Dog attacks are getting more and more frequent and less random. The experience is usually a painful and sometimes disfiguring and life-threatening. Most dog attacks are often the result of improper leashing of dogs or dogs just getting loose. Others are launched by stray or feral (also called street or wild) dogs. Feral dogs are non-domesticated free-ranging dogs that aren't and weren't a person's pet. Feral dogs often fear people but are more dangerous than abandoned dogs as they are usually not vaccinated. Feral dogs usually travel and scavenge in groups. Feral dogs sometimes go hunting for livestock and occasionally for people who are "in the wrong place, at the wrong time".
The CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you avoid any unfamiliar dog(s) you may encounter. This recommendation holds even if the dog seems to be in distress or seems lost. Be even more careful with dogs that are eating, caring for their pups, or sleeping.
When approached by an unfamiliar dog, refrain from running, making loud noises, or panicking. Try to be as motionless as possible and avoid making direct eye contact with the dog. In a firm voice, say "No" or "Go Home" and gradually raise your hands to protect your neck while keeping your elbows in, as attacks to the throat could end up being fatal. Wait for the dog to leave or back away at a slow pace.
Try to be still even if the dog charges you. Dogs charge for one of two reasons; excitement or fear. When scared sometimes, dogs may think offense is their best defense. A dog may get excited by something you may unintentionally have done or something exciting done by a person of that vicinity and charge at you. They may think you want to reward them or think you're playing with them as a result of you yelling and moving around frantically. 
It is important to differentiate between a charge resulting from excitement and a clearly aggressive charge. The presence of growling and snapping may indicate that the dog isn't trying to be friendly. In such a case put something between you and the dog. A purse, clothing or shoe would do in this case. Do not attack the dog with the item as the dog will get more aggressive. Once the "barricade" is placed, gradually back off. Also observe the dog's body language. Watch-out for the following:
- A fairly rigid, high pointed tail that moves back and forth at a fast pace,
- Erection of the hair down the entire length of its back,
- Stiffness in its body with the ears raised high or flat against its head.
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| Swelling resulting from dog bite |
If the dog charges and knocks you down, curl into a ball with your head tucked. Protect your fingers by making fists. Use your hands and arms to protect your ears and neck respectively. This mechanism will protect you from a pack as well. However further steps must be taken because the pack will split up and attack from different angles. The submissive ones will try to get you from the back. The alpha and other dominant dogs will approach you head on. If possible don't let dogs get behind you. If you find any sizable stones, grab them and throw on the dominant set, with focus on the alpha. If you succeed to scare the dominant dogs, the submissive ones will back off. Weapons like fire extinguishers, pepper sprays, guns and others would come in handy.
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| Cow savaged by dog(s) |
If you are to strike the dog, hit it continuously in a vital area. Only resort to this if yo can't lay hands on a weapon. Attack the dog on an area that can easily be injured, so that it gets weak faster. Aim for its eyes, ribs and groin. If you happen to be wearing a steel-toe boot, give it a solid kick to the ribs.
Seek for refuge on high ground, if possible, climb atop a car. If you do get bitten after-all, clean your wounds with soap and water as soon as possible.
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| Cleaning a dog bite |
Remember not to pull away from a bite once a dog has sunk its teeth into your body. Pulling away from the bite will worsen the wound and increase the tear of the flesh. Reach the closest medical facility for proper care. Dog bites could easily pass on tetanus, rabies, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and other dangerous diseases.
Bibliography
Allan, P.
(2016, September 12). How to Survive a Dog Attack. Retrieved January
16, 2018, from lifehacker:
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-dog-attack-1786501561
wikiHow. (n.d.). How
to Fight off a Dog. Retrieved January 16, 2018, from wikiHow:
https://www.wikihow.com/Fight-off-a-Dog
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