Dog Bite Prevention

an illustration of a dog sittingBenefits of dog ownership  

Dogs provide emotional support, helping to reduce loneliness, anxiety, and stress, which can lower the risk of heart-related issues. They also encourage physical activity and social interactions, improving overall well-being. While their companionship is invaluable, it's important to recognize that all dogs can bite—our web page offers tips to help everyone create a safe environment for both pets and people.

 

 

 

Why do dogs bite?

All dogs are capable of biting, and this behaviour is not specific to any breed. Dogs will likely give you warning signals before the bite happens. 

Reasons dogs may bite:  

  • Pain due to an injury or chronic illness
  • Protective of their food/toys
  • They are fearful/anxious/get caught by surprise
  • They are territorial/protective of their humans/places/things
  • An accidental bite during play
  • Redirected aggression to a human breaking up a dog fight
  • Parental instinct to protect their young
  • They are excited by moving objects (cyclists, runners etc.)
  • The dog has been trained to be a guard dog/police dog and will bite when instructed to do so

Local statistics and known risk factors indicate that dog bites are more likely to come from a dog who is known to the exposed person. Children under 10 experience dog bites more frequently, especially during the summer months. The face is the most common site of serious dog bite injuries. 
Managing a bite or if you are bitten by a dog

Person who was bitten

The person who was bitten should get contact information for the dog owner (name, phone number, address). If the owner refuses to provide information, a license plate can potentially be useful for follow-up. Wherever possible, Ottawa Public Health will monitor the health of the animal to rule out any risk of rabies transmission from the animal to the person who was bitten. The wound(s) should be washed thoroughly and assessed by a health care provider. If the dog owner information is not available, the exposed person should discuss the risk of rabies and possible treatment with their health care provider. The bite should be reported.  

Dog owner

Provide your contact information (name, phone number, address) to the person who was bitten, or report the bite yourself. Ottawa Public Health has no intent to remove the animal from your care and is following up to protect the health of the person who was bitten.  

Health care provider

Healthcare providers such as paramedics, family doctors, or hospitals should assess the wound, provide appropriate treatment, and report the exposure. If appropriate they may consult with Ottawa Public Health to determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis should be provided to the person who was bitten.  

Ottawa Public Health

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is responsible for protecting people from rabies. OPH investigates all reports of animal exposures (e.g., bites and/or scratches) to humans to rule out the risk that someone was exposed to rabies at the time of the incident. As part of the investigation, OPH may require that the animal be confined for a 10-day observation period at home with their owner. 

OPH will also make sure the animal is up-to-date for their rabies vaccination. To help protect people and pets from rabies, Ontario law (Regulation 567, Rabies Immunization) requires animal owners to vaccinate pets for rabies. 

Ottawa Public Health is available to receive animal exposure reports 24 hours a day, seven days a week:  

  • Online: Ottawa Public Health has recently launched a web form to receive reports of potential rabies exposures. This form can be found at: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Rabies   
  • Phone:  Regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) - 613-580-6744
  • After hours/weekends/holidays: Please call 3-1-1 and request to speak to a Public Health Inspector  
  • Fax: Fax the report to 613-580-9648.  A pdf of our reporting form can be found at:  OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Rabies

Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services

By-law may be contacted or involved in a variety of calls related to dogs such as dog bites, dogs barking, or dogs at large in the community. Response times for dog-related requests for service vary, with priority given to cases that result or may result in health and safety hazards to the public. 

Calls for dog bites and dogs that are currently at large are assigned to the next available officer, whereas complaints about dogs barking and dogs which are no longer at large are treated with a lower priority response. 

By-law officers enforce the Dog Owners’ Liability Act and the Animal Care and Control By-Law for the City of Ottawa.  

