Why dogs bite
There are certain situations in which
dogs feel trapped or fearful, causing them to growl or
bite. Dogs may also exhibit aggressive behavior when ill or injured. If you or a family member is bitten when petting or touching an otherwise trustworthy
dog, visit your veterinarian to ascertain whether the
dog acted out of pain or discomfort. If your
dog is suffering from an illness or injury that you know about take precaution when petting or moving him. If he seems uncomfortable or in pain, minimize your contact with him unless he seeks it out. If he growls, he does not want you to touch him. If you need to move him, use a soft muzzle or tie a length of gauze around his snout. Better safe than sorry when it comes to the sharp end of a
dog’s discomfort.
Although over half of all
bites are from a
dog the victim knows, there are still legitimate concerns about unknown
dogs. You do not know a stray
dog’s temperament or background, and a
dog on the loose is often lost or scared or may be injured.
When you encounter a stray
dog, never approach him. If he appears to be injured, call your local animal control office. If you are worried about his safety, speak to him calmly and call him to you. If he refuses to come, keep an eye on where he is and call animal control. If he approaches you in a friendly manner, allow him to sniff you. Do not make any sudden moves. Once the
dog seems comfortable, you may coax him to follow you or check his collar for identification.
If an unknown
dog acts threateningly toward you, stop and stay very still. Do not make eye contact with the
dog but do not turn away from him either. Talk gently to the
dog-do not raise your voice. Back away from the
dog slowly. Never run. A running person looks like prey to an aggressive
dog. If the
dog attacks you despite these efforts, drop to the ground and curl into a ball, protecting your head and neck with your hands.
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