Undoubtedly, bear sprays have been playing a great role in preventing people from unexpected bear encounters while they are enjoying outdoor activities. But Americans usually don’t meet such dangers, so does that mean a bear spray is useless to buy?
Well, not at all! A bear spray can help you dodge wild dogs’ attacks that can happen to you anytime.
According to the Center for Disease Control, USA, every year there are 4.7 million dog bites cases, which results in serious medical care. And, as the bear spray works on dogs, so it’s better to keep one every time.
What is Bear Spray?
It all started in the 18th century when the first-ever bear attack was recorded. Since then, people began to take serious measures to thwart their loved ones from becoming the prey of a 9-foot-long creature.
However, due to the lack of technological advancement, there were no instant tools to use to get away from bear attacks.
Guns and other weapons were there to defend, but of course, not everyone was that financially or physically capable to carry the load. Then finally in the 1980s, bear spray was introduced to the world, which is still helping humanity.
So, ever heard of aerosols?
A bear spray falls into that same category which can be your last hope of protection in case you have been attacked by a bear. The main component used in the manufacturing of this spray is capsaicin that is a mishmash of chili peppers.
Although not much rocket-science is used in the spray’s production or anything that could be excessively poisonous, even a little push on the spray’s cap can dissuade a bear from making any harmful move. And as a result, you get time to escape from this perilous situation.
Does a Bear Spray Work on Wild Dogs?
The answer is YES.
A bear spray contains Oleoresin Capsicum that works perfectly fine on wild dogs who come closer to you with an intention to bite. What happens is that when you spray on wild dogs, the ingredients which leave the bottle directly affect the mucous membrane.
And, as a consequence, the dog’s throat, nose, and eyes suffer from severe irritation and inflammation. This causes disengagement to the dog’s senses and the animal withdraws its attention from you. This gives you enough time to elope from the situation without being hurt or bitten.
Finding a Good Bear Spray for Aggressive Dogs
An aggressive dog can be anywhere. It can be around your house, a parking lot, your office, or at your street, waiting for the right moment to bite you.
So, it is always better to be prepared and have a bear spray with you whenever you leave your house, workplace, or gym because it can be the only way out.
But wait! Not all the bear sprays can help you survive the situation. There are certain things you need to look for when buying a bear spray for you and your loved ones’ safety. Therefore, it is necessary for you to keep in mind several traits of the spray before you get one. So make sure that:
- The amount of capsaicin in the spray should be at least 0.8%
- The container must possess 225 grams of bear spray with a cloud spray pattern
- Spray should cover a distance of at least 5 meters or more
- It should have a long expiry date (3 to 4 years)
Using Bear Spray on Dangerous Dogs
Whether you are going to work or about to leave for grocery shopping, you should never forget to take the bear spray. And in case you sense any wild dog following you on your way, don’t wait for any help and immediately hold the spray in your hand.
Just take off the safety clip and be ready to press the cap to release mist out of the can. And if the situation is worst and you are confirmed that the dog is all-set to bite you, then here’s what you need to do:
- Aim the dog and try to be on the opposite side of the wind direction
- Press the spray cap when the dog is around 5 to 7 meters away to give a warning
- If the dog is still moving towards you, stay focused and aim for the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Target the head and keep on spraying if the dog has crossed 5 meters
Once the dog is covered with the mist, it will eventually run away or begin to clean itself. So, this is the time that you leave the spot as quickly as possible. If you have any unnecessary items with you, just drop them and get out of that area.
Bear Spray and Human Safety
Despite bear-sprays are real life-savers when you are surrounded by aggressive dogs, it is always recommended to store them in a secure place if you are keeping them at your home. And, most importantly, make sure that you keep it out of the reach of children because its misuse can be extremely harmful.
Also, even if the spray is used on adults, then they might need immediate medical supervision because it can cause vexation. Some people are allergic to the ingredients present in the spray, so it is better to inform them that you are carrying a bear spray with you for emergency conditions so that they can be active and save them in case you need to spray.
There is nothing more important in this world than the security of your life. A biting dog can make you go through a lot of serious medical diseases. This is why it is vital to take all the safety precautions because dog bite cases are increasing in the USA.
For sure, bear sprays are blessings because they not only protect from bear attacks but also prevent you from being the victim of dog bites. In fact, it’s one of the best protection tools you can get for your family and friends.