Dog bites can be a frightening experience, but it’s important to remain calm and know how to handle the situation. Understanding why dogs bite, and following the right steps after an incident, can help prevent panic and reduce the risk of complications. In this article, we’ll discuss why dogs bite, what to do immediately after, and how to prevent future bites.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs typically bite as a reaction to certain stimuli, not because they are inherently aggressive. Here are common reasons a dog may bite:
Fear or Anxiety
Dogs may bite when they feel threatened, startled, or frightened. If a dog is in an unfamiliar situation or feels cornered, biting may be its defense mechanism.
Protection
Some dogs bite to protect themselves, their owners, food, or territory. Guarding behavior is especially common with breeds trained for protection or herding.
Pain or Discomfort
When dogs are in pain, they may react with a bite. This can happen if they have an injury, illness, or are recovering from a medical procedure. Dogs may bite even in response to gentle touches if they are hurting.
Play
Puppies and younger dogs sometimes bite while playing, not realizing the strength of their jaws. Although playful, this type of biting can still cause injury.
Stress or Overstimulation
Dogs can bite when they are overstimulated or experiencing stress from too much noise, excitement, or unfamiliar surroundings.
What to Do if a Dog Bites You
If a dog bites you, it’s critical to stay calm and take the following steps:
1. Move to Safety
First, make sure the dog is no longer a threat. If the dog is still nearby, avoid sudden movements that might agitate it further. Calmly walk to a safe location.
2. Assess the Wound
Check the severity of the bite. If the skin is broken or bleeding, it’s important to clean the wound immediately to reduce the risk of infection. Minor bites can be cleaned with soap and water, while more serious bites might require medical attention.
3. Stop the Bleeding
For deeper wounds, apply pressure using a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate the affected area if possible to help stop the bleeding.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even minor dog bites can become infected, so it’s important to seek medical advice. If the dog that bit you was not vaccinated, or if you’re unsure of the dog’s vaccination history, rabies and tetanus shots may be necessary.
5. Document the Incident
If the dog belongs to someone, get the owner’s contact information, as well as any vaccination records for the dog. If the dog is a stray, try to note its appearance and where the bite occurred.
6. Report the Bite
Depending on local laws, you may need to report the bite to animal control or a local authority. This can help ensure the dog doesn’t pose a threat to others and that proper steps are taken for public safety.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
To avoid future dog bites, it’s important to understand dog body language and behavior. Here are some tips to help prevent bites:
- Avoid Startling Dogs: Always approach dogs calmly and give them a chance to see you before petting them. Never sneak up on a dog, especially when it is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Respect a Dog’s Space: Don’t approach unfamiliar dogs, especially those tied up or behind fences. Even if a dog appears friendly, it may feel threatened if you invade its territory.
- Supervise Children: Many dog bites happen when children don’t understand how to behave around dogs. Teach children to respect dogs’ boundaries and avoid rough play that could provoke a bite.
- Look for Warning Signs: Dogs often show signs of discomfort or stress before biting. Pay attention to growling, showing teeth, raised fur, or a stiff posture—these are signals that a dog might feel threatened and could bite.
- Don’t Encourage Rough Play: Avoid playing games with dogs that encourage biting, such as tug-of-war. While dogs may seem to enjoy this type of play, it can increase the likelihood of them biting in other situations.
Walking Away From Any Bite, Big Or Small
While a dog bite can be scary, staying calm and knowing what to do can prevent further harm. Most dogs bite due to fear, stress, or pain, not because they are aggressive. By understanding the reasons behind dog bites and following proper steps for treatment, you can handle the situation safely and reduce the risk of infection or further injury.
If you’ve been bitten, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice and, if necessary, report the incident to local authorities. Above all, remember that dogs communicate through their behavior—learning to read these cues can go a long way in preventing bites from happening in the first place.
Author Byline:
Jake is a dog enthusiast and helps people navigate the legal side of dog bites and canine injuries. Jake works with many clients including John Elisak. Dog bite injury lawyer, John Eliasik gives his best advice for dog bite victims and instructs them to: “Take photos of your injuries as documentation in case you need medical or legal follow-up.” This advice helps victims navigate the legal side of animal bites.