Surviving an Aggressive Dog

Surviving an Encounter with a Potentially Aggressive Dog

• Stay calm!
• Stand still with your arms close to your body.
• Avoid direct eye contact, as well as any reaction or posture that might challenge the dog. Act as if you are ignoring the dog and never scream and run!
• If you can, back slowly away and find a safe area (car, house, etc.); then call the police or animal control.
• Surrender anything you have if the dog attacks (jacket, bag, etc.) in the hope that the dog will bite the item and not you.
• If you are on the ground, protect your face and ears with your arms and curl up. Lie still like a rock.
• If a dog bites, do not pull back if the dog holds on pulling will make the dog hold on and pulling back will worsen any injury you may suffer.
• If you have been bitten, seek immediate medical attention.
• If the dog s owner is known or present, find out if the dog's rabies vaccination is current
• Report the bite to the police and / or local animal control office.

If Your Dog Bites Someone
Immediately:

• Restrain or confine the dog safely to prevent further injury.
• Check the victim's condition, call for help if necessary, and provide first aid.
• Offer the victim all necessary information (your name, phone number, your dog s vaccination status, etc.).

After the bite:

• Report the bite to your animal control office.
• Make sure that the dog's rabies vaccinations are up to date and inform the victim of the dog's vaccination status.
• It might be necessary to quarantine the dog your veterinarian can provide you with local regulations.

Prevent your dog from biting again:

• Aggression is not a diagnosis it is a symptom of a variety of problems. There is no quick fix. Treatment is available after careful evaluation of the causes, the risks, and the prognosis of your dog's likelihood to bite again.
• Contact your veterinarian and ask for a behavior evaluation of your dog. Your veterinarian will consult with you or can provide you with a referral to local certified veterinary behaviorist.

Source: University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Reference:

Petra X. Mertens, D.V.M., Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a certified applied animal behaviorist. Dr. Mertens coordinates the behavior clinic at the CVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

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