It's important to know that not all dogs that bite are aggressive. They can be sweet, cuddly and affectionate. People often label a dog that has bitten someone as a bad dog. This is simply not true. Clear your head from all the social stigmas associated with dogs who bite and read on to find out what you do if they do.

What Should I Do If My Dog Bites Someone?

1. Try to remain calm.

2. Confine your dog to a crate or another room.

3. Help the bite victim wash the wound thoroughly with warm, soapy water.

4. Be courteous and sympathetic to the bite victim. Avoid laying blame or getting defensive. Remember that what you say may be used against you later if legal or civil action is taken.

5. Contact a medical professional for the bite victim. Depending on the severity of the bite, an ambulance may be needed.

6. Exchange contact information with the victim. Provide your insurance information, if applicable.

7. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information.

8. Contact your veterinarian and obtain your dog's medical records.

9. Inform local authorities of the incident and comply with their orders.

The most important steps in the 9 listed above are #1 & #4. By maintaining a calm demeanor, you can help prevent the situation from escalating. The first thing to remember is pain. Regardless of the what's going on around you, who provoked what reaction, etc., keep in mind that a person is in pain. It is never appropriate to argue or behave defensively when a situation like this occurs. Maintain a mild disposition, secure your dog, and do everything you can to ensure the bite victim is being taken care of. How you react in these types of situations can greatly help you down the line if the issue goes to court. Don't add any fuel to the fire.

Dog bite laws vary by location. So when you return home, do your research to better understand your situation and your rights. If you cannot remember when your pup was last vaccinated, contact your vet. All of this information will prove useful in the even a civil lawsuit is filed by the bite victim.

We appreciate the concise information we gathered from Dogs About. To read even more information about dog bites and legal matters, you can read their full article here.

Did We Miss Something?

If we missed an important step or piece of information that you think is necessary during a dog bite situation, please let us know! Our goal is to stay informed, especially during an emergency situation with our pup, to ensure we are properly taking care of matters. If you have something to share, please feel free to comment us in the comment section below. Links, videos and photos are welcomed, too. Thanks so much!