Any dog can bite, regardless of its personality, size, age or breed. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. There are ways to reduce the risk of dog bites, though, including learning how to interact with dogs you don’t know and practicing responsible dog ownership to help lessen the chances your own dog will bite.
Keeping Yourself Safe
- Learn to understand dog body language. A dog can’t tell you with words when they’re uncomfortable, so it’s important to pay attention to their behavior. An uncomfortable dog may try to make themselves look bigger by standing up straight or puffing out their fur, and an anxious dog may try to make themselves look smaller by lowering their head or tucking their tail. Not all dogs express themselves in the exact same way, so try to ask yourself whether the dog seems like it wants you there. If you are unsure, respect the dog’s feelings and give them space.
- Ask before reaching out to pet a dog you don’t know. If you’re around a shy or fearful dog, avoid trying to pet them right away. Instead, ask the owner if you can toss a treat nearby without making direct eye contact. This gives the dog a chance to approach or retreat on their own terms, helping build trust without pressure.
- If an unknown dog approaches you, stay calm. Try to remain still. Do not run or scream. Most dogs will sniff you and leave you alone once they know you’re not a threat to them.
Preventing Bites as a Pet Owner
- Socialize your dog. Use positive, low-pressure techniques when socializing your dog — especially if they are shy or fearful. One effective method is the “treat and retreat” approach: let your dog approach a new person at their own pace, and have the person toss treats behind the dog instead of reaching out. This encourages your dog to associate people with good things while giving them space to retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Never force interactions — progress should always be at the dog’s comfort level.
- Teach your dog skills like “sit,” “stay,” “no” and “come.” Teaching these skills can help your dog bond with you and learn to trust people.
- Keep your dog healthy. Dogs who feel sick or are in pain are more likely to bite. Get your dog vaccinated against rabies and other preventable diseases to help ensure they feel their best. Having record of these vaccines will also help if your dog ever bites.
- Supervise your dog. Keep your dog on a leash in public and always keep an eye on them outside – even if they’re in an enclosed area.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s mood. Learn to recognize when your dog is stressed and be prepared to prevent escalation of the situation. Remove your dog from situations that make them uncomfortable and could increase the risk of a bite.
Responding to a Bite
If you are bitten:
- If the dog’s owner is there, ask for proof of rabies vaccination and get their contact information.
- Clean the wound with soap and water.
- Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
- Contact the dog’s veterinarian to confirm they have been vaccinated.
If your dog bites:
- Restrain your dog immediately and separate them from the scene of the bite. Try to confine them to a safe place.
- Check on the bite victim’s condition and encourage them to seek professional medical advice. If they need immediate help, call 911.
- Provide the bite victim with your contact information and your dog’s most recent vaccine information.
- Obey local rules and laws about reporting dog bites.
