As a pet parent, one of the scariest things that can happen is watching your dog be attacked by another dog. What should you do?
It can be hard to know how to act when you’re upset, so it’s helpful to prepare for these types of situations in advance. With that in mind, here are some practical tips for how to handle a fight between dogs.
First, don’t panic!
Easier said than done, right? Although they often sound terrifying, with lots of snarling and snapping, many dog fights are mostly noise. It might seem like they’re trying to kill each other, but in most cases, both participants are unscathed when the dust settles.
If you need to separate the dogs, try grabbing the aggressor just under the rear legs and pulling backwards. Using a hose or bucket of water, throwing a heavy blanket over the dogs or spraying them with citronella can also be effective strategies for breaking up a fight. Do not try to grab either dog’s collar, or put your hands near the face or head—this will likely to result in you being bitten by accident.
Get the owner’s information
Once the dogs have been separated, make sure to get the name and contact information of the other dog’s owner. Think of a dog fight like a “fender bender” between two cars. It’s important to know who the other person is and how to get in touch with them if there are injuries that aren’t obvious at first. Confirm that the other dog has a current rabies vaccine, if possible.
If there are veterinary bills to be paid, the other owner may be willing to help with this. And depending on the circumstances of the bite, it’s possible that animal control or even law enforcement may need to be involved.
Assess your dog for injuries
Once everyone has calmed down, check your dog carefully to see if he’s injured. Be aware that puncture wounds can be small and hard to find, especially if your pup has a lot of fur. Feel carefully around his neck, chest, sides and abdomen, and look for any traces of blood that might indicate an injury.
Small, superficial wounds on the face or ears can often be treated at home. You can gently clean these with warm soapy water, and apply a topical antibiotic ointment to help them heal.
Puncture wounds on any part of the body should be assessed by a veterinarian, as there can be significant soft tissue damage or even severe internal injuries that aren’t obvious from the outside. Deep puncture wounds will generally require antibiotics, as dog bites have a tendency to get infected.
Seek emergency care if needed
In some cases, you may need to take your dog directly to an emergency clinic to be treated. Fortunately, most dog bites aren’t this serious! But it’s important to know what signs to look for so you can make an educated decision.
In general, your dog needs immediate veterinary care if you observe any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- White or pale pink gums
- Inability to stand or walk
- Deep punctures to the chest or abdomen
- Uncontrolled bleeding
If your dog is seriously injured, hold pressure on any bleeding wounds, wrap him in a blanket to keep him warm and drive straight to the nearest veterinary hospital for treatment.
With luck, you’ll never have to use these tips! But being armed with information and a plan of action “just in case” can ensure you’ll be ready for anything and prepared to protect your pet.