Preventing dog bites
Responsible pet owners must remember that they have the obligation to keep their pets from harm’s way. Lack of social training for dogs and individuals often becomes a recipe for unfortunate encounters, such as dog bites, that could equally endanger and traumatize the person and the pet.
Through the years, experts have been encouraging pet parents to visit their veterinarian for regular rabies vaccination. In local villages and barangays, free rabies vaccination services are made available during pet celebrations to promote rabies prevention among pet owners. In recent findings, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that 47 percent of rabies cases were children below 15 years old. Although 100 percent fatal, it is largely preventable if precautionary measures are observed. In 2020, DOH aims for the Philippines to be rabies-free.
Here are some practical tips to prevent dog bites.
Socialization. Socialization, or when a puppy is introduced to new people, places and locations, should begin between three and 14 weeks of age. AVMA recommends that a plan be developed for the different environments that will be a part of a new dog’s life. Once the puppy comes home, if one lives in a city, slowly introduce the dog to situations with people and traffic. One can also carefully expose one’s pet to people wearing hats, carrying umbrellas, or holding other everyday objects that could be perceived as a threat. Don’t forget: make sure a dog is fully vaccinated before he or she is exposed to areas with a high likelihood of unvaccinated dogs.
Learn the signs. A dog can display physical indications that it is upset or about to bite. Some of the obvious actions include barking or growling, but there are also some unexpected signs. If a dog pricks up or flattens its ears, tenses up or stares at a person, or even wags its tail or rolls over to expose its belly, the dog may be
fearful or stressed. Teach children how to
interact with dogs. It is also important to teach children how to approach and pet a dog. This includes instructing a child to always ask the owner before petting an animal, even if they know the dog, and to pet gently and avoid yelling or sudden movements. Remember to avoid touching a dog if it is sleeping or eating, and let the dog be alone in its crate or bed.
Whether one just brought a puppy home or a child loves to say “hi” to dogs in the neighborhood, people can all play a role in preventing dog bites.