Dog bites – prevention and treatment

Dog bites are the most common animal bites treated in emergency rooms across the country. Young children are the most common victims, because they are at a similar eye level to a dog. They may also inadvertently provoke attacks by pulling a dog’s ears or tail, tugging at their fur or disturbing them while they are eating.  

Teach children respect for animals

That’s why it’s so important to supervise children around animals – especially unfamiliar dogs. Teach them from a young age how to approach and interact with dogs safely. They should always ask permission before petting unfamiliar dogs, and treat the family dog with respect.

While most dog attacks involve unfamiliar dogs, there are cases of family pets turning on their owners. In January 2024, a 60 year old Durban man had to be stabilised by paramedics and hospitalised after he was bitten multiple times by his boerboel. Less than a month earlier, a one-year-old baby was badly bitten by the family’s pitbull.

Children under the age of six are more likely to suffer serious injuries from a dog attack as they will be bitten on the head, face and neck. Older children and adults are more likely to bitten on the legs, arms and hands.

How to protect yourself against dog bites

Learn to recognise signs of stress or aggression in dogs. Most will warn you by growling, raising their hackles, snarling or adopting a stiff body posture. If a dog shows these signs of aggression, retreat slowly and avoid provoking them further.

Respect dogs’ boundaries and personal space, just as you would a person’s. Avoid disturbing them when they are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.

Avoid situations that may provoke or agitate dogs, such as teasing or rough play. It may be a game to you, but it could turn into something else if the dog feels threatened or protective of a toy.

Be cautious around stray or unfamiliar dogs, especially if they appear frightened or aggressive. Handling a stray dog may result not only in being bitten, but the possibility of being infected by rabies, which is rife in KZN and other parts of the country at the moment. If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, remain calm and avoid making sudden movements.

Stand still or back away slowly without making direct eye contact. Do not attempt to run away, which may trigger the dog’s chase instinct. If the dog knocks you over, curl into a ball and protect your face and neck.

What to do if you are bitten by a dog

In a serious attack, the first priority is to restrain and remove the dog. The second is to obtain medical help. Call the paramedics or get the victim to a hospital or doctor as soon as possible.

If the bite is less serious, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water and apply antiseptic and a dressing. Dogs’ saliva and teeth may carry bacteria and a tetanus shot will be needed.

Regardless of the severity of the bite, if the skin is broken or scratched, there is a danger of rabies infection.

If you know the owner of the dog, ask to see proof of current rabies vaccination. If the status of the dog is unknown, your doctor will recommend preventative treatment .

While not every dog bite results in rabies, this is definitely a case of being better to be safe than sorry. It’s also important to start treatment as soon as possible following a dog bite – ideally within 24 hours. The first symptoms of rabies can appear within a few days, and once the symptoms appear, there is no cure.

Should I contact the SPCA?

Contrary to popular belief, the SPCA does not get involved in dog attacks on humans. Our mandate is protect animals against humans (not the other way round) in terms of The Animals Protection Act 71/1962.

In terms of Municipal by-laws, we have no jurisdiction regarding aggressive dogs, dogs out of their property, nuisance dogs, excessive barking, ripping open rubbish bags of defecating in public places. You will need to report these cases to your local Metro.

We only get involved if the owner of the dog that has bitten somebody asks us to collect the animal for humane euthanasia.

What recourse do you have if you’ve been bitten by a dog?

Under South African law, the owner of the dog that attacked you is deemed responsible, especially if he or she was negligent. For example a gate was left open, allowing the animal to stray onto a public thoroughfare such as a road or park.

You can pursue a case against the owner in three different ways:

1. Lay a charge at your local police station, which will be investigated by SAPS.
2. Lay a charge in terms of the Municipal by-laws, which will be investigated by Metro Police.
3. Sue the owner of the animal and claim damages via a civil case, to be dealt with by a private attorney.

Victims of dog attacks are entitled to compensation for their injuries and related expenses. Typically, this includes the cost of medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery if necessary.

Loss of earnings

You may also be able to claim for loss of earnings, if the bite and/or medical treatment causes you to miss work, and emotional distress if the attack was traumatic or results in severe scarring, especially facial scarring, that impacts your quality of life.

Take photos of your injuries to substantiate your claim, and ask for copies of your medical records from the hospital, clinic or doctor who treated you. If the case cannot be settled amicably, you may have to go to court to get compensation.

You will not be entitled to compensation if you were trespassing on the property or you ignored “Beware of the Dog” signs on the gate. By entering a property that displays warning signs, you will be deemed to have accepted the risk.

If you provoked the dog – e.g. teased it through the fence or threw stones at it – you will not be entitled to compensation if it subsequently attacks you. The same applies to any threatening behaviour towards the owner, where the dog can be expected to react protectively.

How to reduce the chances of your dog biting someone

It’s up to dog owners to behave responsibly to ensure that their animals are prevented from causing harm to others.

As a responsible dog owner, you should spay or neuter your dog. Not only does this help prevent unwanted litters, it also reduces aggressive behaviour, straying and territorial instincts.

Make sure your dog is properly secured inside your property or on a lead when out in public.

Dog training and socialising are extremely helpful in teaching dogs how to interact with other people, dogs, objects and situations appropriately, without fear or aggression.