5 Tips Help To Prevent Dog Bites

Even the friendliest and gentlest of dogs may bite if startled or pushed too far. Taking the proper steps and making sure your dog is happy and healthy may help lower the danger. We propose the following tips on how to approach a dog, what to do when you see a loose dog, and the right way to treat dogs in order to make interactions between people and dogs pleasant for all parties involved. These tips may also be used to ensure that loose dogs are properly contained.

1. Do not disturb
Be sure not to pull on the dog’s ears or tail, and never annoy the dog when he is asleep or while he is eating. After all, you wouldn’t want someone messing with your food while eating, would you? The same goes for if the dog is playing with a toy and do not take a dog’s toy or treat away without giving it something else. More importantly, do not bother the dog, especially when having fun with its pups. Dogs have a strong sense of ownership over their belongings, and they are particularly protective of their puppies.

2. Move Slowly
When approaching an animal, you should never do it in a rushed manner. The animal interprets rapid motions as potential dangers to itself. When they feel threatened, animals often resort to biting to protect themselves.

3. Hand Out, Fist Closed
Objects that move quickly have the potential to agitate a dog that might have been otherwise uninterested in the situation. When you are around an unfamiliar dog, and the dog has not yet shown any symptoms of hostility or an intent to attack, you should be sure to walk carefully and leave more than enough space between you and the dog.

4. Ask the Owner
If you want to pet an owned dog, it’s polite to ask the owner first. Dogs have developed the ability to sense their owners’ emotions, and when the person is surprised, it is likely that their companion will also be startled. Animals that are startled may bite.

5. Never ride or sit
No matter how well-behaved your dog is, and even if you have a dog that is a member of one of the giant breeds as a member of your household. This activity poses a risk of causing injury to the dog’s back muscles since they are not robust enough or equipped to support the weight of a passenger, and they were not intended to do so.

Any dog is capable of biting. It makes no difference what size they are, what breed they are, or if they are male or female. Even if they are loving lap dog that has never shown any signs of aggression in the past, they have the potential to bite if they feel threatened. If you want to protect yourself, your family, and the community from being bitten by dogs, the easiest way to do so is to follow the tips that have been provided above.

“All dog bites carry a risk of infection, but immediate copious irrigation can significantly decrease that risk. Assessment for the risk of tetanus and rabies virus infection, and subsequent selection of prophylactic antibiotics, are essential in the management of dog bites.” source

For more information on how to take care of your pets or for any emergency vet services in Mississauga, contact Truscott Animal Hospital. Their team of licensed, qualified, and experienced animal doctors will be happy to provide more tips and information on how to care for your pets.