Dog attacks are all too common and can sometimes be avoided if parents and children are paying attention certain signs. 11 News spoke with a veterinarian who told us the biggest key to avoiding attacks, is situational awareness.

When we're talking about kids and babies around dogs, Dr. Tersea Seggerman of Powers Pet Emergency in Colorado Springs said most attacks happen with animals they’re familiar with, not necessarily dogs they don't know.

Dr. Seggerman said first and foremost, don’t treat dogs like humans. Just because you or your kids know the dog, doesn't mean it won't attack. Often times, if its surroundings change, or someone new comes into the room, that dog could change it's behavior.

Dr. Seggerman added parents should always teach their kids how to approach animals. Never reach over their heads to pat them on top, instead, extend your hand curled up, and pet them under the chin.

However, if you or your child is ever being attacked, Dr. Seggerman offers one possible deterrent.

"A lot of times, screaming will back the dog off, and not anybody else get hurt because that warning sign to them is going to tell people tell the dog ok, something's wrong. I need to back off," Dr. Seggerman said.

Another key for avoiding attacks is learning subtle body language of the dog. For instance, Dr. Seggerman said sometimes a wagging tail doesn't mean they're happy, but rather they're nervous. It also depends heavily on the breed of dog.

You should also always ask the pet owner if their animal is used to being around kids or babies.