Pet Care Corner: How to avoid getting bitten by a dog

“Everyone, but especially children should learn some basics about dog behaviour and safety around dogs,” said the Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd.

When dogs may bite

• When they feel threatened or afraid.
• When they are being teased.
• When they are protecting their territory, food, toys, family or pups.
• When they do not know the person.
• When they have been trained to be aggressive.
• When they are in pain or irritated.

How to tell when a dog might bite

• The dog may stand stiff with the tail erect (the tail can wag back and forth very fast) and the hair may stand up.
• The dog may stare directly at you.
• The dog may growl, show its teeth or bark

What to do if you are threatened by a dog

• Stand very still and try and be calm – do not scream and run.
• Be aware where the dog is and do not turn your back on it and do not stare in the dogs eyes.
• If the dog comes up to sniff at you do not resist. In most cases the dog will go away when seeing that you are not a threat.
• If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
• If the dog does attack suddenly, ‘feed’ it your jacket, purse, bike – anything that may distract the dog and give the animal something to bite besides you.
• If you fall or are knocked down, curl into a ball with your arms and hands over your head and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.

What to do if you are bitten

• Children should tell their parents or guardians immediately.
• All bites should be reported to the local SAPS.
• If necessary, go to the hospital for treatment.

Remember that most dog bites are avoidable.