Dog Attacks and Bite Prevention

• Dealing With A Dog Attack/Biting Incident
• What to do if You've Been Bitten or Attacked By a Dog
• Why Do Dogs Bite?
• Preventing Dog Attacks and Biting Incidents

Dealing With A Dog Attack/Biting Incident

To report a dog attack or biting incident, residents should:

• call 911 for immediate assistance if the incident is in progress.

• call Animal Services at 490-4000 or 1-800-835-6428 (Toll free Nova Scotia Only).

If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog you should:

• seek medical assistance if necessary.

• clean any wounds thoroughly with soap and hot water.

• photograph any injuries sustained during the attack.

• report the incident to Animal Services at 490-4000 or 1-800-835-6428 (Toll free Nova Scotia Only).

more information on registering a complaint

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs bite:

• to protect themselves, the people they love and their territory.

• because they are afraid.

• because they are sick or injured.

• if they are trained to be aggressive.

Preventing Dog Attacks and Biting Incidents

Responsible dog owners prevent their dogs from attacking/biting people or other animals by:

• keeping their dogs under effective control at all times.

• preventing their dogs from running at large.

• supervising their dogs when children are present.

• socializing their dogs at a young age so they are comfortable around people and other animals.

• training their dogs to obey basic commands.

• spaying/neutering their dogs to reduce aggression.

• taking steps to address aggressive and dominant behaviour in their dogs.

For more information on aggressive and dominant dogs visit the links listed below:

• Reducing and Managing Dog Aggression Towards People
• Reducing and Managing Aggression Towards Other Dogs 
• Aggression  
• Dominant Dogs

People can reduce the risk of being bit or attacked by a dog by:

• avoiding strange dogs.

• avoiding dogs that exhibit signs of fear or aggression.

• keeping a safe distance from dogs that are chained.

• treating dogs with respect and consideration.

• teaching children about appropriate behaviour around dogs.

For more information on children and dogs visit the links listed below:

• Dogs and Kids Website
• Teaching Your Child To Avoid Dog Bites

 

• standing still "like a tree" with your arms held against your body if approached by an aggressive dog. If the dog attacks, lay on the ground "like a log" with your hands protecting your neck.

• backing away slowly from an aggressive dog.  Never turn your back to the dog and/or attempt to run away.

Did You Know?

• Most dog bite injuries received by children occur during play with a dog they know.