What to do when encountering an aggressive dog on the street

Since the beginning of the year, cases of stray dog attacks on people have been recorded in 24 Russian regions. In a few months of 2025, more than 30 people, including children, suffered from bites. This suggests that the problem of attacks by stray animals is still relevant. Izvestia tells us what to do when a dog is attacked on the street and where to report aggressive animals in your city.

How to avoid a stray dog attack

Stray dogs usually don't attack people without provocation, especially if the dog is alone. Packs of dogs are the most dangerous, even if there are only two or three individuals in it. But knowing the reasons for the possible aggressive behavior of an animal, you can recognize the danger and avoid an attack.

Stray dogs mostly live near heating mains, vacant lots, parks and courtyards, where they are fed by caring residents. However, over time, dogs get used to the place where they are fed. They begin to consider this territory their own and protect it from outsiders. Any intrusion can be considered dangerous by an animal and, as a result, lead to aggression.

The dog shows his displeasure by growling or barking. If at the same time she does not make any movements towards the person, it is enough to calmly pass by or bypass this place without attracting excessive attention to herself. When an animal moves towards a passing person, growling and pursing its ears, this is the first sign of danger.

In this case, it is important not to make any sudden movements. Moreover, do not respond with aggression, scream or try to escape. The dog will perceive these actions as a signal to attack. You should move away slowly, without turning your back to the dog and without looking into her eyes. The most important thing is to keep cool, trying not to show fright.

What to do when a dog attacks on the street

If the dog does attack, it should be fought off with improvised means, putting any object in front of itself — a bag, umbrella or bag, as dogs bite into what is closest to them. You can also try to appease her with food in the hope that she will turn her attention to food.

Throwing stones or sticks at an aggressive animal is not the best solution if it is not a brick or a boulder, but the marksmanship of the defender is at a high level. But you can pick up a stone and hit it on the head or body in direct contact with an animal. You can also throw a handful of earth or sand in your eyes. Outerwear is also suitable as protection. For example, you can take off your jacket and, holding it tightly in your hands, let the dog cling to it, slowly retreating into hiding.

If you have pepper spray, a taser, or an ultrasound device for scaring dogs, it's better to use them. You can also stop the animal with a simple flashlight in your phone. It should be directed into the dog's eyes. This will temporarily blind her and allow her to move to a safer distance.

However, such methods are not always effective against a pack, since the power of the devices may not be enough for a large number of animals. It is important not to let yourself be surrounded and knocked down. You need to press your back tightly against the nearest tree, wall or fence, protecting your face and neck — these are the most vulnerable places, bites on which are fraught with serious consequences, and call for help.

What to do when bitten by a stray dog

The first thing to do when a dog is bitten is to thoroughly rinse the wound with water, preferably with a soapy solution, and immediately contact the nearest emergency room. If the wounds are large, you need to call an ambulance at 103.

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It is necessary to seek medical help, even if the damage does not seem serious. An infection could get into the wound, including the rabies virus, which is a deadly disease for humans. Next, you should take a course of vaccinations prescribed by your doctor. The success of vaccination depends on how quickly the victim went to the doctor.

At the same time, citizens with diseases of the nervous system, allergies, pregnant women, as well as those vaccinated with other vaccinations over the past two months can be left in the hospital for further examination and observation.

Where to report stray dogs

If stray dogs are found, it is necessary to contact the local authorities. In particular, an application for their capture can be made to the city council or to the GBU Zhilishchnik. There you can also find out who is involved in trapping stray dogs in a particular area.

You can also contact the Department of Urban Affairs or use the online complaint service in your region. Stray dogs will be captured and placed in a shelter. This is necessary not only for the safety of people, but also for the health and protection of the animals themselves.

Earlier, Izvestia wrote that in Chuvashia it was proposed to develop criteria for recognizing the aggressiveness of stray dogs.