Recent rise in the number of dog bite incidents is worrisome for concerned authorities and parents as well, because in majority of cases children are generally main victims. According to a survey, half of the people who died of rabies are under the age of 15. Dog bites carry high risk of fatal and torturous infection, including rabies and tetanus.
Rabies virus directly affects the nervous system of the dog bite victim. World Health Organisation states "dogs are behind 99 percent death in human by rabies". Once the symptoms of rabies make their appearances, it becomes almost impossible to save rabies patient. Dog bite wounds are highly infected for diabetics and cancer patients. An expert says, "Dogs have rounded teeth, and it is the pressure exerted by their jaws that can cause significant damage to the tissues under the skin, including bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves."
Dog mouth contaminated with infectious germs passes virus from saliva of the dog to the brain of the victim through the wound. On reaching the brain, this virus causes puffiness and irritation which ends in a painful death. In rural and sub urban areas, stray dogs are continuous public health hazard. In Urban areas, keeping dogs for the security purpose is a common trend. Without proper vaccination, pet dog is also menace for children and adults. Immunisation of domestic dogs with rabies vaccine is safer than costly and painful post attack treatments.
A dog owner indicates that regular visit to veterinarian is necessary for the good health of pet dogs. He said, "Infected dog exhibits typical signs of fierce behaviour, biting, agitation, restiveness, fearlessness, and excessive salivation (frothing at the mouth)."
He adds, "It is important to respect your dog's mealtime; you should not disturb him while he is eating, caring for his/her puppies or appears to be grumpy. Always keeps a first-aid box handy with an antibiotic cream and clean bandages for curing minor dog bites. Before selecting pet dog, it is advisable to choose breed that is not aggressive and hostile. Always keep pets on a leash when in public. The threat of dog biting minimises with proper training and instructions."
In case of dog bite, immediate washing of the wound and scratches with warm water and liberal application of soap can reduces the loads of virus and bacteria. After washing of the wounds use of antiseptic solution such as tincture of iodine, chlorhexidine or spirit, helps preventing the infection.
Medical experts forbid the stitching or suturing of dog bite wounds because it increases the chances of virus inflowing nerves. Dr Niloufer Sultan Ali, assistant Professor of Department of Community Health Sciences, Agha Khan University said, "If possible suturing of wound should be avoided, however if suturing is necessary, rabies immunoglobulin should be infiltrated into and around the wound. Necrotic or devitalised should also be removed before closure." In case of profusely bleeding wound, pressure should apply with fingers or hands or apply pressure bandage. After immediate emergency care, a series of preventive vaccination to the victim of dog bite provide safeguard against deadly diseases.
The severity of the infection depends on the deepness and nearness of the wound to the brain. In case of bite on the neck, face or head, symptoms of the infections appear after short time ranges from few weeks to 1/3 months. The early symptoms of infection include discomfort, irritability, enigmatically despair, headache, fever, and sometimes itching or pain at the wound site.
Unfortunately, once signs of rabies begin to exhibit, it is almost impossible saving life of the victim. As the disease reaches to advance stages patient experiences the Loss of appetite, swallowing difficulty, ache of the throat muscles, tremors, restlessness, cerebral dysfunction and eventually progresses to paralysis and ultimately death. To avoid dog-biting incidents precautions and awareness is a key factor. A survey report states that more than 55,000 people, mostly in Africa and Asia, die from rabies every year - a rate of one person every ten minutes.
Dog bite prevention through education is an effective way for child safety. Educational programmes which raise awareness among children to protect themselves from torturous infection are needed.
Local authorities and NGOs should launch comprehensive educational campaigns in schools of every locality, for educating young children how to be safe around the dog. Amusing and visual presentations, such as showing of videos and pictures of different behaviours of dogs help students to be alert on time. Hanging posters highlight precautionary tips on front walls of the classrooms aid students to learn easily about the prevention of dog bites.
Concerned authorities are liable to control presence of stray dogs on streets and crowded places. On the other hand parents should not leave children alone with pet and stray dogs.
They should teach children following manners to prevent dog bite incidents.
1. -Stay away from dog's face.
2. Never stare at dog's eyes.
3. In no way try to carry something away from the dog.
4. Do not go near the dog while eating.
5. Never bother the dog who is sleepingng, resting or caring his/her puppies.
6. Avoid throwing stones at stray dogs because such act often infuriated the animal and increase the risk of attacks.
7. Keep away from threatening, sniffing, growling, barking, and odd-looking dogs.
8. In case of dog attack, curl up or hold close your knees and protect the face and neck with hands and arms.