- Agressiveness -
500 000 cases of dog bites are reported each year in France (figures from the Center for Documentation and Information Assurance (CDIA), resulting in 60 000 hospitalizations. Moreover, these 500 000 figures represent only the reported assaults. A lot of bites are not declared, probably the major part. Are not even evocated the numerous cases, when the victims of those bites are other animals (hens, cats, dogs).
In Switzerland, studies have been conducted over the last ten years in the emergency departments of hospitals. It is observed that 19% of bites are the result of Bernese Mountain Dog and Appenzell, 13% are due to German or Belgian shepherds and 9% to Labradors and golden retrievers. 10% of bites were made by so-called "dangerous" dogs (pitbulls, staffs, rottweillers, etc. ..). Though, these figures need to be compared to the number of each breed living on the territory. It remains that the danger can come from our most adorable companions. You probably pay less attention to little dogs or to breeds that have "good reputation"...
Each year, about 8,000 children are bitten by dogs. this figure has been increasing constantly since 1998. The main victims are very young children from 1 to 4 years and those of 10-13 years. It concerns mainly young boys. Regarding the youngests, bites most frequently affect the face (cheeks, lips, nose, eyelids), whereas for the elders, it affects hands and legs just before the injuries to the face. Some cases of bites leave serious esthetic and functional consequences.
On seven out of ten cases, the bite was inflicted by a dog from the immediate surroundings of the child and in a third of cases at home. In the other cases, the bite occurs on the street and the dog is unknown.
Most bites are benign. Otherwise, it must be immediately treated at the emergencies. Apart from the esthetic and functional consequences, it is also a high risk of infectious sequelae. On 25% of cases, the wound is infected and can lead to severe injuries. Therefore, any wound should be cleaned thoroughly under running water, even in the shower, to remove the seeds of the plague and saliva of the dog. This must be done within 5 to 15 minutes after the bite. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of infection increases.
As prevention, antibiotics are usually prescribed. It must be checked if the victim has been vaccinated against tetanus. The vaccination against rabies is checked on the dog and, when needed, the child will be vaccinated.
Caution : The psychological repercussions can be significant. It is recommended to send the bitten child to a psychologist within 48 hours following the accident.
The aggressiveness of the dog may be due to 3 factors:
- The dog is afraid
- The dog is dominant
- The dog has a genetic problem (- 5% of cases of aggression)
If you evaluate badly the origin of the aggression, the treatment undertaken will have no effect and will probably have even worse consequences. Just call a professional of dog behavior who can solve this risky situation. Call us before things get worse.
 Dog behavioural re-education
tel : 06.05.40.40.45
info@ecoledeschiens.com
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