General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
If a bite affects the face, neck or genitals, or the wound is badly torn, reaches bone, causes heavy bleeding, or the injured limb loses feeling or movement, call 15 or 112 in France. A bite must be cleaned immediately with soap and water; a deep wound requires immediate medical advice.
Never leave a child unsupervised with an animal, even a familiar one. A known dog can bite if frightened, in pain or disturbed in its territory. A child may not recognise signs of aggression or actions to avoid: an adult’s supervision remains essential.
Let the dog sleep and eat without disturbance. Avoid taking its toys, teasing it while it eats or reaching towards its food bowl. These situations are among the contacts Ameli advises avoiding to prevent a bite.
Teach the child not to climb onto the dog’s back, lie on it, squeeze it too tightly or pull its tail or ears. Also avoid getting too close to a female dog with her puppies. These limits should guide contact with the animal.
Avoid approaching an unfamiliar animal. Ask the owner’s permission before stroking a dog on a lead. During a visit, knowing the animal does not replace this caution or supervision of the child.
Do not approach a growling dog. With an aggressive animal, avoid staring at it or running away, and do not prevent it from escaping. Do not step into a fight between dogs: this intervention also exposes you to a bite.
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