Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 190, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1915 — DOG DAYS BRING MANY DANGERS [ARTICLE]

DOG DAYS BRING MANY DANGERS

Suggestions That Should Be Followed By Everyone In Dealing With Svspected Dogs. Dog days are approaching. As is the case every summer during this period the police are called on many times to kill “mad dogs.” Danger attending the presence of dogs increases during the months of August and September. While very few dogs that bite people are affected with hydrophobia, you should take no chances, but call in a doctor. Not every bite from a dog suffering from hydrophobia is fatal, or dangerous, because in biting through the clothing the poison in the saliva on his teeth may have 'been wiped off on the cloth. While this is comforting to know, take no chances, but call a doctor and he will cauterize the wound. This is the first thing to do, and the first thing the doctor does. If a physician is not available the victim or some friend can cauterize the wound with a hot poker or curling iron. This should not be done by an amateur unless absolutely necessary. A dog suffering from rabies acts entirely dicerent from his natural self. His disposition is entirely changed. He may have been an affectionate creature, but when affedted with the rabies will run about and bite those he loved best He acts sulky, suspicious, snappish and later as the attack has grown he goes into a corner and lies curled up, with blood shot eyes rolling, mouth frothy, tongue hanging and finally becomes more or less paralyzed. Do not go near such a dog even then, as he is liable to fits of slight recovery and may reach out and bite. Dog bites on the hand are dangerous, while the bites on the face are of great danger, because of the great blood supply there. Hydrophobia is so frequently fatal when developed and the sufferings are so terrible that no chances should be taken. Call a doctor. It is important to prove whether the dog is really suffering with rabies. There are two ways. One is to keep the dog alive under observance, the other is to kill the dog and send his head packed in ice to Indianapolis, where a diagnosis can 'be made. Never allow a dog that has bitten you to escape or be killed and lost sight of. Of course, if it is found the dog is suffering from rabies the victim should begin at once taking treatment.