Dogs are often called humanity’s best friend, but even the friendliest animals can become dangerous in certain situations. Every year, millions of people are bitten by dogs around the world, and thousands die from complications caused by bites, especially in places where medical care and rabies vaccinations are limited.A dog bite is not just a painful injury. It can expose you to serious infections and diseases, including rabies, tetanus, and bacteria that can cause life threatening complications.So what should you do the moment a dog attacks?Stay Calm and Read the DogMost dog attacks happen because the animal feels threatened, scared, or protective. A dog may react aggressively if it believes you are a danger to its food, territory, owner, or safety.Before an attack happens, watch for warning signs. A nervous dog may lower its body, pull its ears back, growl, freeze, or avoid eye contact.If you notice these signs, give the animal space. Do not approach it, touch it, or make sudden movements. Moving slowly and calmly can prevent the situation from escalating.Do Not RunRunning away from an aggressive dog may feel like the obvious choice, but it can make things worse.Some dogs can reach speeds of around 70 km/h (45 mph), meaning they can easily catch a person. Running can also trigger the animal’s chasing instinct.Instead, stand still and try to appear calm. Avoid staring directly into the dog’s eyes because it may interpret that as a challenge.If possible, place something between you and the dog. A backpack, jacket, purse, or any object you have nearby can act as a barrier between your body and the dog’s teeth.Use a calm voice and slowly try to create distance.Do Not Fight BackIf a dog bites you, your first instinct may be to pull away or hit the animal. However, these reactions can make the attack worse. Pulling your body away can cause the dog to grip harder and create deeper injuries. Hitting the dog may increase its aggression.Instead, stay as calm as possible and avoid sudden movements. When the dog releases its bite, slowly move away without turning your back.Once you are safe, try to find out whether the dog has an owner and whether it has received its vaccinations. If the dog is a stray, contact local authorities so the animal can be monitored for dangerous diseases.Stay StandingDuring an attack, protect your hands and avoid waving your arms around. Fast movements can attract a dog’s attention and encourage it to bite. A dog may try to knock you down because a person on the ground is easier to attack.If you fall, curl into a protective position. Cover your face, neck, and ears with your arms. These areas contain important blood vessels and are among the most vulnerable parts of your body.Take Every Bite SeriouslyThere is a common myth that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans. In reality, dog saliva can contain many harmful bacteria.A bite can lead to infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli, tetanus, and C. canimorsus. Rabies is also a major concern, especially after bites from unvaccinated animals.In one case, an Australian woman became seriously ill after bacteria from her healthy dog’s saliva entered a small wound. She developed a severe infection and survived, but doctors had to amputate parts of her limbs because of the damage caused by the infection.That is why even a small dog bite should never be ignored.Wash the wound immediately, seek medical attention, and make sure doctors know the details of the attack.A dog may be a beloved companion, but any animal with teeth can become dangerous when frightened or threatened. Knowing how to react in the first few seconds could make the difference between a minor injury and a life threatening situation.