On November 20, host Ariane Brodier was violently attacked by three dogs not on a leash while jogging near Montpellier.
Hospitalized, she calls for vigilance. What are the right reflexes to have when faced with an aggressive dog? Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, answers us.
A sudden attack while jogging
While she was jogging in Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, Ariane Brodier found herself facing three untethered dogs.
“It was a red stocking (Beauceron type, Editor’s note), a pit bull and a third dog that I didn’t recognize.” she says on her social networks. The actress was bitten on the calf and hand before being rescued by firefighters.
Transported to Montpellier University Hospital, she gave her news from her hospital bed. “It’s quite deep but hey, it could have gone with my calf. In my misfortune, I am lucky! We now have to see if the tendons are not affected and if there is no infection.”
How to recognize the signs of an aggressive dog?
Even before the attack, certain behaviors should alert you.
As Dr. Gérald Kierzek reminds us, “An aggressive dog generally displays progressive warning signals: ears flattened back, stiff tail and carried high or, on the contrary, low between the legs, bristling hair, fixed gaze, repeated yawning, licking of the nose or completely stiff posture.
As the threat intensifies, other signals appear.
“Signs of an imminent threat include growling, curled lips, slowed gait and a noticeably ruffled coat.” adds the doctor. In a situation where you don’t feel safe, it is also useful to listen to yourself, in case of doubt. “Trust your intuition too“.
Preventing aggression: good reflexes
The majority of bites occur due to a misunderstanding or lack of communication between humans and animals. A few simple rules can help avoid escalation.
“To prevent an aggressive reaction, respect the dog’s space: avoid staring into his eyes, disturbing him when he is eating, sleeping or playing, and do not touch him until he has first smelled you.” advises our expert.
When faced with an unfamiliar dog, it is also recommended to adopt a neutral posture.
“Keep your arms close to your body, don’t make sudden movements and teach children to “do the tree”, that is to say stay still, if a dog approaches.”
In case of attack or bite: how to react?
In a situation of aggression, actions must remain simple and rapid. “Walk away calmly without running, and if you fall, protect your face and neck by curling up into a ball.” advises the doctor. Be careful, you should never attempt a direct fight. “Never try to intervene directly; if necessary, use an object to distract the dog’s attention“.
When the bite has occurred, cleaning the wound is an absolute emergency. “Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for ten to fifteen minutes, rinse, apply an antiseptic and cover without suturing to allow drainage.
And if you are a witness, first aid actions are just as important.
“Move people away, reassure the victim, clean the wound and call emergency services (15 or 112), while assessing the severity according to the bleeding and the affected area.”
What are the other important steps?
Some injuries require immediate treatment. “In the event of a deep wound, significant bleeding or sensitive areas affected such as the neck, face or thorax, you must consult urgently; in general, any penetrating wound requires medical advice.”. Indeed, certain bites can cause serious complications.
“Puncture – in the form of a point – or deep wounds present a higher risk of infection than superficial abrasions; the neck is particularly exposed due to blood vessels and the danger of hemorrhagic shock“recalls Dr. Kierzek.”Treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, loose suturing or surgery if necessary, and careful monitoring for signs of infection such as redness, pus or fever.
Concerning rabies, the risk is low in domestic dogs in France, but certain situations require increased vigilance.
“Post-exposure prophylaxis, with vaccine and possibly immunoglobulins, is only considered in the event of suspicion linked to travel to a risk area or contact with a wild animal. notes our expert.
Finally, the law requires health monitoring. “The incident must be declared to the town hall and the dog must be monitored for fifteen days under veterinary supervision.” he concludes.