What Actions Can Help Prevent a Dog Attack?

A friendly tail wag can turn tense in seconds. Most bites don’t come out of nowhere—dogs usually tell us they’re stressed first. Spotting stiff posture, a hard stare, or a low growl can give you the few extra moments you need to avoid trouble.

This blog covers simple ways to lower your risk around unfamiliar dogs, how to respond if one charges, and what to do if you’re bitten—including medical steps and how compensation may work. If you’re hurt, prompt care and good documentation can protect your health and your claim.

Warning Signs That a Dog May Act Aggressively

In some cases, you can avoid a dog attack or de-escalate it if you see the warning signs. Warning signs of aggressive behavior in dogs often appear through body language. A stiff posture, growling, showing teeth, or direct eye contact signals that a dog feels threatened and may bite. 

Steps That Reduce the Risk of a Dog Confrontation

Being proactive around unfamiliar dogs can lower the chance of a dangerous encounter. Small adjustments in how you approach and interact make a big difference.

Steps that reduce the risk of a dog confrontation include:

• Ask the owner for permission before approaching or petting
• Approach slowly and calmly; let the dog sniff your hand
• Stand at a slight angle and keep your hands relaxed at your sides
• Avoid direct eye contact and sudden movements
• Give the dog space; don’t lean over or reach above its head
• Supervise children and teach them safe greeting habits
• Back away slowly if the dog stiffens, growls, shows teeth, or hard-stares

These habits help de-escalate tense moments and give you time to create distance if a dog shows signs of stress or aggression.

How Owners Contribute to Preventable Dog Attacks

Owners are responsible for their dogs and taking appropriate action to prevent harm to others. Responsible ownership includes socializing dogs properly and providing obedience training. 

Owners must also keep dogs on a leash in public areas to prevent roaming and potential attacks. They should identify triggers and avoid situations that provoke aggressive behavior. If a dog has a history of aggression, owners should take extra measures such as using a muzzle and informing others about the dog’s behavior.

Actions to Take if a Dog Charges or Acts Threatening

If a dog charges, stay calm and avoid running. Face the dog and make yourself appear larger. Stand tall and maintain a firm presence to deter the dog.

Use an object, such as a backpack or bicycle, as a barrier between you and the dog. If the dog attacks, curl into a ball and shield your head and neck. This position reduces the risk of serious injury. Yell for help to attract attention and possibly stop the attack.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

Quick, careful action after a bite can reduce infection risk and protect your health and legal claim. Even minor wounds deserve prompt attention.

Immediate steps to take after a dog bite include:

• Move to a safe place away from the dog
• Wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes
• Apply a clean dressing and use gentle pressure to control bleeding
• Seek prompt medical care for evaluation of stitches, antibiotics, tetanus, and time-sensitive rabies prophylaxis if needed
• Document injuries and the scene with photos; note the date, time, and location
• Report the incident to local animal control and share owner/dog details if known
• Attend all follow-up appointments and keep medical bills and records

Taking these steps supports proper healing and preserves important evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.

Compensation Available After a Dog Attack

Compensation after a dog attack may cover multiple types of losses. Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and prescriptions, fall under recoverable damages. Lost wages due to injuries that prevent work also qualify.

Due to the violent nature of a dog attack, you may be able to seek non-economic damages. These include claims for pain and suffering related to the trauma of the attack. 

There isn’t a fixed amount that you can file non-economic claims for, so they can increase the amount of compensation that you may win. However, these claims can be complex to include, which is why you should seek help from a legal professional before making any decisions. 

Contact the Seattle Dog Bite Attorneys at Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Being injured in a dog attack is a scary and damaging thing to happen to you. However, Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help.

Our experienced Seattle dog bite lawyers will fight to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7