How to Survive a Dog Attack

Posted in Personal Injury on July 15, 2021

Even though most people do not think about getting attacked by a dog, the reality is that these incidents do occur. Dogs are arguably the most popular pet in the United States, and millions of households have one or more dogs living in them. Even though the vast majority of dogs are relatively docile, the possibility of an attack can arise anytime dogs mix with people and other pets. Humans can suffer from a wide range of injuries, particularly when a large dog attacks a person. Here, we want to discuss six steps that can help you survive a dog attack if one should occur.

1. Stay as calm as possible

Panic can set in when a dog is about to bite or attack. It is important to fight the instinct to panic and stay as calm as possible. When a person shows fear or aggression, this can make the dog even more ferocious. Dogs can sense fear and aggression from people, and they will react accordingly.

2. Do not run away from the dog or make eye contact

It is important not to run away from the dog. Running will only encourage the dog to attack more ferociously, particularly if it is already about to attack in the first place. Additionally, you should not make eye contact with the dog, as this is a sign of trying to establish dominance. This will not work very well when a dog is ready to bite or attack. Instead, a person should move away slowly while turned peripherally from the animal. In other words, walk in a sort of sideways motion and keep the dog in your peripheral vision.

3. Put something between you and the dog if possible

If it looks like the dog attack will be inevitable, try to put something between you and the dog. This can include a jacket, a stick off the ground, or anything else in the vicinity that you can pick up. There is a good chance that the dog will try to bite onto whatever you put in between yourself and them.

4. Use sticks or rocks as weapons

If a dog charges you, this means that the attack is likely inevitable. Use a stick or rocks, or anything else that you can grab, as weapons. You should aim specifically for the throat and eyes of the dog, as a blow there could stop the attack. Many people are concerned about hurting the dog, but this is not a time to have that concern. You need to make sure that yourself and anyone with you are okay.

5. Offer the forearm if biting is inevitable

If you do not have any objects that you can put in between yourself and the dog or attack them with, or if the dog gets through those objects, offer one of your forearms for them to bite, preferably your weak arm’s forearm. This will leave you two legs and another arm to attack the dog and to protect your face and stomach.

6. Seek medical care immediately after the attack

In the aftermath of a dog attack, you need to seek medical care immediately. A doctor will not only be able to treat your visible traumatic wounds, but they will also be able to give you medications to prevent any possible infection. Additionally, you may need a rabies shot, depending on whether or not the dog was a carrier. You should also speak with a lawyer who handles dog attack cases.