As much as we wish we could protect our furry best friend from harm’s way, it’s not always possible. Granted, pooch scuffles in the park are fairly common, but what happens if it turns dangerous? In this post, we’ll explain what to do if your dog is attacked by another dog. Hopefully you’ll never need to put this advice to use, but it pays to be prepared…
Understanding the warning signs
A dog attack can happen in a split-second and as if out of nowhere, but there are some warning signs you can look out for. A dog that feels threatened or nervous is more likely to turn aggressive. Walk away quickly and calmly in the other direction if you see a dog doing any of the below…
- Baring its teeth
- Snarling or growling
- Snapping
- Lunging in your direction
What to do if the worst happens
1. Stay calm
As hard as it is to stay calm in a situation like this, the worst thing you can do is panic. This could potentially make things worse, distressing your dog further and worsening the aggression in the attacking dog.
2. Do NOT try and break it up
Trying to separate your dog and another is really dangerous, so don’t be tempted to try and wade in. It could result in some nasty injuries for you, and result in more serious injuries in your dog, if the offending dog has latched on, for instance. Instead, try to alert the owner (if they’re not already aware), and have them call their dog away, while you calmly call to your own.
3. Use a distraction method
Sometimes, a loud clap will work well to distract the attacking dog, causing a pause hopefully long enough for the dog’s owner to take action. Just be careful not to scream or shout, as this could make the offending dog feel even more threatened.
3. Gather details
If an attack happens, it’s important to get the contact details of the dog’s owner (including insurance information in case of any treatment needed). You should also look for any witnesses and, if possible, take a photograph of the attacking dog. Report the attack to your local dog warden, too.
4. Take a trip to the vet
It’s a good idea to check-in with your vet if your poor pooch experiences an attack. Even if the wounds don’t look too bad, there might be tissue damage lurking beneath the surface, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Is your canine feeling shaken and anxious after the attack? It’s totally understandable. Our soothing YuMOVE Calming Care could help.
Here at YuMOVE, we’re on a mission to help dogs live their happiest, healthiest lives. Our triple-action supplements are designed to do just that – whether your dog’s suffering from anxiety, has a sensitive tum or is experiencing joint stiffness. Take a look at our full range here.
Got a question about any of our products? Give our friendly Customer Services team a call on 01462 416866, or email us at hello@yumove.com.