You may create a service request online or call 3-1-1 to report problems with dogs.
Greeting a dog and what to do during unwanted interactions

How to greet a dog

 

  • Ask for permission from owner to interact with their dog
  • If the owner says no, or if the owner isn’t there, don’t pet the dog
  • If the owner says yes, assess the dog’s body language to see if they want to be pet
  • If the dog is moving towards you with a loose, wiggly, or bouncy body, and a swooping tail wag or tail moving in circles like a helicopter, they are likely happy and want to say hello
  • Let the dog approach when it wants
  • If the dog seems interested and engaged, turn sideways and bend down, and present an open flat hand for the dog to smell
  • Pet the dog on its side or back

How not to greet a dog

a visual demonstration of a human and a dog interacting to demonstrate to not lean over the dog and stick a hand in its face

Don't lean over the dog and stick a hand in its face

 
a visual demonstration of a human and a dog interacting to demonstrate to not grab the dog and hug it Don't grab or hug the dog
a visual demonstration of a human and a dog interacting to demonstrate to not grab its head and kiss it Don't grab its head and kiss the dog
a visual demonstration of a human and a dog interacting to demonstrate to not stare the dog in the eye Don't stare the dog in its eyes
a visual demonstration of a human and a dog interacting to demonstrate to not lean over the dog and stick a hand on top of its head Don't lean over the dog and stick a hand on top of its head
a visual demonstration of a human and a dog interacting to demonstrate to not shout in the dogs face Don't shout at the dog. Speak with a calm and quiet voice

What to do during an unwanted interaction

  • Request owner to intervene well in advance of interaction if possible
  • Create space between yourself and the dog by moving away or placing and item between yourself and the dog (skateboard, backpack, purse, car, bike, park bench etc.)  
  • Keep your body language relaxed and fun
  • Attempt to distract dog by saying “Want to go for a walk?” “Hey buddy” “What’s up?” “Where’s your ball?”  

If dog charges:  

  • Yell “NO”, “DOWN” or “OFF” 
  • Turn sideways and stand still - don’t run from the dog, don’t turn your back  
  • Position your knee in front of you so the dog will hit it first  
  • Put something between you and the dog if possible (car, bench, bike, etc.)  
  • Slowly back away to car/house/safe place 
  • Don’t pick kids up. Picking them up can be seen as an invitation for the dog to jump up. Protect their faces against your body
  • Feed the dog an object (backpack, purse, skateboard, clipboard, water bottle etc.) and hold onto the object while you back away to safety
  • If you fall down, stay down- curl into the fetal position and place hands over neck and ears, lay still until dog leaves or help arrives
Responsible dog ownership and dog park etiquette

If your dog does not show signs of aggression, or nervousness, use designated off-leash areas for training sessions outside of your home. Whether your dog is on a leash or not, owners are responsible for the care and control of their dog at all times.If your dog is known to be more reactive or if you’re still getting to know their personality, extra consideration should be given to training times and locations. Professional resources are available to support your training goals.

Visit the City of Ottawa's website to learn more about responsible dog ownership.

Tips

  • Train your dog such that you always have control of your dog (on or off leash)
  • Sterilize your dog – this reduces aggressive tendencies  
  • Use designated off-leash areas instead of neighbourhood parks for walks/training/play 
  • Dogs must always be kept on a leash unless they are on private property with the property owner’s consent, or they are in a designated off-leash area. At all times, the dog must be kept under control.
  • As a dog owner, you are responsible for your animal’s actions and should take precautions to prevent them from acting in an aggressive manner. 
  • Having a party? Secure your dog, secure your food  
  • Monitor your dog’s health, vaccinate appropriately  
  • Ensure your dog has a safe space to eat  
  • Honour the temperament and needs of your dog  
  • Warn others if your dog is known to be nervous/aggressive/not particularly social (leashes/harnesses/verbally)  
  • Use proper fencing and signage (e.g. “dog on property”) 
  • Muzzles may be used for a short time, while your dog is supervised to prevent dog bites 
  • Be open to rehoming dog if needed- friend/family/rescue/Ottawa Humane Society

Dog park etiquette 

Dog parks can provide a wonderful opportunity to provide exercise and socialization for your dog(s). To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at the dog park, please keep the following guidelines in mind. For the safety and focus required when supervising your dog, please leave young children at home. Constant supervision of your dog(s) is essential at all times. If you're new to the park, consider visiting during off-peak hours initially to allow both you and your dog(s) to comfortably familiarize yourselves with the environment. 

