How to Survive a Dog Bite Attack

A dog attack is one of the most frightening things a person can experience. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of people are hospitalized with dog bites every year. This is why everyone should understand what to do when faced with a dog attack.

Coming face to face with one or more unfriendly dogs leaves you with very few options. In nearly every instance, running away is not the best plan. Any dog interested in attacking you will surely give chase and chances are you won’t be able to outrun an attacking dog.

What should you do when facing an aggressive dog to avoid an attack?

Stand Strong

If you’re facing off with an aggressive dog, the best thing you can do is assert your dominance.  You’ll feel fear, but don’t turn yourself over to it. It’s not going to help if you start screaming or running, or kicking at the dog. Remaining calm and in control slows the dog down and makes it think you aren’t afraid. If the dog senses your dominance, it’s less likely to attack.

Use a strong voice and tell the dog “no!” Even if the dog never learned the command, your tone will communicate dominance.

Direct, ongoing eye contact makes dogs uncomfortable. If you think a dog might be aggressive, the last thing you’ll want to do is make direct eye contact. Keep the dog in sight, but avoid looking right into its eyes.

What If the Dog Still Attacks?

If your effort to avoid a dog attack fails, there are still things you can do to reduce your risk of serious injuries. To survive a dog bite attack:

• Keep your hands and arms in front of your body. This protects your most vulnerable parts.
• If a dog bites you and won’t let go, move your arm or body part toward the dog, deeper into its mouth. This can result in the dog gagging. Never try to pull away – you’re more likely to tear your skin.
• Try to prevent the dog from shaking its head if you can put body weight on the dog.
• For a major attack, curl into a fetal position. If a dog is attacking a child, curl your own body around the child.
• Avoid punching or kicking the dog. This can aggravate the situation. The best thing you can do is guard yourself against serious injuries by blocking and remaining as still as possible.

Have you or a loved one been attacked by a dog? You might have a right to legal compensation. For more information or to discuss your situation, contact Heavens Law at 484-467-8254. All phone consultations are free and confidential, with no obligation beyond that.