This article was created in collaboration with the team at Arash Law, who specialize in personal injury and liability cases.

No one ever expects it, but sometimes, even the sweetest, most gentle dog can bite. Maybe it was a quick nip, or something more serious. Either way, it’s a moment that can leave you feeling shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do next.

If you’re here, it likely means something upsetting just happened, and you're trying to do the right thing.

That’s already a good first step.

Whether it was a small incident or something more serious, there are things you can do to support the person who was bitten, protect your dog, and move forward responsibly. In some cases, dog parents (or the person who was bitten) may find it helpful to seek legal advice to better understand rights and responsibilities.

This guide is here to help you take the next steps. Let’s walk through it together.

First, Take a Breath

If you’re reading this after your dog bit someone, we want to start with this: you’re not a bad dog parent.

Bites are scary. They shake you up. You’re probably running through a mix of emotions—shock, guilt, fear, confusion. You’re not alone. Even the most loving dogs can bite under the right (or wrong) circumstances. What matters now is how you move forward.

This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through what to do after a dog bite, how to protect the person involved, how to support your dog, and how to handle legal, emotional, and practical next steps—without panic, blame, or shame.

Why Dogs Bite (And Why It Doesn’t Mean They’re “Bad”)

Let’s get this out of the way first: biting is communication, not a moral failure. Some dogs bite because they’re scared, overwhelmed, or in pain. It might be a fast moment of panic, a reaction to being touched the wrong way, or a response to something they’ve never learned how to cope with.

Common reasons dogs bite include:

Fear or anxiety
Being startled or cornered
Protecting food, toys, or space
Pain or illness
Lack of early socialization

It’s easy to miss a dog’s subtle warnings—like freezing, lip licking, or turning away—until they feel the need to make a louder statement. The bite is rarely the first message. It’s just the one that finally gets heard.

What to Do Right After a Bite

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Gently remove your dog from the situation and create space. You can use a crate, leash, or a separate room—whatever feels safest. Try to stay calm. Yelling or punishing your dog in the moment may make things worse.

2. Help The Person Who Was Bitten

Check in. Offer water, clean the wound with soap if they’re okay with it, and suggest they seek medical attention, especially if the bite broke skin. Even minor bites can lead to infection.

3. Document The Incident

Make a quick note of what happened:

Where were you?
What triggered the bite?
Who was involved?
How did your dog react before and after?

Also, try to have your dog’s vaccination records on hand in your phone, especially their rabies vaccine certificate. These details will be important if medical providers or authorities need more information.

Understanding How Serious the Bite Was

Dog bites come in all shapes and sizes. Some are warning snaps with no contact. Others break skin. A few are more serious and require stitches.

Many professionals use the Dunbar Bite Scale to describe the severity of a bite. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Level 1: Air snap—no contact
Level 2: Contact, but no puncture
Level 3: One to two shallow punctures
Level 4: Deep punctures
Level 5: Multiple deep bites
Level 6: Fatal (extremely rare)

Why does this matter? Understanding the level helps guide what kind of response is needed, from both a behavioral and safety standpoint.

And let’s not forget the emotional impact. A bite, especially for a child, can leave fear and anxiety long after the wound heals. Offer compassion, even if the physical damage seems minor.

Talking To The Person Who Got Bit

This part can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most important steps.

Try to stay calm and kind. Avoid being defensive, even if the situation feels complicated. Your goal is to support the person and keep lines of communication open.

Here’s a place to start:

“I’m so sorry this happened. I want to make sure you’re okay, and I’m committed to doing what’s needed to take care of the situation.”

Be ready to share:

Your dog’s vaccination records
What you know about what triggered the bite
Your willingness to cover immediate medical costs, if appropriate

And just as importantly, listen. Sometimes people just need to feel heard and acknowledged after something scary.

Legal Responsibilities (Especially in Colorado)

Depending on where you live, you may be required to report the bite to animal control or your local health department.

If you're in Denver, Colorado:

Colorado follows a “strict liability” law for dog bites. That means you may be held responsible for your dog’s actions, even if this was their first incident and even if they’ve always been friendly before.

In Denver:

Any bite that breaks the skin should be reported to Denver Animal Protection (DAP) within 12 hours.
DAP typically requires a 10-day in-home quarantine for the dog to monitor for signs of illness
You can contact DAP at (720) 913-1311 or visit denvergov.org/animalshelter

Don’t panic. This process is designed to protect public health, not punish responsible owners. But it’s important to follow all instructions carefully.

If you’re unsure about your rights or responsibilities, a quick call to animal control or a local lawyer familiar with dog laws can bring peace of mind.

What If Someone Takes Legal Action?

In some cases, the person who was bitten may pursue compensation for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering

That’s where homeowners' or renters' insurance often comes in. Many policies cover dog bites under personal liability, though some may exclude specific breeds or dogs with known behavior issues.

Here’s what to do:

Check your policy’s coverage
Contact your insurance company
Provide any needed documentation (incident notes, medical records, etc.)

If a lawsuit seems likely or you’re unsure what steps to take, it might be worth consulting a legal professional to protect yourself and your dog.

How to Prevent It From Happening Again

One bite doesn’t define your dog, but it is a sign that something needs to change.

Step 1: See Your Vet

Rule out pain, injury, or illness. Dogs in discomfort are more likely to lash out even in familiar situations.

Step 2: Work With A Behavior Professional

Look for a certified dog trainer or animal behavior consultant who uses positive, force-free methods. At Family Pupz, our adult dog training services are designed to uncover the root of your dog’s challenges and create a personalized plan to help them feel safer, more confident, and better behaved.

Step 3: Rethink Daily Life

Reduce your dog’s exposure to stressful triggers (kids, guests, other dogs—whatever applies) while you build new skills. Create a safe space for them to retreat when overwhelmed.

Step 4: Keep Them Mentally And Physically Fulfilled

A bored or under-exercised dog can become reactive more quickly. Enrichment, walks, sniff time, and puzzle toys go a long way.

Getting Support

You don’t have to figure this out alone. In fact, you shouldn’t.

Here’s who can help:

Veterinarian – for health assessments and medical records
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant – for bite prevention and recovery plans
Therapist – for emotional support, especially if you or the victim is struggling
Lawyer – for guidance if there’s a legal case
Insurance provider – for financial protection

Asking for help doesn’t mean you failed. It means you care enough to make things right.

Moving Forward, With Compassion

A dog bite can feel like everything is falling apart, but it’s not the end of the road. It’s a wake-up call, a turning point, and a chance to build something even stronger with your dog.

Yes, there may be legal steps, medical needs, and hard conversations, but with the right support, you can move through this in a way that’s responsible, loving, and fair.

You love your dog. That hasn’t changed. Now’s the time to show up with patience, empathy, and a commitment to do better—for your dog, for the person who was hurt, and for yourself.

You’ve got this. And your dog does too.

‘My Dog Bit Someone – Now What?’ - A Guide for Dog Parents Facing the Unexpected