Dog attacks are a frightening prospect. Some can cause serious injuries, while others are more dangerous to your nerves than your body. If you own or spend time with dogs, even if there's just a few in your neighborhood, you should know how to react and get away safely if a dog attacks.
Don't Run
If a snarling dog lunges toward you, your first impulse is probably going to be to turn and run away. Avoid this impulse. Running away from some dogs only incites their hunting drive, which can make the attack more serious. If you try to run away when a dog attacks and you're not fast enough, which you probably aren't, you've only managed to increase the danger.
Back Away Slowly and Avert Your Gaze
Instead of running away when a dog attacks, back away slowly, taking measured steps. Avoid making eye contact with an attacking dog, as dogs interpret this as a challenge and may be incited to a more vicious attack. The proper retreat when a dog attacks is to back away slowly with your eyes averted; look slightly down and to the side, with your head lowered and pointed away from the dog. The attacking dog may see your posture as submissive and refrain from a full-out attack.
Get Something Between Yourself and the Dog
Try to put something between you and the dog for him to bite. If you've got any object handy, hold it between you and the dog as a shield. If you don't have anything else for him to bite, use your arm to protect your face and neck. If possible, wrap a sweater or jacket around your arm to protect it. Otherwise, hold your arm up sideways to avoid potential puncture wounds in vital arteries. Avoid struggling; your attempts to pull away from a biting dog can rip the flesh. The dog attack itself might only cause puncture wounds.
Getting Dogs to Let Go
If a dog actually gets your arm in his mouth, you've got a couple of options to try to get him to release. Don't try to pull your arm out of a dog's mouth, as that will only cause more damage. Instead, push your arm further into the dog's mouth, causing him to gag and hopefully relax his grip. You can also use your leg to trip the dog's hindquarters and flip him on his back, if you get enough leverage. You can then put your weight on his exposed stomach and force him into a submissive position. Use the leverage to get him to release your arm.
Get to a Hospital
Even if you've only got mild puncture wounds, get to a hospital after a dog attack. Dogs can carry infectious diseases, and their mouths may contain bacteria that can cause an infection. It's also essential to contact animal control and have them pick up the dog to check for rabies or other illnesses. If your injuries are severe, get to the hospital and have someone else wait for animal control. If your injuries are mild, keep the dog in sight while you wait for animal control to arrive.
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