Animals, especially dogs, are humans’ best friends. Still, most will attack anyone for numerous reasons, like when they feel startled or threatened, injured or in pain, or suffering from a condition that makes them perceive humans as threats. Animals can potentially cause intense injuries to an individual when they bite.
Due to their sharp teeth and strong jaws, animal bites can break bones, pass on bacteria, and tear through the flesh. While some are unpredictable and can attack without warning, many are triggered by specific situations or actions.
If you or a loved one has been or is a victim of an aggressive animal, you should seek the assistance of knowledgeable attorneys for animal attack cases.
In this article, we’ll give tips on protecting yourself from an aggressive animal like a dog and tips to minimize injury and risk of attack. Let’s dive right in.
How To Protect Yourself From An Aggressive Animal
This is what you should do when there’s an aggressive animal in front of you.
1. Show The Animal That You Are Calm
Keep your arms loose at the sides. Avoid flailing them. Don’t even try to move at all. Moving/running will only trigger the animal, especially a dog, to chase you.
Try speaking calmly yet firmly to the animal. Calmly tell it to “go home” or “sit still.” For example, if it’s a dog, call its name so it won’t see you as a threat.
2. Try Distracting Them
Try picking up a stick or any object nearby and throwing it far away. If it’s a dog, it might leave you and go after the object. If you’re lucky enough to have some treats or snacks, throw them at the animal to distract it.
If you don’t have either, pretend to pick an object and throw it away. This may send the animal chasing. Doing this will give you time to create enough space between you and the animal.
3. Protect Yourself From Any Possible Attack
Look for any nearby structure or object that’s tall enough to put a distance between you and the animal. Folding your hands into a fist will save your fingers from being bitten off because removing a fist than a finger from a dog’s mouth is easier.
If you can’t get off the floor, curl in a ball and use your arms to protect your neck and head.
4. Avoid Stares
Animals consider staring as a form of aggression. Some dog breeds may perceive those who stare as a threat. Staring might deliver a wrong message to the animal.
Avoiding eye contact with animals, especially dogs, as it shows them that you respect their territory and mean no harm to them.
Conclusion
An aggressive animal could be in pain or want to prove something. Whenever you encounter an aggressive animal, remember to be calm and slowly back away. Don’t make any unusual or sudden movements, as it’s a sure way for them to see you as a potential threat.
And in the unfortunate event that you sustain an injury due to an animal attack, don’t hesitate to reach out to an animal attack attorney to find out what your legal options are.
