How to Respond to an Attack on Your Pet

When Your Pet is Attacked

How to Respond to an Attack on Your Pet

Picture this. You are enjoying spending time with your fur baby when suddenly another animal attacks your precious pet.

This scenario is every pet parent’s worst nightmare. But don’t worry, you can safely rescue your pet from a fight.

This blog post will teach you what to do when your pet is attacked and what you need to do after your pet is attacked.

How to Break Up a Dog Fight

Breaking up a dog fight can be scary, but knowing what to do can help you take control of the situation. First, we are going to talk about what to do when two dogs start fighting. The following suggestions have been placed in order from least to most risky. Always try the least risky option first and only move on to the next suggestion if necessary.

Grab and Separate

Avoid touching the dogs while they are fighting for as long as you possibly can. But if nothing else works, you will need to grab and separate the canines.

Don’t try doing this alone. It’s a two-person job. Here’s what to do:Each person grabs a dog by the hind legs.

Then, each person lifts up the dog’s hind legs while keeping the dog’s front legs on the ground.
While holding onto the dogs, each person backs up.
This forces the dogs to move away from each other.
No matter which method it takes to end the fight, get your dog to safety as soon as it’s over. You don’t want your pet or the other dog to strike again.

Create a Distraction

If you can distract the two dogs from fighting, you can sweep in and grab your pooch. This is where a dog whistle comes in handy.

But you don’t have to use a whistle. Any loud noise that breaks up the fight and allows you to quickly grab your pup will do.

And the distraction you create doesn’t have to be noisy at all. Some other ideas include spraying the dogs with a hose or throwing a jacket over them.

Use an Object to Separate the Dogs

While you should never get in between two aggressive dogs, you could place an object between them. Some possible objects include a:

Chair
Garbage Can Lid
Piece of Wood
Large Piece of Cardboard

How to Break up a Cat Fight

Dogs aren’t the only critters that get into scuffles. Catfights can also occur. If your kitty gets attacked by another cat, here are a few ways you could save your furball:

Spray the cats with a water-filled squirt bottle.
Make a loud noise to startle the cats and direct their attention away from each other. Try clapping your hands or yelling.
Confuse and distract the fighting felines by tossing a blanket over them.
Throw toys or pillows towards the cats. Don’t aim directly at them unless all other options fail. In that case, only use soft objects and avoid hitting their heads.
After the cats stop clawing and biting each other, quickly grab your kitty before they get the chance to start fighting again.

Remember These Tips

You and your pet will have a much better chance of getting through an attack with minimal harm if you remember these tips:

Stay calm. Letting yourself get worked up into a frenzy will hinder your ability to think clearly.

Never get in between two animals that are fighting. You would only be asking for an injury.

If your dog gets attacked while on a walk, let go of the leash. This will make it easier for your dog to move and defend itself.

If possible, try to keep your distance while breaking up the fight. Only move closer if you have to.

Keep a dog whistle on hand whenever you are out with your pup. This ensures you will always be ready to respond if another pet attacks your dog.

What to Do After Your Animal is Attacked

Injuries are very likely to occur during a fight. So, after the two animals are separated, you need to evaluate your pet for injuries.

You might have to give first aid. However, first-aid treatment is not a replacement for veterinary care. No matter how minor your pet’s injuries appear to be, you need to visit the vet immediately after the fight.

You should also talk to the owner of the other pet. Get that person’s contact information and find out if he or she has pet insurance that will cover the cost of your pet’s treatment.

Your furry friend will need time to recover from the fight, not only physically, but also mentally. In the first few days and weeks following the event, keep a close eye on your pet. If your fur baby seems depressed or traumatized, seek additional help.

About the Author:

Savanna Westwood

Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.