There are many dog lovers in the world and you might be one of them. However, even many dog lovers have stories about how they were attacked by a dog who felt threatened.
To better ensure your safety, you’ll want to consider the following when you’re around dogs:
Don’t approach loose or stray dogs
It should be obvious that if you want to avoid dog attacks you shouldn’t approach loose or stray dogs. However, there may be times when you believe it’s necessary to walk up to a dog. For example, you may notice a collar around a stray dog and want to return them to their owner. By doing this, you’ll unfortunately risk being bitten, especially if the animal is scared. If you have the chance, you should instead call animal control for support.
Use defensive tactics
If you come face to face with a dog, it might not immediately attack. But if you notice the dog is barking or snarling, if the hair on their back is raised or if they have an aggressive stance, then you may need to protect yourself. The following are a few defensive tactics you can use:
- Be aware of your surroundings; if you see one dog, there may still be others.
- Don’t look into the dog’s eyes or you may aggravate them.
- Walk away slowly; running may cause the dog to chase you.
- Try shouting commands on the off chance the dog is trained.
The dog may actively attack you. If this happens, you should protect your face and neck to avoid fatal injuries. You could also toss out an elbow or foot to deflect an attack and lower the risk of serious injuries.
Carry pepper spray
Many people realize the dangers of dog attacks and, as such, carry pepper spray or alternative animal repellents. Using pepper spray can greatly reduce the chance of dog attacks by causing them to back away. If you’re afraid that pepper spray may harm a dog, however, know that there are various pet-friendly pepper sprays and animal repellents available on the market.
Recovering from a dog attack
If you’re attacked by a dog, you’ll have to act fast to protect your physical and legal interests. Seek medical attention and learn about your legal options as soon as you can.