Why do dogs attack and what to do if it happens?

Dogs are more than just pets. They become part of our families. They bring joy and companionship, and most are perfectly kind. However, dogs have animal instincts and sharp teeth. On rare occasions, they can become aggressive.

What are the consequences when a family walk or a simple stroll in the park turns into a frightening encounter with an aggressive dog? And what if your own furry family member suddenly becomes aggressive, or worse, attacks you?

In this guide, we’ll look at the most effective techniques for preventing or responding to dog attacks.

Avoid situations that may cause your dog to become aggressive

Dogs attack for a variety of reasons. Some dogs may have a history of abuse or neglect. But in other cases, their aggression may be closely related to a specific situation. A dog may feel threatened, be defending their territory, be prone to feeling anxious around strangers, or be in pain.

Certain types of encounters can greatly increase the likelihood of a confrontation with your dog. Do your best to avoid the following:

• Approaching an unfamiliar dog, especially if you’re moving toward them quickly
• Sneaking up on a dog
• Approaching a dog despite barks or warnings
• Disturbing a dog who’s sleeping. (That old saying about sleeping dogs exists for a reason!)
• Coming between a mommy dog and her pups
• Approaching a chained or tethered dog, as they may feel trapped or vulnerable
• Touching a dog roughly (like pulling on their tail or ears)
• Approaching a dog (even your own dog) who appears sick or injured. (And if you have no choice, do so with great care; a muzzle might help!)

At the end of the day, your best bet for avoiding a dog attack is to steer clear of high-risk encounters. Just use your best judgment, and you’ll be far less likely to find yourself in a truly dangerous confrontation with a dog.

Recognize Signs of Aggression in a Dog

Just like humans, dogs communicate their emotions in a wide variety of ways. Picking up on certain behaviors can help you prevent a frightening encounter from escalating into a full-blown attack. Here are some signs of aggression to look out for:

• Growling
• Baring teeth
• Stiffened tail
• Rigid body
• Staring intensely
• Fur standing up on their back

If you recognize some of these signals in time, here’s the good news: You may still have some time to defuse the situation.

What should you do if your dog is acting aggressive?

As difficult as it can be to keep a clear mind during a scary confrontation, there are certain things you should do if you find yourself face to face with a dog showing signs of aggression.

First, remember that dogs can sense panic. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can literally feel fear, which can cause them to become more agitated. It’s important to remain as calm as possible. Never yell or raise your voice; if you do speak to them, do so calmly and gently.

Try to avoid direct stares, which dogs may perceive as a threat. And smiling won’t defuse the situation; on the contrary, aggressive dogs sometimes perceive bared teeth as a direct challenge. Be sure to avoid sudden movements that a dog may perceive as a threat. In fact, you would be better off staying completely still, at least at first.

Do not run, as they may try to chase you. When you get the chance, try to back away slowly and persistently and remove yourself to a safe place.

What to do if a dog attacks you?

If a dog lunges at you, you may be able to get it to bite something that isn’t actually a part of your body, such as the sleeve of a sweatshirt. In this case, you can remove the entire article of clothing and throw it to the dog, which may distract him long enough for you to get away.

But if you fall victim to a full-scale dog attack, despite your best attempts to reduce tension, your first priority should be to protect your important parts, such as your face, neck, and chest. Use your hands and forearms to protect these areas. And you can protect your fingers by clenching your fists. If you are knocked down, curl up in a ball and use your fists to protect your ears and neck.

If the dog continues to attack, you may need to use physical force and fight back. But hopefully you will never be in that situation.

What to Do After a Dog Attack

After an attack has ended and you’re certain that you’re safely away from the dog, it’s critical to attend to any wounds immediately. If you’re still in decent enough shape to tend to yourself, you can clean any wounds with warm water and soap, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage.

You should report the incident to the local authorities right away, which will help prevent future attacks. Just as importantly, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your wounds are severe or life-threatening, you should call an ambulance.

Now this part is very important: If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you must visit an emergency room or a doctor, even if your injuries seem minor. Most experts recommend a medical visit within at least 24 hours, even if you feel perfectly healthy. Dog bites can lead to serious infections and other complications. A doctor can properly clean and dress the wound and provide you with any necessary antibiotics.

And your doctor may tell you that you need to begin rabies post-exposure prophylaxis immediately, especially if you were bitten by an unfamiliar dog whose rabies status is unknown to you. In extreme situations, rabies prophylaxis may save your life, as a full rabies infection is nearly 100% fatal.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Attacking Others

You can’t control how other pet parents raise their pups. But there’s plenty you can do to reduce the chance that your own dog will ever be the one attacking.

Effective socialization, starting from puppyhood, is key to preventing aggressive behavior throughout your dog’s life. Socialization involves exposing your dog to a variety of people, environments, and other animals in a positive way, which can help them feel more comfortable and less threatened in different situations. A well-socialized dog is less likely to attack humans or other pets.

When standard socialization and puppy training techniques don’t work or when you’ve adopted a behaviorally challenging dog from a shelter, you may need to take stronger steps to address your dog’s aggressive tendencies. In some cases, that may mean enlisting a behavioral expert.

How ManyPets Can Help

We here at ManyPets understand that accidents can happen, even with the most well-behaved pets. That’s why we offer dog insurance to help you provide the best possible care for your furry family member. Our coverage is designed to keep you prepared for any unexpected health issues, so you can focus on enjoying every precious moment with your pet. Learn more about our dog insurance today and give your pet the protection they deserve.

*This article is written for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed expert. If you have any real-life concerns or questions regarding canine aggression, please contact a licensed behavioral specialist, a veterinarian, or both.