![[stock image] A vet has explained key triggers of a pet dog attack (Image: Getty Images)](/upload/news/2024/06/19/285588.jpg)
A baby girl has tragically died after being mauled to death by the family's pet dog - and now an expert has warned that even the most well-behaved pooch can suddenly turn.
West Midlands Police said they rushed to a property in Coventry on Sunday where a seven-month-old baby suffered severe head injuries following a dog attack. The infant later died in hospital.
The dog, which was not classed as a dangerous breed, was humanely destroyed. Detectives are now investigating the horrifying attack. A police spokesperson said: "A baby has tragically died after being bitten by a pet dog at a home in Coventry. We were called to a property at Shorncliffe Road shortly after 3pm on Sunday. Together with our ambulance colleagues we arrived within minutes.
Police were called to the incident at Shorncliffe Road in Coventry"A seven-month-old baby girl had received serious injuries to her head after being bitten by the family's dog inside the home. She received treatment at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital for further treatment. Tragically, she died a short time later. Our thoughts remain with her family at this devastating time."
They added: "The pet dog, which isn’t 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 enquiries are continuing."
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Nick Horniman MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy www.mypetsvet.co.uk, told the Mirror: "Even the most well-behaved family dogs can attack, often due to factors that are overlooked or misunderstood by owners." The vet said that key triggers can include fear, pain and sudden movements that startle the animal.
"Dogs may 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."
There are warning signs to look out for, the expert says [stock image] (Getty Images)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 their teeth, stiffening their 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 recognise these cues and remove their dogs from potentially stressful situations to avoid escalation that could lead to an attack. If your dog is showing signs of persistent aggressive behaviour you should speak to your local vet or dog behaviourist to come up with a plan to help manage their behaviour."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson 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 scene.
"On arrival, crews found a female patient, a child, who, following treatment, was taken to hospital via land ambulance." Police have encouraged anyone with information to contact them on their live chat on their website at https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/ or by calling 101 quoting log 2407 of 16 June.
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