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What to Do if a Dog Attacks You

What to Do if a Dog Attacks You

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What kind of damage can be done by “man’s best friend?” You never quite know what a dog’s response will be to sudden movements or people they do not know. You might even just be taking a walk through the park and be confronted with a vicious dog whose owner cannot control him. The Center for Disease Control and the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. have some tips to help you stay alive and safe.

If a Dog Attacks You

  • Do not run from a dog or scream. [CDC]
  • Never turn your back and run away from a dog. A dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch you. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
  • If the dog does attack, “feed” him your jacket, purse or anything that you can put between you and the dog. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]
  • If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”). [CDC] with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream, thrash or roll about. [Maricopa County Animal Care & Control]

What to do After a Dog Bite

  • Don’t panic. Call 911 immediately.
  • Get appropriate medical care and attention for the victim immediately, call a doctor or visit an emergency clinic
  • Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Ask for the owner’s driver’s license, name, address and phone number – NO PO BOXES!
  • If the person in control of the dog at the time of the attack is not the owner, get their driver’s license, name, address and telephone number also – NO PO BOXES!
  • Get the name, address and phone numbers of any witnesses to the dog attack
  • Take photos of the victim’s wounds and clothing before and after medical treatment
  • Take photos of the dog if possible
  • Write down anything you can remember
    – Breed of dog
    – Demeanor of dog
    – On a leash?
    – License tags?
  • Report the bite to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control at 602-506-7387
  • Contact an experienced dog-bite attorney

For more information on dog bites in Phoenix, Arizona or for a free consultation with experienced dog bite attorneys, please call our office at ((602) 483-6114.

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