Pets & Animals

Approximately 250 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 should be assessed by a healthcare provider. If you are bitten by a dog or other animal,  Algoma Public Health must be notified.

The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid bites in the first place. 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: September 2024

Bats

Bats carry a very high risk of rabies. As a general rule, you should treat every bat as if it is rabid regardless of its behaviour.

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 see a healthcare provider immediately. If you awaken and find a bat in your room and you are unsure if it had physical contact with yourself or someone else, 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?

If bats are present, you should contact a professional on how to remove them. If bats are not present and 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.

Last Modified: September 2024

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.

Last Modified: September 2024