Do you or your family know what to do if a dog bites?   Dogs, our natural, loveable, best friends can turn attack if frightened or challenged.  So what do you do if an unfamiliar dog (or maybe even a dog you think you know) attacks you?

Here are some tip from the Center for Disease Control and the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control.  Knowing what to do could save you from serious harm.

• Dogs, like humans, are naturally fearful of unfamiliar and what they perceive to be threatening situations, and can be easily be startled if they happen to lying quietly resting or sleeping.
• It is a good precaution to never a leave small children alone with a dog.
• Immediately report any stray dogs or dogs which are displaying unusual behavior to an adult or to the authorities whose job it is to protect the public from vicious animals. [CDC]
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult, or to the authorities.. [CDC]
• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. [CDC] Never approach a dog unknown to you, especially if it’s tied up or confined.  If the dog is with a person, even on a leash, always ask for permission before approaching the dog.  [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• “Be still like a tree” and remain motionless  if you are approached by an unfamiliar and/or aggressive dog. [CDC] Avoid making eye contact with the dog. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight. Do not turn your back on the dog. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Do not run from a dog or scream.  This will startle the dog and encourage the dog to follow you. [CDC]
• Never turn your back and run away from a dog, a dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch you. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• If knocked over by a dog, immediately roll into a ball and lie still  – like a log.  [CDC]  Place your hands over your ears to protect them and remain motionless. Try not to scream, thrash or roll about. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Keep your face away from close proximity with a dog, especially his mouth area.
• Always supervise children when they are playing with a dog unless. [CDC]
• Avoid dogs you don’t know and do not chase or tease dogs. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• A dog will become upset and make bit if you attempt to take food or toys from him. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Do not pull the ears or tail, or attempt to hug a sleeping dog. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Don’t try to dress the dog, putting unwanted clothing on the dog. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. [CDC] Do not challenge the dog by staring it right in the eyes.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. [CDC] A mother dog with puppies can become aggressive.  Mother dogs  need a safe, quiet place to be with their puppies.  Visits and interaction should be kept to a minimum. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Always let a dog sniff you before attempting to pet it, this applies even to your own dog. [CDC]
• Do not ever attempt to break up a dog fight by grabbing the animals. Yell or make loud noise to redirect their attention. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• An injured dog may bite depending on how much pain or fear it has. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
• Do not attempt to move a dog from the bed, push down on its rump to make it sit, or step over a resting dog. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control] Do not bend over the dog or startle a dog lying down quietly.
• Do not allow your dog to roam around with a leash.

For more information on dog bites or for a free consultation, please call our office at 602-971-1775 or visit our website www.alexandgaxiola.com