There may come a time when you unexpectedly encounter a dangerous dog. It is important to know how to react quickly.
After all, dog bite injuries can be very serious. Some lead to permanent injuries, disfigurement, infection and much more. Some dog bites can even be fatal.
Some tips to keep in mind
While every situation is unique, here are some tips that may help if you encounter a dangerous dog:
- Try to stay relaxed and do not scream or yell.
- Do not try to run away from the dog, as this may encourage it to chase you.
- Turn your body so that you stand at an angle or sideways to the dog.
- Do not make eye contact.
- If you can, try to slowly back away to get out of the dog’s perceived territory.
- If the dog does try to bite, attempt to surrender something like a handbag or a coat.
- As soon as possible, try to put something between you and the dog, such as a car parked on the side of the street.
- Do not escalate the situation or act aggressively toward the dog.
If the dog does get their teeth in you, try to resist the urge to pull away, as this can make the wound worse.
After a bite, clean and wash all wounds as soon as possible and then get a medical evaluation as soon as possible to determine how serious they are. A tetanus shot may be necessary if you haven’t had one in awhile.
Even if you do everything correctly, you could still suffer a bite, so it is important to know how to react if that happens. Even a minor bite can lead to substantial financial costs, such as medical bills and lost wages. Be sure you know how to seek appropriate financial compensation if the dog’s owner was negligent and is therefore responsible for the attack.