Even the sweetest of pets have their limits and can act uncharacteristically. Many dogs especially can become stressed, possessive or territorial in certain situations both in and out of the home. While you may believe your pet is docile and unable to harm anyone, it is still important to know what to do in case one of your pets happens to bite someone.

Dog bites can be vicious and even deadly, so fast action is crucial.

Get the Dog Away

Some dogs tend to latch on while others bite and release as a warning. Regardless of which category your dog falls into, get them away from the victim and other people and pets as soon as possible. If possible, lock them in a separate room alone to calm down or take them to a secluded area for a distraction. This is especially true if the dog is in a new environment. You will want to get your pet out of the stressful environment immediately to avoid further injury.

Call 911

Even the smallest bites can cause infections and further medical complications. It is crucial that the victim receives medical attention immediately. If the victim is unable to move or seek medical attention, call 911 at once. If anyone present knows first aid, first aid may be applied to stop bleeding and prevent further damage.

Contact Your Home Insurance Agent

Many homeowners and renters may not realize that this insurance often covers pets under their liability coverages. If your dog bites someone, home insurance can help cover the victim’s medical bills while also protecting you from lawsuit expenses in case the victim decides to sue. You should inform your insurance agent about the accident immediately in order to file a claim and receive compensation without issue.

Gather Information

In order to properly file a claim, you will need information about the accident—including witness testimony. This can help the claims process and prevent denied claims based on information. Be sure to be consistent in recounting the events. If police are involved in the incident, the report filed can also help.

No matter what, everyone’s safety is the most important thing in these situations. Have your pet safely secured away from the area and make sure the individual(s) involved receive the medical help they need. Before allowing your dog around other people are pets, also make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations.

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