Extreme heat can provoke dogs to attack

LEGAZPI CITY --- A government veterinarian warned on Friday that the extreme heat could provoke aggressive behaviors in dogs, potentially leading to an increase in dog attacks.

“Ngayong mainit ang panahon, tumataas ang dog bites at rabies incidence (The incidence of dog bites and rabies tends to rise with warmer weather),” said Emmanuel Estipona, the chief veterinarian of Legazpi City.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the number of dog bite incidents in the country is alarmingly high, affecting over 800 individuals per 100,000 annually.

In recent months, various parts of the country have experienced extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.”

Not unlike humans, dogs are sensitive to heat, which can make them irritable when they become overheated, said Estipona.

“This discomfort may lead to a higher risk of biting as a way for them to express their distress,” Estipona said during the PIA Ugnayan sa Bikol radio program.

To improve the interactions between dogs and humans—especially on hot, sunny days—the Legazpi City Veterinary Office will implement a new program designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners, totaling around 19,000 in the city.

The initiative, called the “Boot Camp for a Better Pet,” will train dog owners to enhance their relationship with their pets, according to Estipona.

“Up to 80 percent of dog bites occur within households. Dogs are often less tolerant of their owners because, in eight out of ten cases, the owners lack the knowledge to build a strong bond with their pets,” he explained.

“We aim to address this issue through our Boot Camp for a Better Pet program,” he said.

“We will educate pet owners on effective training and bonding techniques to turn irresponsible dog owners into responsible fur parents, aiming for a rabies-free and stray dog-free Legazpi City by 2030,” he added. (PIA Bicol)