Whether you’re a police officer or mail carrier, a hiker or biker, or just someone enjoying a walk around the block, a threatening dog is a danger you may someday have to face. How can you stop an aggressive attack, minimize risk to the dog, and keep yourself safe legally all at the same time?
Pepper spray can stop dog attacks. It’s actually one of the best options to deter a dog intent on attacking you. If you prepare correctly and keep it at the ready, pepper spray can help you turn a severe incident into just a scary moment.
Read on to find out when you can use pepper spray, how to use it effectively, and how to keep yourself and your family safe.
How Will Pepper Spray Affect the Attacking Dog?
Pepper spray is an irritant that affects the eyes, eyelids, mouth, and entire respiratory system. Think of the hottest habanero you’ve ever eaten, and imagine something at least six times spicier.
The burning will cause the dog’s eyes to slam shut, resulting in a temporary loss of vision that will offer you time to get away. The dog will also want to get away from the source of pain and will probably start to move away from you rather than continue forward.
Fortunately, the effects of the spray are temporary, so you don’t have to worry about doing any lasting damage to somebody’s pet. Your attacker will be uncomfortable in the moment but will recover completely after a few short hours.
Are Dog Attacks Even Worth Worrying About?
Each year in the United States, there are 4.5 million attacks by vicious dogs. Of course, this number only includes reported attacks, so the actual number is probably higher. You have a 1 in 73 chance of it happening to you – think about how often you come into contact with a strange dog, and you’ll realize the risk is significant and worth taking seriously.
According to the National Canine Research Association of America, nearly 20% of these bites required medical attention, and few even resulted in death. Dogs rank 4th in the deadliest animals to humans (other humans rank second, and pepper spray works on them, too), so it’s a threat to keep in mind.
How Can You Tell if a Dog Is Likely To Be a Threat?
Some folks will argue about the dangerous personalities of certain breeds, but all dogs are capable of viciousness. There are several characteristics most dogs involved in violent interactions have in common. Here are a few examples of the types of dogs that are more likely to attack:
- Dogs that don’t know you.
- Dogs that are not correctly socialized around humans.
- Dogs that have been abused or neglected.
- Dogs that feel threatened or aggravated by your actions.
- Dogs that are sick or injured.
Understanding these characteristics may not offer help in all situations, but it can make you aware of which dogs in your area you’ll want to keep an eye on.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Pepper Spray for Protection?
Of all the deterrents you might choose, pepper spray is one of the most convenient. It’s easy to afford, with canisters like this Kuros Pepper Spray from Ace Hardware boasting very reasonable prices. Its small size makes it easy to carry, and it’s known for getting the job done.
The U.S. Postal Service provides all its carriers with a pepper spray called Halt, available from Modern Bike, but you can trust almost any personal spray can, regardless of the brand.
Is It Legal To Use Pepper Spray To Protect Yourself?
In the United states, pepper spray is legal for adults to use for self-protection. However, some localities have restrictions around the size of canister you can carry, so check on that before you make a purchase.
Even though it’s legal to carry, the details of the attack must fit specific criteria to keep you on the right side of the law. You are within your rights to spray a threatening dog when the canine is displaying aggressive behavior, seems about to attack, or is already in the process of attacking. Some signs of imminent aggression are:
- Growling, snarling, or making guttural bark low in the throat
- Snapping teeth, showing teeth, nipping, or biting
- Lunging and charging, or becoming rigid and still
You are not legally permitted to use pepper spray on a dog for excessive barking or for being in your yard. In those cases, it’s better to use a deterrent like an air horn or a spray like Nature’s Miracle Pet Block from Petco, which comes in a 16-ounce (473.17-ml) bottle and is also very affordable.
A reasonable conversation with the pet owner can help resolve these non-threatening issues.
How Can You Make Sure You’re Protected When the Time Comes?
You may be unable to predict when you’ll encounter an aggressive dog, so keep your pepper spray within quick and easy reach. Many canisters are designed to attach to a key chain, so you’re likely to always have it with you. A container kept in your purse or at home is not going to be any help at all when you need it.
Familiarize yourself with any safety mechanisms that may need to be disabled so you can do it quickly and under stress. Know how far your particular canister shoots, and always mark the direction of the wind so your weapon of choice doesn’t turn against you. Getting pepper spray in your eyes during a dog attack will make the situation worse, not better.
Most cans have a specific temperature range in which they are most effective, so buy one that works for the weather you experience in your area. Also, test your can now and again to ensure it’s still working, and replace it when it expires.
Conclusion
Avoid walking in places where aggressive dogs are a risk, and if a dog starts to display any worrisome behaviors, get out of the area as quickly as possible. Never harass a dog or give them any reason to think of you as an enemy. But if you find yourself in danger of a dog attack, pepper spray is an inexpensive, effective, and legal way to keep yourself safe.
