Every year, there are numerous stories about violent dog attacks and the often innocent victims left to suffer. However, very few people seem to know what exactly needs to be done in a case of a brutal dog attack…
Firstly, it’s important to know when a dog is showing signs of aggression. Look at the animal’s body language to determine whether you should rather keep your distance. An aggressive dog will:
When confronted by an aggressive dog, you should never run or make any sudden movements. This will just make the animal more defensive. If you remain calm, and keep the following tips in mind, you could walk away from an attack with far less serious injuries.
Aside from the above tips, it’s also good to know where possible problem-dogs are in your area. Make sure your family and neighbours know to avoid the area. It’s also a good idea to report any dangerous dogs to your local SPCA. Remember, owners of dogs are responsible for the behaviour of their dogs and are legally responsible if their dog attacks a person.
Source: NSPCA / humanesociety.org / animals24-7.org
Firstly, it’s important to know when a dog is showing signs of aggression. Look at the animal’s body language to determine whether you should rather keep your distance. An aggressive dog will:
- Tense its body.
- Stiffen its tail.
- Pull back its ears and/or head.
- Show the white of its eyes.
- Hold an intense stare.
When confronted by an aggressive dog, you should never run or make any sudden movements. This will just make the animal more defensive. If you remain calm, and keep the following tips in mind, you could walk away from an attack with far less serious injuries.
AVOID AN ATTACK
- Never simply touch a dog you don’t know. It may be injured or frightened and would be defensive.
- Teach your children to be quiet and calm around dogs. It’s also vital that they know not to tease a dog.
- Avoid putting your face near a dog since they might see this as a threatening gesture.
- A dog with puppies will be extremely protective, so try and keep your distance as much as possible.
- If a dog growls, it’s doing so for a reason and likely warning you to go away.
- Never turn your back on an aggressive dog. Instead, back away slowly and calmly,
- Avoid eye contact, but always keep the dog in your peripheral vision.
- Stand slightly sideways, but upright, to assure the dog you are not planning to intrude on its space.
- If the dog still shows signs of attack, try and assert your authority by shouting “Down!” or “Go home!”.
- Should this fail, try and create a barrier between you and the dog. This can be done by holding a backpack, a piece of clothing or any other accessible item between you and the dog.
DURING AN ATTACK
- If the dog attacks and manages to bring you to the ground, immediately bring your fists up next to your ears, your arms covering the side of your neck. This will help to protect your eyes, ears and throat.
- While on the ground, curl into a foetal position, tucking your knees in and keeping your hands to your head. This will help to protect vital organs.
- If at all possible, try and hit or kick the dog on the nose or in its ribs. This will usually stun the animal for long enough to allow you to get away.
- In the case of a vicious dog species, hitting it won’t work as they tend to thrive on pain. Instead, try and get it to bite into something like a stick, your shoe or a piece of your clothing.
- Try not to scream or roll around during the attack as this will cause the dog to intensify its attack.
- Once free, get away, but don’t run. Try to move away slowly.
- Seek medical attention.
WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS BEING ATTACKED
- Do not pull the dog away from the person as this could lead to more severe injuries.
- If there’s a fire extinguisher nearby, use it. The snake-like hissing noise will scare the dog away, while the rapidly expanding foam will serve as a barrier between the dog and the victim.
- Distract the dog by pouring cold water on it or spraying it with a hose.
- Get the victim away from the dog as soon as possible.
- Check for any serious wounds and attend to them if possible while awaiting specialised medical care.
- In cases of serious injury, seek medical attention urgently.
Aside from the above tips, it’s also good to know where possible problem-dogs are in your area. Make sure your family and neighbours know to avoid the area. It’s also a good idea to report any dangerous dogs to your local SPCA. Remember, owners of dogs are responsible for the behaviour of their dogs and are legally responsible if their dog attacks a person.
Source: NSPCA / humanesociety.org / animals24-7.org