According to veterinary behavior guidelines, if you are unfortunately bitten by a dog, please remember these three steps:
- Stay Calm and Do Not Pull Away Abruptly: Sudden movements can worsen the bite. Try to remain calm to avoid escalating the dog's aggression.
- Carefully Remove the Dog's Grip: If safe, gently try to remove the dog's hold without jerking. Avoid aggressive actions that might provoke further biting.
- Clean and Treat the Wound Promptly: Immediately wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water to reduce infection risk. Seek professional medical advice as soon as possible to evaluate the wound and consider rabies risk and other complications.
Additional important advice includes monitoring the biting animal for signs of rabies for 10 days if possible, and consulting public health authorities if the animal shows symptoms or cannot be observed safely. Rabies vaccination and treatment decisions depend on the health status of the animal and the circumstances of the bite.
Understanding dog body language and behavior can help prevent bites. Signs of fear or aggression, such as growling, baring teeth, stiff posture, or avoidance behaviors, indicate a higher risk of biting. Veterinary professionals recommend approaches such as avoiding sudden movements, using muzzles when necessary, and providing positive experiences to reduce fear-related bites.
