What to Do If Your Dog Bites Another Dog
As pet owners, we are responsible for not only our pet’s shelter, nutrition, health, and wellness, but also their behavior. If your dog bites another dog, you can be held responsible, which means it is important to act quickly and responsibly. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we want you to feel empowered when it comes to your pets, which is why we’ve created this guide on what to do if your dog bites another dog:
Do Not Try to Break Up a Fight
One of the most important things to remember if your dog starts fighting with another dog is not to physically try to break it up. Putting your body in between the dogs leaves you susceptible to serious injury. If your dog is attached to a leash, try to pull him away from the altercation. You can also pour water on the animals to try to shock them apart or throw a blanket on them to try to get them apart from each other.
Address Any Serious Wounds
Once the dogs are safely separated, assess the injuries and try to stop any bleeding. Use a towel or some gauze and apply pressure to open wounds that are actively bleeding. Call an emergency veterinarian and try to get an appointment as soon as possible. Even if your pup is not bleeding, it is still a good idea to see a veterinarian to make sure there are no injuries you cannot see. Getting immediate medical attention can help you get the most successful outcome for your pet.
Exchange Contact Information
Before you leave the area, you should exchange contact information with the owner of the other dog. Provide your name, contact information, and vaccine status for your dog and gather the same from them as well. If the other dog is a stray, let your veterinarian know that you are unsure whether or not the other dog had any vaccines. The more information you can provide the veterinarian, the better care they can provide for your dog.
What to Do If Your Dog Bites Another Dog: Protecting Yourself
An important part of what to do if your dog bites another dog is protecting yourself against legal action. Although it might not be at the forefront of your mind in the moment, you should try to remember to write down exactly what happened as soon as possible. If there were any witnesses who saw the incident, get their contact information as well. Although it hopefully will not come to it, it is a good idea to protect yourself in case the owner of the other animal tries to initiate legal action. If you find yourself dealing with a lawsuit, having this detailed information can help you prove your case.
Oakland Veterinary Referral Services provides 24-hour emergency services in Bloomfield Hills to provide you and your pets the care you need when you need it. We also have a selection of specialty veterinary services to treat a wide range of ailments. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, visit us online or call (248) 334‑6877.
