1-year-old critically injured in dog attack at grandparent’s home, Michigan cops say
A 1-year-old child was hospitalized after being attacked by her grandparent’s dogs, Michigan authorities say.
Officers were dispatched to the Wixom home around 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, after the grandparent called 911 about the dog attack, according to the Wixom Police Department.
The family’s two pit bulls had mauled the 1-year-old and her grandparent, officers said.
Police said the toddler was bitten on her “face, forehead, lower back and leg,” which caused severe cuts. She was taken to a children’s hospital in Ann Arbor, where she was listed in critical condition awaiting surgery, according to a police news release.
The grandparent’s injuries were treated at the scene, police said.
It’s unclear what happened to the pit bulls or what led to the attack.
Wixom is about a 35-mile drive northwest of Detroit.
What to know about dog attacks
“Dogs give us comfort, companionship, exercise, entertainment, and unconditional love,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “But it’s important to remember that any dog can bite, even trusted family pets.”
Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 of those people need medical attention, according to the CDC.
Any dog can bite if they feel scared or nervous, or if they want to be alone. You should never approach a dog that seems angry or scared, the CDC said.
If an unfamiliar dog comes up to you, officials say you should:
Stay calm and be still.
Avoid eye contact with the dog.
Don’t panic or make loud noises. Don’t run.
Say “no” or “go home” in a deep voice. Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.
Slowly raise your hands to your neck and back away slowly.