What to do when you experienced dog bite

Surviving a dog bite is hard to ignore. I went to my cousin's house, who's also our barangay captain, when his she-dog silently snapped a bite on my right lower leg.

Without my long pants, the bite will penetrate on my flesh with all those sharp teeth. Good thing it was only a gash or superficial wound (it didn't bled) and my cousin assured me that it was already injected with anti-rabies.

Immediately, a dog bite first aid was conducted by my other cousin who's known as the dog bite first aider in our place. I was asked if there's a tingling sensation on the gash. I said, negative. Then after washing it with soap and the blood was pressed out and dressed, I resumed doing my task as I interviewed my cousin.

Since it was my first and maybe the last dog bite that I should endure, I take note of the first aid my cousin gave me:

1. Pipita - a black seed with a very bitter taste. He immediately gave it to me while making incision on the cleaned wound to let the contaminated blood drift out.
2. Deer horn - two small-squared portion of deer horn was placed on my two deep incised wound and let it sip the blood for the night.

I've been told to take an antibiotic pill for the danger of tetanus.

In the early morning, I looked for the herb being eaten by dogs whenever they have ailments, like cough or colds. I don't know the exact name in English but we call it 'bagangan' in our local dialect (Bicol). I pounded the stems without the flowers then strained it with hot water. It's somewhat sweet to the taste.

He cautioned me to report the incident to the municipal health/sanitation officer, which I did, for further instruction.

The health officer advised me to have an anti-rabies injection, even though the dog was already injected with one. If not, the effects can be felt on the 7th day, 7th week, seventh month or seven years. I don't know the connection with it with the dog bite.

The injection costs P 800.00 per shot or approximately $ 20.00.

I was bitten because the female dog felt she was threatened by my presence when I went to the barangay captain's house. She sired four puppies and always angry with visitors. It had bitten my other cousin and a boy. The dog was already injected with anti-rabies, but the first two were also injected to avoid any bad effects.

The couple promised to observe the dog for a span of week or two. If it becomes sickly, it still has rabies. I was glad the behavior didn't change. It's friendly but with puppies, it became territorial.

After my dog bite incident, visitors of my cousin are always warned of the possibilities of being bitten, too.

I suggested that they should propose a resolution at the barangay council regarding the Proper Caring & Treatment of Pets, like dogs. He promised that they'll make one in accordance with the directive of the municipal council.

Although, I still care for my own pet dog, I am extra careful with the stray dogs roaming the streets in our barangay.

I am now aware of the uncanny behavior of this man's best friend if not treated well by its owner.

Even at a young age, I am fond of having pets like cats and dogs. Kids should learn on how to take care of their pets. Dogs cling to you as their master. You fee them right and also take care of their grooming by bathing them regularly. Training you dog at an early age ( 1 human year = 7 dog years) can benefit both you and your pet. Learning tricks can make it more wiser and will recognize the proper way to treat other humans.

With this book, kids will learn a thing or two on how to take care of their pets, whether it's dog or cat.

As I moved out from my hometown, Minalabac, Camarines Sur (in Bicol region) to Don Galo, my adopted barangay in Paranaque City, Manila, Philippines, I became an active participant in whatever activities that are conducted in the area, including membership to its local cooperative and recently, the Anti-Rabbies Campaign for Dogs and Cats last Sunday, January 29, 2012.

The PNP (Philippine National Police) - Maritime Group extended their services to the barangay council and city council as well in conducting medical mission both for the residents and the animals (cats and dogs) as well.

The half-day activities drew eager residents and responsible animal owners to let their pets undergo vaccination for anti-rabbies and intestinal worm eradication as well.

The whining and howling of those pets while undergoing treatment testified that the effects of cat-and-dog bites will now be hampered in the area.

Although, the appeal of this hubber should resonate to his original barangay back in the province.

Remember that the bite of your pets will be risky to your lives, if leniency on treatment will prevail.

(With personal biases, opinion and writings from travel_man1971 aka Ireno Alcala)