Tips for a comfortable, happy and safe visit ...
Should you Trust a Tail-Wagging Dog?
Feral dogs are present in Kenya, so if you are planning a visit to remote villages, or just happen to meet a dog, it is best to be aware that Rabies does exist in Kenya.
It is not generally necessary to have the Rabies inoculation oneself - especially if just going on safari - and you can protect yourself with just a little knowledge.
It is not generally necessary to have the Rabies inoculation oneself - especially if just going on safari - and you can protect yourself with just a little knowledge.
" Most dog bites could be avoided as there are usually tell-tale signs before an attack",
says Dr. Roger Mugford of the Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey, England. "Dogs are
sophisticated communicators and they have a language that people have to learn."
Failing to learn this language is often why some people attend hospitals for dog bites each year.
says Dr. Roger Mugford of the Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey, England. "Dogs are
sophisticated communicators and they have a language that people have to learn."
Failing to learn this language is often why some people attend hospitals for dog bites each year.
Does a wagging tail mean the dog is friendly?
- A wagging tail simply indicates that the dog attached to it is alert, interested or excited - it may or may not be friendly. A dog might be excited about seeing someone it likes, getting its dinner, or taking on an attacker.
- A submission or scared dog will tuck its tail between its legs.
- A friendly dog will wag in a relaxed way. This will put the whole back half of the body in motion.
- A dog whose tail is up, stiff and rapidly swishing back and forth is displaying dominance and should be treated with caution.
If a dog looks threatening ...
- Stand still. This does not threaten a dog and without the stimulus of your motion, the dog may feel that the game is over and lose interest.
- If you run, your motion will set off a dog's chase-and-attack instincts.
- If you run, a dog will catch you. The fastest humans can run at just over 20 miles per hour, and a large dog can bound after you at between 25-40 miles per hour. Even a Chihuahua can overtake you.
You should never look an aggressive dog in the eye ...
- Direct eye contact often communicates dominance or a challenge to a dog. Avoiding eye contact will help send a non-threatening message to the dog.
- Avert your eyes, as the key to your safety is to act like a subordinate dog.
- Do not turn your back. If a dog gets behind you, it may feel you are weak and attack.
- Watch the dog from the corner of your eye and stand slightly sideways as well as standing still.
- Do not panic.
- Do not scream.
- Talk in a soothing manner - loud sounds may make the dog more aroused.
- Stand still until the dog moves away, and then back out of its territory - always keep the dog in front of you.
The best way to greet a strange dog is to ...
- Put it at ease.
- Let it take the initiative and wait for it to notice you.
- Keep your upper body erect, and allow the dog to approach.
- If it is a small dog, you might want to squat, which is less threatening because you are at its level and not towering over it.
- Talk to the dog in a cheerful voice.
- Stoke its chest or shoulder, rather than its head or neck. Most dogs dislike being patted on the head as they find it irritating and sometimes frightening.
Does a dog's territory stop at its own property?
- No. Dogs do not recognise human property boundaries.
- A dog will regard streets and pavements adjacent to its owner's house and garden as home grounds, so passers-by are the most common victims of attack.
Chaining up a dog can make it more dangerous ...
- In a high percentage of serious bites, especially of very young children, the dog was either chained or broke loose from a chain.
- A tied dog may become frustrated and you should be extremely cautious in approaching one these animals.
Which age group gets bitten the most?
- Between 35% and 55% of dog-bite victims are aged under 16.
- Never leave a baby alone with any dog. An infant's movements and sounds may stimulate some dog's predatory instincts.