DOGS CAN BITE WHEN HURT
When an unfamiliar dog is badly hurt he can bite when handled. This is due to the excruciating pain, and they aren’t really responsible for being nervous and irritable. In administering first aid to them, therefore, it is necessary to bind their jaws so they cannot snap, as an ordinary muzzle is no protection against having the hand bitten. A vet can usually tell whether or not a dog will bite. At least, vets are seldom bitten and do not always have to use some kind of bandage over the jaws.
Never immediately approach or touch an injured dog. Let the dog calm down and if you know it calls the dog by name. Talk to him in a controlled and friendly manner to help relax him and see if he’ll be friendly. It will soon be evident by the action of the tail, the glint of the eye, and his whole demeanor whether he will allow you to approach close enough to pat him.
Most dogs give a warning when they are going to bite and usually will allow you to back off without biting. Of course, there are dogs that will snap or bite without any warning. In the event that the dog does not allow approach and examination, proceed to make a muzzle which I recommend to those who are doing this on their own and at home.
First, take a strip of gauze bandage or something like it about a yard long, making a loop in the center. This loop is placed over the jaw of the dog, the knot is under the lower jaw. The ends of the bandage are then pulled so that the loop is tight enough to keep the jaws closed. Another knot is next tied and drawn tight so that the loop cannot slip. The ends of the bandage are brought up alongside the face and the throat, being tied securely behind the ears. Some dogs will take their paws and pull this bandage off as soon as it is on that it should be further secured by tying the upper’ lower loops together to prevent any such action.
It is then that you will be able to examine to the dog without any danger of being bitten and yet without inflicting any suffering to the dog.
