Attacked by pitbull at dog park

[lafsalot]

I think antibiotics is a good idea as a precautionary measure even though it may only be a "tiny scratch". Our mastiff was bitten by a loose Rottie while I was walking him (on a leash) around the neighborhood, and subsequently developed a nasty abscess the very next day!! Of course I reported the bite to the proper authorities, but unfortunately, I was informed that they don't consider dog - dog attacks as seriously as those on humans. Go figure - Cathy

 

[IndyBoxer]

Pete was bitten, too

We were at the Bark Park and some idiot opened up the gate to the holding area before the Pit was off leash. All of the other dogs rushed in, including Pete.

He ended up with a bite about 1/8 inch from his eye as well as chest and leg.

The Pit was a young (~ 9 months), unneutered male.

The Pit owners left as soon as the dogs were separated and I was left with a bleeding - Pete.

We rushed to the vet and she cleaned the wounds, gave us an antibiotic and some sort of muscle relaxer (vet said he would be sore from the battle). Pete was fine the next day, but I was $115 lighter.

About a month later the Pit shows up and the owners said they heard I had to take Pete to the vet. They apologized and gave me a $100 bill.

Now, we watch for Pits or other aggressive dogs and just leave at the first sight.

I think the Bark Park is a great idea, but each owner has to manage the situation. Sometimes managing is - leaving.

 

[Julie P.]

Magic and her new brother Deeg

Man, I am so glad to have read this post! My husband and I will be moving to a larger city and will be using the dog parks. I am so glad to hear some of your stories as it will prepare me to be wise about other dogs.

A few years ago, I lived next door to a family of five. They had two Australian Pit bulls. Each night the family played lighthearted games in their yard with these dogs. I walked my boxer, Magic by their yard every night and enjoyed watching the dog-family relationship that this family shared.

One night, after I got off work, I saw a fire truck, two police cars, an ambulance and a lot of action at the house where the pit bulls lived. Come to find out, one of the pit bulls "snapped" and went for a family member's throat. The other pit bull followed his buddies lead and started attacking a different family member. It turned into a huge blood bath. Someone in the family managed to called 911, both dogs had to be put to sleep and three family members were taken to the emergency room at the hospital. No one died but two of the family members stayed in the hospital for a few days.

I lived next to this family for over a year. I was taken by surprise by this misfortunate tragedy. It has been several years and it still bothers me to the point that I am still sharing the story. I have no glue as to what set those dogs off. All I know, is that it scared me to death...the thought of it is overwelming!

Julie, Magic and her brother Deeg
(I love you so much Magic-Magic by the bridge 9/17/04)

 

[cristletips]

I see headbutting and dogs picking at dogs at the dog park all the time. It usually starts off as just that, headbutting play. Which then gets a bit more exciting for the dogs and the dogs get more vocal. THen other dogs hear it and come running over and pack mentality sets in and then there is a scrap. Usually a dog is bitten or scratched, but its primarily rough play and they sort it out themselves. Its not overly aggressive dog mauling/fighting.

The owners usually try to intervene by calling them off. It's dangerous to get your hands in there as you can easily be bitten. Sometimes its necessary though. That pit bull owner should have done more than stand there.

The dogs usually involved are golden retrievers.