If A Dog Attacks You Do Not Run or Scream, Do These Things To Save Yourself

Coming face-to-face with an aggressive dog can be frightening, especially when the animal is barking, growling or moving toward you. Your first instinct might be to scream or run away. However, running can encourage some dogs to chase you, while screaming and sudden movements may make an already tense situation worse.

Knowing how to react may reduce your chances of being seriously injured. 1. Stay Calm and Avoid Running If an unfamiliar dog approaches you aggressively, try to remain as calm as possible. Avoid turning your back and running. Instead, stand still or slowly move away without making sudden movements. Keep the dog in your field of vision, but avoid staring directly into its eyes, as prolonged eye contact may be perceived as threatening.

Rather than facing the dog directly, turn your body slightly sideways. Keep your hands close to your body and avoid waving your arms.

Speak in a calm, firm voice if necessary. Simple commands such as “No,” “Stay,” or “Back” may work if the dog is accustomed to commands.

Avoid screaming or repeatedly shouting at the animal. 3. Put Something Between Yourself and the Dog

If the dog continues approaching, use an object as a barrier.

A backpack, handbag, bicycle, jacket, chair or other available object can be positioned between you and the dog. The goal is not to provoke the animal but to create distance and protect your body.

If possible, slowly move toward a safe location such as inside a building, behind a closed gate or into a vehicle. 4. Protect Yourself If the Dog Attacks

If the dog actually attacks and you cannot safely escape, use whatever object you have as a shield.

Protect vulnerable areas such as your face, neck and chest.

If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball, tuck your head down and use your hands and arms to protect your neck and ears. Remain as still as reasonably possible until the immediate danger passes. 5. Get Medical Attention After a Bite

Even a seemingly small dog bite should not simply be ignored.

Wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water for about 15 minutes, then seek medical attention as soon as possible.

A healthcare professional can determine whether you need treatment to prevent infection, a tetanus booster or rabies post-exposure vaccination, depending on the circumstances and the dog’s vaccination status.

If possible, contact the dog’s owner or the appropriate local authorities so the animal’s vaccination history can be checked. Do not attempt to capture an unfamiliar aggressive dog yourself. Final Advice

There is no technique that can guarantee complete safety during a dog attack. However, remaining calm, avoiding running, creating a barrier, protecting vulnerable parts of your body and seeking prompt medical attention after a bite can reduce the risk of serious injury.

Most importantly, never assume that a bite is harmless simply because the wound looks small. Prompt treatment is particularly important when the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown.

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