My Dog Attacked or Was Attacked. Now What?

When dogs are well-socialised, they usually don’t look for trouble, and most won’t show aggression out of nowhere. However, any dog can lash out if they feel frightened, trapped, or if they sense a threat or are reminded of a past negative experience. When that fear bubbles over, aggression can follow.

Seeing your dog attack or be attacked can be incredibly upsetting. While your dog’s well-being is of utmost concern, it’s also important to take the right steps if your dog or another dog/person has been bitten.

Content:

1. Why Dogs Attack Each Other
2. What to Do During & After an Attack
3. How to Treat Dog Bite Wounds
4. Conclusion

Why Dogs Attack Each Other

”My dog got bit by another dog” or “My dog bit another dog” - These are scenarios that we hope we don’t experience. However, it can happen, and that is why we need to be prepared. But first, why do dogs attack each other?

Dogs don’t actually set out to attack. As social animals, they prefer to avoid conflict. That is, aggression usually surfaces only when they feel trapped, startled, or repeatedly ignored when showing discomfort.

Meanwhile, in some dogs, a strong prey drive can trigger chasing or biting smaller pets or livestock, especially if those animals run. Parents of breeds known for this instinct should take extra care by securing their home and garden and keeping their dog on a lead outdoors.

Because attacks may happen when dogs accidentally escape, gadgets like Petcube GPS Tracker for Dogs may help prevent them from happening. Featuring advanced pet location monitoring with escape alerts and virtual fences, the tracker can help you find your dog when they get lost and prevent dangers such as attacks.

What to Do During & After an Attack

What To Do If a Dog Attacks Your Dog

• Stay calm - Panic can escalate how the dogs are feeling.
• Don’t separate them by hand - You could get hurt if you do so.
• Distract the other dog from a distance - use loud noises such as clapping, but avoid shouting or direct eye contact as this may make them feel more threatened.
• Call your dog away - You may call your dog away, and the other dog parent can do the same.
• Report the incident and collect details - When there’s an injury, involving authorities might be best. Get the contact details of the other parent and ask about insurance if any.
• Visit a vet immediately - Whether your dog’s injury looks serious or not, it is advised to bring them to the vet to get checked and treated if needed.

In this video, Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM, shares his firsthand experience when her dog, Tulla, was attacked, as well as some tips on what to do and what not to do when a dog attacks.

What To Do If Your Dog Attacks Another

• Stay calm - Your reaction affects theirs.
• Distract from a distance - Avoid shouting or eye contact. Use a toy or a loud noise to help distract them.
• Safely get your dog on a lead - After which, move them somewhere quiet to decompress.
• Rule out medical issues.
• Consider an accredited behaviourist.
• Muzzle-train for safety.
• Manage walks if aggression is ongoing.

What To Do If You Get Bitten by a Dog

• Rinse the wound under cold water for 10 minutes.
• Speak to the owner and advise them to seek behaviourist support.
• Get prompt medical attention.
• Photograph the wound and report the bite to the police or your local authorities.

How to Treat Dog Bite Wounds

• When it comes to dog bite treatment, when you arrive at the vet clinic, tell the receptionist your dog was attacked.
• The vet will examine your dog immediately and may begin life-saving care if there’s major trauma.
• Pain relief and antibiotics are typically given to control pain and prevent infection.
• Surgery is often needed to assess injury depth, clean and decontaminate wounds, and close them when possible. Drains or repeat surgeries may be required to remove bacteria and reduce dead space.
• If internal injuries are suspected, your vet may use X-rays or an ultrasound.
• Deep puncture wounds can damage organs or lungs, sometimes requiring emergency abdominal or chest surgery.
• Blood tests may be run, and severe cases may need a blood transfusion.

Petcube GPS Tracker is a helpful gadget for safety and security purposes. When your dog is in danger, for example, the Petcube GPS Tracker can alert you so you can go to your dog’s location pronto.

Meanwhile, how do we prevent dogs from fighting with each other? In a Reddit discussion, a Redditor was frustrated because her dogs kept fighting and biting one another. One of the commenters advised controlling the environment in a way that makes it difficult for negative interactions to occur. She also encourages positive interactions and rewarding dogs when they behave well.

Conclusion

A dog attack can be frightening, but understanding why it happens and knowing how to respond can make a crucial difference. Dogs typically lash out due to fear, pain, or instinct, and not malice. When dogs attack and bite, it is important to stay calm, avoid hands-on intervention, and seek prompt veterinary or medical care.

Longer term, addressing medical issues and working with accredited behaviourists is ideal. Meanwhile, managing your dog’s environment can greatly reduce risks. Ultimately, with preparation, responsible handling, and positive reinforcement, you can better prevent conflicts and support your dogs’ well-being.