How to Avoid Being Bitten

Never approach a strange dog, particularly one who's confined or restrained. Don't pet a dog, even your own, without letting him/her see and sniff you first. Avoid running past a dog or turning your back on a dog and running away. A dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch fleeing prey. Unless you know the dog very well, don't disturb a dog who's sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Use caution with strange dogs. Always assume that a strange dog may see you as an intruder or a threat.

What to Do If You Think a Dog May Attack

Never scream and run. If you do, you'll probably trigger the dog's chase response and only increase your chances of being attacked. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until he/she is out of sight. More than 60% of bite victims are children. Teach your children to remain motionless when they are approached by a strange dog. If you allow a strange dog to sniff you, in most cases the dog will leave when he/she decides you aren't a threat. Avoid direct eye contact with the dog. Staring into a dog's eyes is perceived by the dog as an act of aggression and dominance and will only challenge the dog to attack. In a loud and low voice, tell the dog to "go home." If the dog does attack, "feed" him/her your jacket, purse, or anything that can come between you and the dog. If you fall or are knocked down, curl into a ball and put your hands over your ears. Try not to scream or roll around.

What to Do If You Are Bitten

Wash the wound and immediately consult a doctor. Report the bite to the local animal-control department, animal shelter, or health department. Tell animal-control personnel as much as you can about the dog--what the dog looks like, where you saw the dog, whether you've seen the dog before, and so on. It's important for animal-control personnel to locate the dog as quickly as possible.