Please be respectful of all posted signage, especially regarding areas designated for small and large dogs. To help prevent overexcitement, offer your dog(s) frequent breaks for a quick trick and a treat. Never feed other people's dogs without their explicit permission. To minimize potential conflicts, it's best to leave your dog's toys at home and avoid mixing leashed dogs with unleashed dogs. For the well-being of all park visitors, please do not bring your dog if they are in heat or coming into season, are showing any signs of illness, or are not up-to-date on their vaccinations. Finally, be aware that communal water bowls can pose a health risk; whenever possible please bring your own water to help protect your dog from shared parasites, bacteria, and viruses.  
Tips for parents

  • Stay with your child when in the presence of dogs, so you can help them look for body language cues to understand what the dog is feeling

  • Encourage respectful interaction with dogs while out and about.When in doubt, give the dog space

  • Encourage conversation and discussion about dogs – teach respect not fear

  • Parents can show examples of different body language in dogs (safely from a distance at a park, shelter, on walks, etc.) to help steer kids away from fear and create empathy for dog’s needs/more awareness of how to safely interact with dogs

  • Educate that all dogs are capable of biting – it is important to be kind and respect their body language.A child’s actions can help prevent a bite. It is important that children do not pet a dog for too long, or too forcefully. Frequent check-ins with the dog can help determine if the dog is still enjoying the interaction

  • Educate children how to engage with dogs respectfully 

  • Ask for permission from the owner to interact with their dog. If the owner says no, or if the owner isn’t there, don’t pet the dog

  • If the owner says yes, assess the dog’s body language to see if they want to be pet. If the dog is moving towards you with a loose, wiggly, or bouncy body, and a swooping tail wag or tailmoving in circles like a helicopter, they are likely happy and want to say hello

  • If the dog seems interested and engaged, turn sideways and bend down, and present an open flat hand for the dog to smell. Have children pet the back of the dog

  • After they have pet the dog for a few seconds, stop petting the dog and check their body language to see if they still want the attention. If, when you stop petting, the dog comes closer to you, nuzzles you or your hand, or stretches their neck towards you, they likely want you to keep petting. If they look or away,move away, or do nothing, you should stop petting. Speak with a calm and quiet voice 

  • Educate children how to behave if they fear dogs:   

    • Respect dogs, give them space  

    • If you are nervous, stand still. Never run, a dog may see this as a game of chase

    • Ask the dog owner to put their dog on a leash/secure their dog  

    • Ask your grown-up to ask the owner to secure the dog 

    • Don’t stare directly at the dog 
 Breaking up a dog fight safely
  • Don't use your hands!   
  • Use a physical barrier if possible (stick, hose, bag, chair, trash can)  
  • Make a loud noise to distract the dogs  
  • Spray water on the dogs to distract them – hose/water bottle/bucket  
  • Throw food or treats to try and distract them  
Creating a safer environment
Understanding dog behaviour and teaching children how to interact with dogs can significantly reduce the risk of bites. Prevention is key to fostering a safe environment for everyone. 

Do

  • Avoid unfamiliar dogs and give them space  
  • Ask friends to have their dogs on a leash when outdoors if children are playing nearby
  • Leave spilled/dropped food on the floor until dog(s) are secured  
  • Secure dogs at parties/gatherings/meal times  

Do not

  • Touch unfamiliar dogs
  • Wave your arms, jump around or run around near dogs  
  • Stare directly into their eyes- this is perceived as a challenge by the dog  
  • Approach dogs when they are eating 
  • Take a dog’s bones or toys 
  • Put your face right up to a dog’s face 
  • Move your hand over a dog’s head
  • Approach dogs when they are sleeping. Let sleeping dogs lie
  • Grab a dog’s tails/ears
  • Touch the back of a dog’s neck  
  • Climb on or trample a dog
  • Shout/yell around dogs  
  • Hug dogs. Most dogs don’t like it
  • Corner dogs 
  • Kick dogs
  • Bring toys/balls to the dog park  
Dog body language

A dog with his tail between its legsFear

  • Squinting, enlarged pupils, direct stare
  • Closed mouth or lips pulled back, exposed teeth
  • Low growl, worried bark, whine
  • Tail tucked between legs or still tail
  • Hackles raised, lowered front end
  • Shaking
  • Ears moving nervously up and down
  • Avoidance (eye contact, people, things)

 

Aggression 

A dog growling

  • Direct stare
  • Ears pinned close to head
  • Curled lips, teeth exposed
  • Low guttural growls, snarls, direct bark
  • Stiff tail, held up, puffy
  • Head held high
  • Hackles raised, pumped up chest

 

 

Play 

  • A dog playingWide open and alert eyes
  • Relaxed ears
  • Open relaxed mouth, panting
  • Short yips/quick barks
  • Relaxed wagging tail
  • Crouched front paws (play bow)
  • Relaxed head

 

 

Contact Us