Man's Best Friend?
Find out how to deal with unwanted attention from dogs when you're running
Once Bitten
If you're attacked, here's what dog behaviour expert Kirsten Dillon advises you do next
Report It
If you are chased or attacked by a dog, you should try to report the owner to your local authority dog warden (search for your nearest warden at localdirect.gov.uk). You don’t need to have been bitten to file a report. Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) says a dog is 'dangerously out of control' if 'there are grounds for reasonable apprehension that it will injure any person'. This refers to all dogs in England and Wales, no matter what breed or size.
Treat It
Severe bites will require hospital treatment to clean out the wound and remove any damaged tissue. For smaller bites and scratches, clean the wound immediately by placing it under running water for a few minutes. Squeeze the skin to encourage it to bleed freely if it’s not already doing so. Use painkillers such as ibuprofen to help relieve the pain and inflammation, then keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness or pus. If you are worried that it has become infected, see your GP.
Photo credit: PM Images.
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