What to do if my dog bites someone

Dog bites are stressful for everyone involved, including owners, victims, and even the dog. Knowing how to respond quickly and responsibly can protect people, your pet and you.

In recent years, dog bites have frequently made headlines across the UK, particularly around the XL Bully ban in February 2024. While serious or fatal incidents attract the most media attention, the overall number of dog bites remains significant, with annual cases reaching tens of thousands, especially involving children and postal workers.

Hopefully, it’s not something you’ll ever experience, but as a responsible owner, it’s still vital to know how to respond if a dog bites someone (or even you).

Understanding why dogs bite

Firstly, it’s worth knowing that dogs can bite for many reasons, including:

Fear or anxiety: Loud noises, sudden movements, or feeling cornered.
Pain or illness: Even minor discomfort can provoke a bite.
Protective instincts: Guarding food, toys, or territory.
Overstimulation: Excitement can tip into aggression.

Recognising these triggers early can help you prevent incidents and keeps both your dog and others safe.

The law on dog bites

As a dog owner, it’s worth quickly mentioning that you’re under a legal obligation to control your dog. Under UK law, your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone, or makes someone worried that it might injure them. Therefore, if your dog bites someone, there’s a chance that it may have criminal or civil implications.

What to do if your dog bites someone

Legalities aside, in the unfortunate event that your dog does bite somebody, here’s some general information on what to do.

Note: This info is more applicable to minor, single bite incidents. With more serious cases, or if your dog bites someone and won’t let go, safety comes first, never put yourself at unnecessary risk.

Stay calm - Try to remain calm as this can help prevent further stress or aggression. Avoid shouting or physical punishment, which can escalate the situation.
Secure your dog - If indoors, move your dog to a secure area, such as another room. If you’re outside, secure your dog using their lead.
Attend to the bite victim - Encourage the injured person to wash the wound with warm soapy water. See the NHS website for further medical advice.
Get medical attention - For more serious injuries, you may need to call a GP or ambulance.
Exchange information - Exchange names and phone numbers with the victim, and provide insurance details if applicable. If you’re out and about, you may want to offer to contact a family member or friend for them.
Notify authorities – Check local regulations, which may require you to contact your council’s dog / animal warden or the police.
Contact your vet - A sudden bite may indicate your dog’s in pain or suffering from an illness, so it’s a good idea to contact your vet once the initial steps have been taken care of.

What to do if your dog bites you

Dogs may bite their humans for the same reasons they bite strangers: fear, pain, overstimulation, or defensive instincts. Here’s some information on what to do in the event of a minor incident.

Stay calm - Avoid shouting or hitting, which may provoke additional aggression. Staying calm also helps you focus on your own safety and first aid.
Secure your dog - Move your dog to a safe, secure space to prevent further bites.
Immediate first aid - Even if your skin isn’t broken, clen the skin around the bite with warm soapy water. See the NHS website for further medical advice.
Get medical attention - Notify your doctor or local medical professional that you were bitten by your dog. Bites may require antibiotics, tetanus boosters, or other care.
Report the bite - Contact your local dog / animal warden or council for advice, as well as your vet to assess the dog for signs of injury or illness.

Preventing dog bites

Given the potentially serious consequences of a dog bite, prevention is far better than cure. Even if you don’t believe your dog is capable of biting someone (or you), there are steps you can take to minimise the risk.

Understand your dog’s body language

Dogs usually signal discomfort before growling or biting. Early signs include lip licking, yawning, flattened ears, showing eye whites, turning away or crouching. Spotting these cues allows you to step back before things escalate. Never punish growling, it’s a warning, not misbehaviour.

Socialise your dog

Dogs that are familiar with other dogs and people are generally less likely to be aggressive. Gradual socialising is particularly important for rescue dogs or dogs with a history of abuse. If you’re unsure about your dog’s triggers, a behaviourist can provide guidance.

Use positive, reward-based training

Training is one of the most effective tools for preventing aggression. A well-trained dog is more likely to respond to recall commands and remain calm in stressful situations. Training also helps you better read your dog’s moods and anticipate potential triggers before a bite occurs.

Use a lead

Keeping your dog on a lead in new or unpredictable situations, such as busy parks or streets, gives you better control and demonstrates responsible ownership. In the event of an incident, it may also serve as evidence that you took reasonable precautions.

Situational awareness

Be alert to your surroundings and the presence of other dogs or people. If your dog shows stress or aggression signs, warn those nearby and remove your dog from the situation immediately.

For more information on dog behaviour, see our range of dog behaviour guides and advice.

FAQs about dog bites

Written by: Adam Jolley
Last reviewed on: 24 September 2025

About the Author

Adam Jolley is a writer specialising in insurance, personal finance, and pets. He’s worked for Confused.com and Admiral Insurance, and currently writes and edits for an online magazine. His strangest pet was a hissing cockroach. Now, he’s a proud cat dad to Penelope, affectionately known as Nelly.