What is what to do when your dog is attacked by another dog?

Here's some information on what to do if your dog is attacked by another dog:

During the Attack:

• Prioritize Safety: Your safety and the safety of any other people nearby is paramount. Do not put yourself in a position where you could be bitten.
• Separate the Dogs: This is the most important goal. Some methods include:
  • Making Loud Noises: Yelling, blowing a whistle, or using an air horn might startle the dogs.
  • Water: If available, spraying the dogs with a hose or throwing buckets of water on them can sometimes separate them.
  • Physical Barrier: If possible, try to wedge something between the dogs, such as a board, chair, or trash can lid.
  • Leg Grab (Use with Extreme Caution): If you are very confident and experienced, you might try grabbing the attacking dog's hind legs and pulling backwards. This is extremely risky and could result in you being bitten. This method is better attempted by two people, each grabbing the hind legs of one of the dogs and pulling them in opposite directions.
• Avoid Reaching In: Do not reach your hands into the fray to try and physically separate the dogs unless you have no other options. You are very likely to be bitten, even by your own dog in the heat of the moment.

Immediately After the Attack:

• Separate the Dogs Completely: Ensure the attacking dog is leashed and under control by its owner or animal control.
• Assess Your Dog's Injuries: Check for any visible wounds, bleeding, limping, or signs of shock. Even if your dog seems okay, there may be internal injuries.
• Seek Veterinary Care Immediately: Take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Puncture wounds can be deceptively small but cause significant internal damage and infection. The vet can assess the injuries, administer pain medication and antibiotics, and check for internal injuries. This is linked as a crucial part of seeking%20veterinary%20care.
• Collect Information: Get the attacking dog owner's name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Obtain proof of the attacking dog's rabies vaccination. If the owner is uncooperative, try to get photos of the owner, the dog, and their vehicle (including license plate if possible).
• Report the Incident: Report the dog attack to your local animal control or police department. This is important for creating a record of the incident and for potentially preventing future attacks. It will be recorded to provide the incident%20report .
• Take Pictures/Videos: Document all injuries to your dog, the location of the attack, and any other relevant details.
• Legal Considerations: Consult with an attorney regarding your rights and options, especially if your dog has sustained serious injuries or if the attacking dog has a history of aggression. Be aware of the legal%20considerations.

Important Considerations:

• Shock: Your dog may be in shock after the attack. Keep them warm and calm while transporting them to the vet.
• Your Emotional State: You will likely be shaken up after witnessing your dog being attacked. Take care of your own emotional well-being.
• Future Prevention: Consider enrolling your dog in training classes to improve their recall and obedience. Avoid areas where you know aggressive dogs are present. This can be part of the future%20prevention of dog attacks.