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Be prepared for what to do if your dog is attacked by another dog. Remember this 5 step plan to help keep your dog safe.


Dog aggression can be a distressing experience, but sadly it does happen. Whilst it’s not nice to think about, planning for an emergency is always wise, as this will allow you to stay calm and react quickly. 


Here is a 5 step plan to take if your dog is attacked,to help your dog get thehelp they need and to record the incident properly.


But first, it’s important to ask: why do dogs attack other dogs?


No dog is born purely aggressive, but some dogs have unfortunate experiences that can lead to aggression. Any dog can become aggressive if they are afraid, are in excessive pain, or if they feel trapped. This can be due to a perceived threat in front of them or even the result of past trauma or an experience that frightened them. 


If a dog is poorly socialized, they can also grow up to see other dogs as threats rather than friends, sadly leading to attacks.


What to do if your dog is attacked by another dog?


1) Breathe

It can be hard to do, but really try to stay calm and breathe. It can be tempting to react with panic or loudly if your dog is attacked, but these actions could increase the severity of the attack. By focusing on breathing, you can act rationally, more effectively, and quickly. All of which will help the outcome for your injured dog.

2) Distract 

Your first job is to interrupt the attack as quickly as you can. Avoid separating the dogs yourself, as this could cause further injury to your dog, as well as yourself. The best course of action is to try and distract the attacking dog from a safe distance. A loud noise like a clap or a sudden movement can do this. Avoiding shouting directly at or making eye contact with the attacking dog, as this can make them feel more threatened.


What to do if your dog is attacked by another dog?


1) Breathe

It can be hard to do, but really try to stay calm and breathe. It can be tempting to react with panic or loudly if your dog is attacked, but these actions could increase the severity of the attack. By focusing on breathing, you can act rationally, more effectively, and quickly. All of which will help the outcome for your injured dog.

2) Distract 

Your first job is to interrupt the attack as quickly as you can. Avoid separating the dogs yourself, as this could cause further injury to your dog, as well as yourself. The best course of action is to try and distract the attacking dog from a safe distance. A loud noise like a clap or a sudden movement can do this. Avoiding shouting directly at or making eye contact with the attacking dog, as this can make them feel more threatened.

3) Separate

If you can, use the distraction to call your dog away or pick them up, if it is safe to do so. Taking them to a safe distance or height away from the other dog, either by lifting them up or asking someone to take them for a moment away from the scene of the attack. If the attack persists, do not try and pick your dog up, as you may then be at risk of injury too or it may exacerbate the other dog’s level of aggression.


4) Record & Report

Once you’ve separated the dogs and it’s safe to do so, try to get the owner's contact details. Check if they have insurance that may cover you for any veterinary care required, and take a photo of their dog. Note or photograph any injuries your dog has and the place where the attack took place, and do the same with your own injuries if you sustained any.

You may also want the contact details of any witnesses who saw the incident take place. If your dog has been injured, it’s wise to let the police know, who can point you to the local state’s dog warden. This is a vital step, as it helps to ensure dog attacks remain a rare rather than common occurrence. 


5) Visit The Vet

If your dog is able to walk, then keep walking. This may help to calm them down a little and will also let you have a good look at them. Check their gait and look for any bleeding. Even if your dog's injuries don't look too serious, it’s probably a good idea to visit your vet. Some bite injuries are a lot worse than they look, or can be hidden under fur. 


Bites can also cause damage to the muscles and tissue underneath the skin, and become easily infected due to the bacteria carried in dogs' mouths.


3) Separate

If you can, use the distraction to call your dog away or pick them up, if it is safe to do so. Taking them to a safe distance or height away from the other dog, either by lifting them up or asking someone to take them for a moment away from the scene of the attack. If the attack persists, do not try and pick your dog up, as you may then be at risk of injury too or it may exacerbate the other dog’s level of aggression.


4) Record & Report

Once you’ve separated the dogs and it’s safe to do so, try to get the owner's contact details. Check if they have insurance that may cover you for any veterinary care required, and


take a photo of their dog. Note or photograph any injuries your dog has and the place where the attack took place, and do the same with your own injuries if you sustained any.

You may also want the contact details of any witnesses who saw the incident take place. If your dog has been injured, it’s wise to let the police know, who can point you to the local state’s dog warden. This is a vital step, as it helps to ensure dog attacks remain a rare rather than common occurrence. 


5) Visit The Vet

If your dog is able to walk, then keep walking. This may help to calm them down a little and will also let you have a good look at them. Check their gait and look for any bleeding. Even if your dog's injuries don't look too serious, it’s probably a good idea to visit your vet. Some bite injuries are a lot worse than they look, or can be hidden under fur. 


Bites can also cause damage to the muscles and tissue underneath the skin, and become easily infected due to the bacteria carried in dogs' mouths.

Dog Attack First Aid:


If you need to help your dog quickly before you can get to a vet, you can follow these steps:


  • Soothe your dog as much as you can, with any treats you have on hand or lots of affection. Try to let them know they are safe.
  • Wash any wounds with clean water. If there is antiseptic soap available, wash this through any wounds if you can. 
  • Apply pressure to stop any excess bleeding.
  • Try to keep your dog from licking or scratching at its wound.
  • Carry them to a taxi, to your car or to the nearest vets.
  • It’s a good idea to get them somewhere warm quickly, as shock can affect dogs in the same way it can affect humans. 

Dog Attack First Aid:


If you need to help your dog quickly before you can get to a vet, you can follow these steps:


  • Soothe your dog as much as you can, with any treats you have on hand or lots of affection. Try to let them know they are safe.
  • Wash any wounds with clean water. If there is antiseptic soap available, wash this through any wounds if you can. 
  • Apply pressure to stop any excess bleeding.
  • Try to keep your dog from licking or scratching at its wound.
  • Carry them to a taxi, to your car or to the nearest vets.
  • It’s a good idea to get them somewhere warm quickly, as shock can affect dogs in the same way it can affect humans. 


Bear in mind that even after they have healed, it may take some time for your dog to be comfortable around other dogs again. So take it slowly, starting with familiar friends they already know. Soon they’ll be back to their happy self, with lots of care and support from you. 


And remember:


  1. Breathe
  2. Distract
  3. Separate 
  4. Record
  5. Vet


We hope you never find yourself in this situation. However, we also hope that you’re comforted by the knowledge that if a dog attack ever does occur - you now know exactly what to do.