Pets that Bite

Biting communicates many things: Fear, hunger, pain, and insecurity. Biting is a way for animals to prevent the unwanted actions of others. Animals also communicate feelings and needs through other behavior: hiding, begging, whining, growling, and staring. When animals know each other, biting is usually not necessary because other methods of communication are successful.

Pet animals, such as dogs and cats, have been artificially selected for a docile temperament or "domesticated" for generations. Domesticated animals have lost some of their fight or flight responses in favor of trust in us, their caretakers. These animals do not bite often even when they are frightened or in pain. Many exotic pets, such as snakes and ferrets, have not been domesticated. They are still wild animals. Wild animals are suspicious. They are quick to run from unusual situations and if they cannot escape, they bite.

You must teach a pet he or she can communicate with you without biting. If your pet is squirming to get down, put him down. If you do not want him loose, put him back in his cage. Otherwise he will believe that you do not understand he wants to get away. He will bite to make you let go. Unfortunately, he will learn that it works.

When you need to trim his nails or brush his coat, be properly prepared. Wrap him in a towel and get assistance if necessary. Your pet cannot bite when properly restrained. Therefore you won't have to "let go" until you are finished doing what you need to do. Your pet will understand the the towel means biting is not an option. He will also understand when you do not have a towel, it is safe to trust you.

Ignore all attempts by your pet to play by biting or pulling at you with teeth or claws. Even though this may be cute, it confuses your pet about appropriate behavior. Reward your pet for communicating in positive ways for attention. Drop absolutely everything, if only for a moment, if your pet approaches you with a toy. This teaches your pets HOW to get attention in ways you can both live with. It also encourages the interesting behavior that we all look forward to when we adopt a pet.

Be careful about teaching the pet that biting gets a dramatic reaction or gets him returned to his cage. He may bite specifically to get these reactions. Also, learn to read your pet's behavior to prevent bites. For example, hamsters roll over when they are afraid. If you see this behavior do not pick up the hamster. Snakes raise their head off the ground to threaten and skunks stomp their feet. In cases of emergency, when the animal must be handled in spite of warning behavior, use proper precautions: towels, gloves and assistance. Animals signal their intentions and you can learn to read your pet as he or she learns to read you!

In the event that your pet does bite, remain as calm as possible. Use a towel if necessary to move your pet to a safe area. Be sure to get medical attention for yourself and report the bite to the health department in case any health issues arise.