Any dog can turn on you. Watch for these clues and know what to do
Ever since a little girl died last month when dogs attacked her and her mom in Garner, there’s been a lot of debate about the two pit bulls involved.
- Garner owners want to keep dogs that killed child, injured mother
- Garner police chief denies 'dangerous dog' permit for pair that killed child, injured mother
This study shows pit bulls are responsible for more deadly attacks than any other type of dog.
But know, any dog can suddenly attack and it happens more often than we want to realize.
The American Veterinary Medical Association points out that nearly 85 million nice dogs live in the U.S.
It’s the strength of the dog that impacts the severity of the injuries.
"What’s important for people to know is that any dog could bite, given the right circumstances," said Veterinarian Dr. Margaret Gruen.
She’s an assistant professor of behavioral medicine at North Carolina State University.
Before the pandemic, 5 On Your Side’s Monica Laliberte talked with experts about warning signs that a dog might turn, and how to protect yourself if that happens.
While dog maulings are rare, it’s important to know that less severe attacks can often be prevented from the start.
For example, when a dog approaches do not make eye contact.
Gruen also warned about running away. "I think the urge is to sort of run away, and that can often make the situation worse," she said. Adding the reality is, most people cannot out-run or even out-bike a dog.
Instead, Gruen says the best response is get on the ground and pull yourself in tight, like a rock, protecting your head and neck.
Most bites, 77% according to the Humane Society, involve "familiar" dogs.
Before attacking, dogs often give cues they’ve had enough.
"Like getting that furrowed brow," Gruen said. "We’ll see them start to lick their lips or they may yawn. Yawning is a sign of conflict or anxiety in dogs."
She said other signs a dog is nervous: they have a low body posture, the whites of their eyes are visible, and ears down are and back.
She says that describes a "really nervous dog."
Now retired, former NC State veterinarian Dr. Brenda Stevens said human excitement can quickly trigger a dog. To reduce any threat, she says don’t move at all. Be still, it helps calm the dog, too.
Another lesson to avoid a bite is knowing how to approach a dog.
It’s not head-on and letting a dog sniff your hand.
"You would want to come alongside this dog, and from collar to rump, that would be your initiation," showed Stevens.
Gruen said putting something between you and the dog – a backpack or bike – works not only as a barrier, but also makes you appear larger.
Dog owners should know that a dog that constantly barks at people passing could suddenly become more aggressive.
