Expert shares why friendly dogs can suddenly kill when baby girl dies

A little girl has tragically died after being mauled by the family dog ​​- and now an expert has warned that even the best-behaved dog can backfire.

West Midlands Police said they rushed to a property in Coventry on Sunday where a seven-month-old baby suffered serious head injuries following a dog attack. The child later died at the hospital.

The dog, which was not classified as a dangerous breed, was humanely destroyed. Detectives are now investigating the horrific attack. A police spokesman said: “A child has tragically died after being bitten by a pet dog at a home in Coventry. We were called to a property in Shorncliffe Road shortly after 3pm on Sunday. Together with our colleagues from the ambulance we arrived in a few minutes.

“A seven-month-old girl suffered serious head injuries after being bitten by the family dog ​​inside the home. She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital for further treatment. Tragically, she died shortly. later, our thoughts remain with her family at this devastating time.”

They added: “The pet dog, which is not classed as a dangerous breed, was removed from the home on Sunday and humanely destroyed. We are in the early stages of our investigation and our inquiries are ongoing.”

Nick Horniman MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy www.mypetsvet.co.uk, told the Mirror: “Even the best-behaved family dogs can attack, often due to factors that are passed down view or misunderstood by the owners”. The vet said key triggers can include fear, pain and sudden movements that shake the animal.

“Dogs can also react aggressively if they feel their territory is threatened or if they are protecting their food or toys. A new environment or the presence of strangers can also lead to anxiety and defensive actions.”

The expert said attacks can be prevented if owners are aware of the “subtle” warning signs of a dog’s discomfort or agitation. These include growling, showing teeth, stiffening the body, or avoiding eye contact. Mr Horniman continued: “Rapid tail wagging, especially when combined with tense body language, can also be a sign of stress.

“Owners need to recognize these cues and remove their dogs from potentially stressful situations to avoid escalation that could lead to an attack. If your dog shows signs of persistent aggressive behavior, you should talk to your local veterinarian or dog behaviorist to find a plan to help manage their behavior.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: “We were called to a medical emergency at a private address on Shorncliffe Road in Coventry at 3.01pm on Sunday. Two ambulances, a specialist paramedic, a paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were sent. to the stage.

“Upon arrival, crews found a female patient, a child, who, following treatment, was taken to hospital by ground ambulance.” Police encouraged anyone with information to contact them via live chat on their website at https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/ or by calling 101, quoting log 2407 of June 16.