What to Do If Your Dog Is Attacked: A Practical Guide Every Dog Owner Should Know

A recent dog attack incident in Hong Kong has once again raised an important question among dog owners: What should you do if an aggressive dog suddenly approaches your dog — or if the two dogs have already started fighting?

When something like this happens, your first instinct may be to rush in and protect your dog. But some instinctive reactions can actually make the situation more dangerous, putting both you and your dog at risk of injury. Knowing how to spot early warning signs, avoid potential conflicts and respond safely when a situation escalates can make all the difference.

The most important rule: Protect yourself first, then help your dog using the safest approach possible.

Table of Contents

1. How Can You Tell If a Dog May Be About to Attack?

2. What Should You Do If a Dog Runs Towards Your Dog?

3. What Should You Do After the Dogs Have Been Separated?

4. How to Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Being Attacked | Essential Safety Tips for Dog Walks

5. Protecting Your Dog Starts With Avoiding the Fight

How Can You Tell If a Dog May Be About to Attack?

Dogs don't always attack without warning. Before a dog becomes defensive or aggressive, it may show signs of stress, fear or heightened arousal through its body language, posture and behaviour. Knowing what to look out for can give you time to move your dog away.

Body Language

! Suddenly becoming stiff

! Raised hackles

! Tail held high and rigid

Eye Contact & Posture

! Staring intensely at another dog

! Leaning forward or shifting its weight forward

Vocalisation & Behaviour

! Growling or showing its teeth

! Repeatedly pulling on the leash

! Suddenly lunging towards another dog

! Barking or snarling

⚠️ Important: One sign on its own does not necessarily mean a dog is going to attack. Look at the dog's overall body language and the situation around it. If several warning signs appear at the same time, create more distance and move away as soon as you can.

What Should You Do If a Dog Runs Towards Your Dog?

This can be one of the most stressful — and potentially dangerous — situations for a dog owner. Your first reaction might be to grab your dog, pick them up or reach between the two dogs to pull them apart. However, this can put you at risk of being bitten.

When dogs are highly aroused or fighting, they may display redirected aggression — meaning they may bite a person who gets too close, even if that person was not the original target. Never put your hands between two fighting dogs.

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Don't Pull the Dogs Apart or Grab the Attacking Dog's Collar

When dogs are in the middle of a fight, they are highly stressed on the conflict. Trying to pull them apart can put your hands within biting range.

✓ Instead: If a dog is approaching aggressively, try to create distance immediately. If you have an umbrella, jacket or backpack, you can use it as a visual or physical barrier between the dogs. This may help interrupt the approaching dog's focus and give you time to move your dog away.

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Don't Scream, Hit or Kick the Other Dog

Shouting, waving your arms or hitting the other dog may increase its stress and excitement, potentially making the situation even harder to control.

✓ Instead: If the dogs are already fighting, stay calm and keep yourself out of biting range. From a safe distance, you can try pouring a large amount of water towards the dogs or creating a loud noise, such as banging on a metal railing. A sudden distraction may briefly interrupt the dogs and give you an opportunity to separate them.

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Don't Assume the Dogs Will "Sort It Out Themselves"

Even a brief fight can cause serious injuries, especially when there is a significant difference in size or strength between the dogs.

✓ Instead: If the dogs are locked together and another adult is available to help, you may consider the "Wheelbarrow Method." Each person stands behind one dog, grips the hind legs around the upper thigh area and lifts them off the ground. This removes the dog’s hind-leg support and leverage, which may make it harder for them to continue biting and could cause them to lose balance, potentially prompting them to release their bite or move backwards.

**This technique can be dangerous. Only attempt it if you can do so without putting your hands within biting range. If you cannot safely control the situation, do not attempt it.

What Should You Do After the Dogs Have Been Separated?

Even if the dogs have been separated and you can only see a small wound, don't assume your dog is okay. A bite wound can look minor on the surface while causing deeper damage underneath. Puncture wounds, in particular, may be small but can affect muscles and other underlying tissues.

! Persistent bleeding

! Significant swelling around a wound or body part

! Limping or reluctance to walk

! Obvious signs of pain

! Difficulty or changes in breathing

! Sudden changes in behaviour or alertness

! Weakness or loss of consciousness

If your dog has any obvious injuries or unusual symptoms, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Even if your dog seems fine after being bitten or seriously attacked, it is still a good idea to speak to your veterinarian. They can assess your dog for injuries that may not be immediately obvious and advise whether further treatment is needed.

How to Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Being Attacked | Essential Safety Tips for Dog Walks

When it comes to dog safety, preventing a confrontation is always better than trying to stop one after it has started. A few simple habits can help reduce the chances of your dog getting caught in a dangerous situation.

1. Keep Your Dog on a Leash

When taking your dog into public areas, make sure they are properly restrained and always use a suitable leash. A leash isn't just there to keep your dog under control. It also gives you a way to quickly turn your dog around, create distance or leave the area if another dog approaches.

If your dog tends to pull on the leash or reacts strongly to other dogs, a suitable harness combined with regular leash training may also help you maintain better control.

2. Stay Alert During Walks

Try not to spend your walk looking at your phone. Pay extra attention in corners, narrow paths, areas with limited visibility, and places where there are lots of people and dogs. If you spot any of the following ahead:

An off-leash dog
A dog approaching quickly
A dog that looks stressed or highly agitated
A dog whose owner appears to be struggling to control it

Don't wait until the dogs are face-to-face. Change direction, cross the road or turn around early to give your dog more space.

3. Don't Force Your Dog to Socialise

"Don't worry, my dog is very friendly!"

Even if another owner says this, it doesn't mean your dog necessarily wants to say hello. Some dogs may feel nervous around unfamiliar dogs, while others simply prefer to have more personal space. If your dog seems uncomfortable or reluctant to approach another dog, it's perfectly okay to walk away. Your dog doesn't need to greet every dog they meet. Giving your dog the option to move away can help prevent unnecessary conflicts and make walks a more positive experience.

4. Carry a Few Simple Safety Tools

Along with a leash and harness , you can carry a few everyday items that may help you create distance or a barrier if an unexpected situation occurs:

An umbrella that can be opened quickly
A bottle of water
A large bag or jacket
An ID tag with your and your dog's emergency contact details
Basic first-aid supplies

Note: These should be treated as safety aids, not weapons. Don't use them to deliberately confront, chase or provoke another dog. Your priority should always be to create distance and get yourself and your dog to safety.

Protecting Your Dog Starts With Avoiding the Fight

Seeing your dog being attacked can be frightening, and it's completely natural to want to rush in and protect them. But when two dogs are already fighting, trying to pull them apart with your bare hands may put you at risk of serious injury.

Remember: Stay alert → Avoid early → Create distance → Separate safely → Seek veterinary care when needed

The safest outcome is always to prevent the confrontation before it starts. Because when it comes to protecting your dog, the best fight is the one they never have to be in.