Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but sometimes our relationship with them can be less than friendly. Although most are very fond of people, there are aggressive and vicious dogs out there that pose a legitimate threat to the safety of you and your loved ones, and it’s important that you know what to do if you find yourself in harm’s way. Dog attacks in Tampa can happen so let’s look at some ways you can safely and effectively deal with such dangerous situations.
Tip 1—Stay Calm
They say that animals can sense fear, so when threatened with a dog attack always try to stay as calm as possible. Actions that humans associate with fear (like running or screaming) may actually appear to the dog as a sign of aggression, which will only make things worse for you.
Tip 2—Minimize Movement
When faced with a menacing dog it’s best to keep still for two reasons. One, it will communicate to the dog that you’re not a threat to it. Secondly, if the dog really does intend to attack you, your lack of motion may cause it to lose interest. Dogs have a strong hunting instinct, and they expect their prey to run, so by not running you’re communicating that you aren’t good hunting material.
Tip 3—Distract the Dog with Something Else
If a dog attack looks imminent, try to find something else that the dog can take its aggression out on. This could be anything from a backpack or purse to a tree branch on the ground. A diversion like this may not buy you a lot of time, but it could be enough to get to safety.
If the worst happens and you are attacked by a dog, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think your injuries look that bad. Afterwards, it’s also advisable that you talk with a personal injury attorney—they will be able to advise you on what course of legal action you should take for such an unfortunate incident.
References:
[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack