Pets & Animals

Approximately 200 animal bites or similar injuries are reported each year to Algoma Public Health. The majority of the animal bites are caused by dogs.

Dog bites can result in serious injury and possibly spread the rabies virus to people. Let’s not forget that rabies is a deadly disease. If you are bitten by a dog ensure that you call the Algoma Public Health and let us know. Our job is to ensure that you are not at risk of developing rabies.

However, preventing dog bites should be our first line of prevention! Here are some basic facts about why dogs bite and what can you do to prevent it from happening! When a dog bites we usually think that is
“out of the blue”, but from the dog's point of view there has been probably some reason. Since dogs don't speak they can't tell us what is bothering them.

How can I tell if an animal has rabies?
Animals with rabies may show a variety of different signs which relate to the effect of the virus on the brain. The animal will behave differently, for example, a wild animal will be more friendly than usual, and a usually friendly animal may become more aggressive. Paralysis may make the animal appear clumsy and froth at the mouth.

What should I do if I think an animal is rabid?

If the animal is a wild animal, stay away from it. Owners of pets and livestock should keep their animals confined (away from other people and animals) and follow up with the veterinarian.

Dog Bite Warning Signs
A normally gentle family dog will usually send signs (warn us) when is not happy. If we try to understand the signals and respond properly, many dog bites can be avoided. According to the information from the Doggonesafe.com, the non- profit dog bite prevention education organization, there are several dog bite warning signs:

• Intense eye contact
• Dog growls
• The fur along their back may stand
• Showing the whites of their eyes or "Half-moon eye"
• Tail low or between legs
• Ears are pinned back
• Rapid panting
• Dog stands with the front legs widened and with head low, looking at you
• Dog shows teeth
• One paw raised and,
• Behaviors that are out of context for the situation, for example: Yawning when not tired; Licking mouth without the presence of food; Turning head away and/or hiding behind a person or object.

Last Modified: June 1, 2015

Bats

Any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example, in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached. Never handle bats.

What should I do if I come in contact with a bat?
If you are bitten by a bat -- or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical advice immediately. Algoma Public Health can arrange to have the bat tested for rabies. If you awaken and find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, seek medical advice and contact Algoma Public Health.

What should I do if my pet is exposed to a bat?
If you think your pet or domestic animal has been bitten by a bat, contact a veterinarian and Algoma Public Health immediately and have the bat tested for rabies. Remember to keep vaccinations current for cats, dogs, and other animals.

How can I keep bats out of my home?
Some bats live in buildings, and there may be no reason to evict them if there is little chance for contact with people. However, bats should always be prevented from entering rooms of your home.

If you choose to do the "bat-proofing" yourself, here are some suggestions. Carefully check your home for holes that might allow bats to enter your living quarters. Any openings larger than a ¼” to ½” should be caulked. Use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics, fill electrical and plumbing holes with steel wool or caulking, and make sure that all doors to the outside close tightly.

Additional "bat-proofing" can prevent bats from roosting in attics or buildings by covering outside entry points. Observe where the bats exit at dusk and exclude them by loosely hanging clear plastic sheeting or bird netting over these areas. Bats can crawl out and leave, but cannot re-enter. After the bats have been excluded, the openings can be permanently sealed.

Last Modified: July 13, 2018

Prevention

What can I do to help prevent the spread of rabies?

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Don’t let your pets roam free.
• Avoid animals that are behaving strangely.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife, even if they look healthy. Do not attempt to raise orphaned wild animals.
• Teach your children not to handle wildlife – or pet animals that they do not know.
• Report all animal bites to Algoma Public Health.

General Tips for Preventing Dog Bites

• Do not hold dogs down or confine them in a closed space.
• Do not attempt to interact with a dog that is sleeping, eating, playing with a toy or bone, or a mother who is with her puppies.
• Do not turn your back to an unfamiliar dog or try to run away. The natural instinct of most dogs will be to give chase.
• Do not walk up to a tied dog or reach through a fence or car window to pet an animal.
• Do not touch dogs that are playing rough or seem scared.
• Some dogs don’t like being touched on neck. By hugging a dog you might get a reaction such a nip or bite. Always ask a dog owner where dog likes to be rubbed and where not.
• Use great caution when approaching a strange dog. Don't try to pet any dog before he sees and sniffs you.
• Be gentle. Don't play rough with a dog because the dog may play rough back, which may result in you getting bitten. An excited dog is almost always unpredictable.

If you feel a dog is a threat:

• Avoid eye contact with the dog;
• Stand still with your hands at your side
• If the dog loses interest, back away slowly;
• If the dog comes at you anyway, offer him anything you're holding, a purse or jacket for example, anything that may distract him;
• If you wind up on the ground, curl into a ball, put your hands over your ears and stay still -- resist the urge to yell, scream or move around.

Last Modified: June 1, 2015