the initial incident.

If a child has been bitten, parents should also pay attention to changes in behaviour, anxiety, sleep or fear around animals. Psychological consequences can be genuine injuries and may require professional treatment.

When Should You Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you or your child has suffered a significant dog bite injury, it is worth obtaining legal advice before making assumptions about your rights or accepting a settlement.

Ontario law concerning dog attacks is different from many ordinary negligence claims, and the circumstances of each incident matter.

At Deutschmann de Koning Law in Kitchener, we help injured people understand their legal rights and the compensation that may be available following serious injuries.

If you have been injured by a dog, obtaining advice early can help you understand your options and protect your claim.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.