Whether it is a pet or a feral animal, a bite from a dog in Alabama can be a traumatic experience. Not only that, but it can also expose you to serious infections, some of which can be life-threatening. It is best to prevent a bite from occurring in the first place if at all possible.
During an encounter with an aggressive dog, your first instinct may be to try to run away. Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control, this is one of the worst things you can possibly do because the dog’s instinct will be to chase after you. The best thing to do is to stop and remain completely motionless. You should also avoid making eye contact with an aggressive dog. The canine brain is likely to interpret this as a challenge.
If you take these steps, the dog should lose interest in you fairly quickly. However, a large dog may approach and knock you over, whether accidentally or on purpose. This will put you in a more exposed position, and it is important to protect those areas of your body that are most vulnerable to attack by curling up into a ball and using your hands to protect your neck and ears. If you are carrying any items with you, such as a jacket, bag or purse, you can use them as a shield or barrier between you and the dog for added protection.
However, it is not only dogs displaying obvious aggression that may bite. Some dogs may seem harmless at first, but a canine may interpret any disturbance as a threat, even if you mean to make a friendly overture. Before petting a dog, allow it to sniff your hand first, and always ask permission from the owner before making the attempt. Avoid approaching any dog that is both unattended and unfamiliar.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.
