Temitope Adetunji
A veterinarian, Dr. Oyefunbi Legunsen, tells TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about the prevention of rabies and the liabilities of dog owners
Dogs are one of the commonest companion animals in homes, but one potential danger with keeping dogs is that they may go violent and bite. Beyond the physical injury from a dog bite, should one also worry about contracting a disease from it?
There are about 900 million dogs in the world and a considerable percentage live with and around humans. This makes dogs the most common pet in the world. It is expected that pet dogs do not inflict physical injuries on humans without provocation but when this happens, viruses and bacteria can be transmitted to humans. The disease that is of great public health concern that can be transmitted to humans through a dog bite is rabies.
Is rabies the only disease that one can contract from a dog bite?
No, the mouths of dogs contain a lot of microorganisms. These microorganisms can complicate a dog bite or cause diseases. Other diseases that can be caused by dog bites are leptospirosis, cellulitis, staphylococcus and streptococcus.
There is a traditional belief that allowing a dog to lick one’s open wound will help to fast-track the healing. But veterinarians say this is a dangerous practice. As a vet, why is this practice dangerous?
Although dog saliva contains very slight antiseptic properties, the danger of this traditional practice outweighs the perceived benefits. As I mentioned earlier, the mouths of dogs contain bacteria and viruses, so rather than fast-track wound healing, licking will transmit these microorganisms, which will not only delay or complicate wound healing but cause other diseases.
Can you explain what rabies is and how a dog can contract it?
Rabies infection is a life-threatening disease that has no cure. It is caused by a virus called rabies virus. Although it has no cure, it is 100 per cent preventable. It can affect dogs, humans and other mammals. This virus affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of infected dogs, humans and other mammals, and ultimately leads to death.
A dog can get a rabies infection if it gets in contact with the saliva, brain or spinal tissue of any rabies-infected mammals. This can be through the bite or scratch of an infected dog or wildlife animals e.g. bats, raccoons and foxes. One’s dog can also get infected if the saliva, brain or spinal tissue of an infected mammal gets in contact with the mouth, nose, eye or wound of the dog.
How common is rabies infection in the environment?
In Nigeria, there are several reported cases of dog and human rabies from each state every year.
What are the signs that show that a dog has rabies and should be avoided by humans?
It is good that the public knows that the rabies virus can be in the body of infected dogs for days and months before signs start to show. The signs that easily show that a dog may have rabies are sudden and severe behavioural changes. For example, a dog that is normally aggressive or unfriendly will suddenly become friendly or a dog that is normally calm and friendly can become aggressive and puppies may seek human attention and be overly playful and use the opportunity to bite. Also, there may be excessive salivation, inability to swallow, drooping of jaw, irritation and aggressive use of teeth with little or no provocation, barking and biting of non-living things e.g. cages, and sticks; as well as seizures, general body paralysis and death.
What should a dog owner do if the animal comes down with rabies or starts exhibiting the symptoms?
Firstly, the dog owner should limit all human contact with any suspected dog. Such dogs should be isolated and not allowed to roam. Then, the dog owner should report such a case to the nearest veterinary hospital where appropriate procedures will be taken to observe, verify and euthanize such a dog.
Can a rabid dog be treated?
No, there is no known cure for rabies once the clinical signs start showing. The guideline for dogs that show clinical signs of rabies is euthanasia (painless killing). Also, all dogs or other animals that have been bitten by suspected rabid dogs will be euthanized.
Is it true that a human bitten by a rabid dog will bark like a dog?
Yes, cases of human barking have been seen in some human rabies infections.
What can be done as first aid if one is bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid dog?
The first thing to do is to immediately place the affected part under running water with soap and detergent or iodine for a minimum of 15 minutes. This is to help flush the rabies virus from the wound site. After this, the bitten person should be taken to the hospital for post-exposure prophylaxis. This PEP will only give immediate protection to prevent the bitten person from developing rabies infection. If going to the hospital is delayed and infection has commenced, then PEP is of no use again.
What are the survival chances for someone bitten by a rabid dog?
If appropriate immediate first aid and PEP were administered, the chance of the person not coming down with the clinical signs is high. Once clinical signs of rabies start showing, the person affected will eventually die from it.
How can one prevent the dog from having rabies?
The most effective way of preventing rabies in dogs is through timely vaccination. Dog owners should make sure that their dogs are vaccinated by a veterinary doctor, not quacks or imposters. This is because there are protocols and dynamics to vaccines for them to be effective. The recommended schedule for rabies vaccination is 12 to 16 weeks for the first dose, one year after the first dose for the second dose, and for subsequent doses, every one to three years.
How will you rate the culture of vaccination against rabies among dog owners in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, a lot of dog owners who live in urban areas are aware of rabies vaccination, but few prioritise and take their dogs for rabies vaccination when due. However, in rural areas, a lot of dog owners are not aware of rabies infection or anti-rabies vaccination.
What do you think should be done to encourage all dog owners to take their animals for vaccination?
The first thing should be public campaigns to educate dog owners that vaccinating their dogs against rabies is the most effective way of protecting themselves, their loved ones and the populace against rabies infection, which does not have a cure. The federal and state governments, with international support from the World Organisation for Animal Health through the Departments of Veterinary Services, provide annual free anti-rabies vaccination; dog owners are expected to take advantage of this free vaccination to get their dogs vaccinated.
Will an owner of a rabid dog be legally liable when it bites someone?
Yes, he will be liable to pay a fine, bear any medication expenses borne by the victim, or be imprisoned. The fine and months of imprisonment depend on each state or federal law.
What can generally be done to stop aggressive behaviours in dogs?
Every dog has its personality. Some dogs are timid, friendly, or aggressive. Socialisation will help dogs to behave appropriately in different situations. Now, socialisation is the act of exposing a dog to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. This should be done early between three to 14 weeks of age. However, it is also good to note that a timid dog can become aggressive if triggered, scared or provoked.
How should one react when one suddenly gets into a place and finds themselves face-to-face with a vicious dog?
I will strongly recommend calmness. Do not run, wave your hands or kick your legs, it will only trigger the dog to attack. Do not make eye contact with the dog, ignore him and scout your environment and slowly move towards a safe place. Some dogs may even come so close to sniffing and snarling at you, you can place your bag or other objects you have in between to protect yourself. If the dog bites at the object, you can use this opportunity to escape to a safe place. If you have food or handy objects like balls or bottles, you can throw them down; if it takes the bait, use the opportunity to escape.
Does this method apply to all dogs?
These may work for some dogs; but for others, they may not. You will need to speak boldly and deeply and command the dog to back off, but not make eye contact. If the dog starts biting, you will need to fight back as if your life depends on it. Kick and hit with any object you find, and target the head, nose, and neck. Shout for help and protect your neck, chest and face. Bear your weight on the dog as much as you can and take advantage of the slightest opportunity to escape.
What can be done when it involves children?
For children, it’s another ball game entirely. Parents, guardians and schools should protect and train their children and wards early on safety life skills. Children should not be left alone or sent on errands in environments where there are stray or unleashed dogs.
What is your general advice to dog owners on keeping their animals?
Dogs are a blessing to humanity, but how you care for them will determine how healthy and how long they live. If you have decided to have a dog then you should be ready to bear the health, financial and social responsibility that comes with it. You need to ensure that your dog is fed balanced and complete nutrition for growth and maintenance. Make sure that your dog takes all the required vaccination at the appropriate age. Make sure your dog is dewormed regularly. You also need to take responsibility for training and socialising your dog early. Also, you need to engage the services of a registered veterinary doctor for the safety and health of your dog and the populace at large.
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