What To Do After a Dog Bite Attack: A Step-by-Step Guide
Being bitten by a dog can be a terrifying and painful experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately after an attack, and in the days that follow, can be crucial for both your physical health and your legal rights. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a dog bite:
1. Prioritize Immediate Safety and First Aid:
Remove yourself from danger: Your first priority is to get away from the dog. If possible, put a barrier between yourself and the animal (a car, fence, etc.).
Control any bleeding: If the bite is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Elevate the injured area if possible.
Clean the wound: As soon as it’s safe, thoroughly wash the bite with soap and warm water. This helps prevent infection.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Don’t Delay:
Even if the bite seems minor: Dog bites can easily become infected. Seeking medical attention ensures proper cleaning, treatment, and potential rabies prevention.
Document your injuries: Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible. This documentation can be important for insurance claims and legal action.
Follow medical advice: Your doctor will provide instructions on wound care, antibiotics, and any necessary follow-up appointments. Be sure to follow their recommendations closely.
3. Gather Information – Crucial for Legal Action:
Identify the dog and owner: If possible, get the owner’s name, address, and phone number. If the dog is with someone else, get their information too.
Locate witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the attack, ask for their contact information. Their accounts can be valuable if legal action is pursued.
Document the scene: If you can, take photos or videos of the location where the bite occurred. This might include any factors that could have contributed to the incident.
4. Report the Incident to the Proper Authorities:
Contact animal control: Report the dog bite to your local animal control agency or police department. This creates an official record of the incident.
Provide details: When you report, be prepared to share the date, time, location of the incident, description of the dog, and the owner’s information (if available).
5. Understand Your Rights and Explore Legal Options:
Dog bite laws vary: Each state has specific laws about dog bite liability. In many cases, dog owners are responsible for injuries their animals cause.
Contact a personal injury lawyer: If you’ve suffered a serious injury, consider consulting with an attorney experienced in dog bite cases. They can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t delay: There are often statutes of limitations on dog bite claims, meaning you have a limited time to take legal action.
Important Considerations:
Rabies Risk: If the dog is unknown or you have any reason to suspect rabies, your doctor will likely recommend a series of rabies vaccinations.
Emotional Distress: Dog bites can be traumatic experiences. Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or support groups to address any emotional distress you may be experiencing.
Preventing Future Bites:
While you can’t control the actions of all dogs, here are some ways to minimize your risk:
Never approach an unfamiliar dog without asking the owner first.
Teach children how to interact safely with dogs.
Be cautious around dogs that are chained or seem agitated.
Avoid disturbing dogs that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
Remember, if you are bitten by a dog, taking swift action and seeking professional medical and legal help can make a significant difference in your recovery and the outcome of your case.
Experiencing a dog bite is stressful enough. To help you take swift action, we've compiled a region-specific list of Animal Control and By-Law Enforcement agencies across Ontario. Report the incident to your local authority as soon as possible following a dog bite.
Ajax Dog Bite Injury - Ajax Dog Bite Reporting to Animal Services - Call 905-683-8275 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Alliston Dog Bite Injury - New Tecumseth Canine Control - Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Aurora Dog Bite Injury - Aurora Animal Services- Call 1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Barrie Dog Bite Injury -Barrie Enforcement Services - Call (705) 739-4241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Beeton Dog Bite Injury - New Tecumseth Canine Control - Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Belleville Dog Bite Injury - Belleville Animal Control- Call (613)-966-4483 and report the dog bite. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Bowmanville Dog Attack Injury: Bowmanville Animal Control- Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. Remember to keep the Reference Number. Also Call 905-623-7651.
Bracebridge Dog Bite Injury: Bracebridge Animal Services- Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. T: 705-645-5264 x 3250. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brampton Dog Bite Injury: Brampton Animal Services - Call 905.458.5800 or 311 or contact local police for guidance. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brantford Dog Bite Injury - Brantord Animal Control Regulatory Services - kCall 519-759-4150 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Brant Dog Bite Injury - County of Brant Animal Control By Law - Click the link and report a complaint online.
Burlington Dog Attack Injury - Burlington By-Law Enforcement- Call 905-335-3030 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Caledon Dog Bite Injury - Town of Caledon Report a Problem - Call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Online submission also available at the link provided. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cambridge Dog Bite Injury - Cambridge Animal Control - Call (519) 623-6323 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cavan Monaghan Dog Bite Injury - Cavan-Monaghan Animal By-Laws- Call 705-760-6968 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Chatham-Kent Dog Bite Injury - P.A.W- Pet and Wildlife Rescue- Call 226-996-9969 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Clarington Dog Attack Injury: Clarington Animal Control- Fill and Submit the Online Report Form. Remember to keep the Reference Number. Also Call 905-623-7651.
Clearview Dog Bite Injury: Clearview Animal Services- Call 705-428-6230 x 241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Cobourg Dog Bite Injury - Cobourg Animal Services- Call 905-372-4301 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Creemore Dog Bite Injury: Clearview Animal Services- Call 705-428-6230 x 241 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Collingwood Dog Bite Injury: Collingwood Animal Control- Call 705-445-1030 ext. 3254 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
East Gwillimbury Dog Bite Injury - Aurora Animal Services- Call1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Georgina Dog Attack Injury -Georgina Animal Services - Call 1-877-979-PAWS (7297) and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Hamilton Dog Bite Injury -Hamilton Dog Attack- Call Animal Control at 905-574-3433 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
London, Ontario Dog Bite Injury: London Animal Care and Control Call: 519-685-1330 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Mississauga Dog Bite Injury - Mississauga Animal Emergencies and Rescue - Call 905-896-5858, ext 3932 or Call 311 or Report to Peel Regional Police. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
New Tecumseth Dog Attack Injury -New Tecumseth Canine Control - Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Niagara-on-the-lake Dog Attack
Ontario Ministry of Attorney General on Dogs
Orillia Dog Bite Injury - Orillia Animal Control - Call 705-325-2313 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Ottawa Dog Attack Injury - Report a Problem with Dogs - Call 613-580-2400 or call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Tottenham Dog Bite Injury - New Tecumseth Canine Control- Call 905-729-4972 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Toronto Dog Bite Injury - Toronto Dog Bite Attacks What To Do - Call 311 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Vaughan Dog Bite Injury - Vaughan Animal Control By-law- Call 905-832-2281 and report the dog bite incident. Remember to keep the Reference Number.
Disclaimer: The information on this website about Toronto Dog Bite Lawyers is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. We encourage you to seek guidance from a qualified attorney regarding your legal needs.
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