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.