What do I do if a dog bites me? How can I protect myself from stray dogs?

This is a totally ridiculous article that only highlights how out of control the stray dog problem is in the Philippines.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/671137/what-do-i-do-if-a-dog-bites-me-how-can-i-protect-myself-from-stray-dogs/story/

An Unang Hirit report revealed that a World Health Organization study found that 200 to 300 Filipinos die from dog bites each year. 

Data from this year shows that, from January to August, there have been 187 recorded cases of rabies infections from dogs. 

Dr. Bobot Carlos, City Veterinarian (Marikina) clarified in an interview that it is the infected saliva and not the bite of the dog that causes rabies. 

"Basta magka-break sa continuity ng skin, puwede ka nang ma-expose sa rabies," Carlos said. "Kapag may open wound ka, kailangan hindi siya malawayan ng aso (na may rabies)." 

Carlos further clarified that rabies is a disease for the dog as much as it is a disease for the human. "Ang aso, kapag pinanganak, natural wala namang rabies 'yan. Malinis 'yan. 'Yong rabies kasi, isang sakit na dumadapo 'yan kaya kailangan ang aso babakunahan para (ito ay) ma-prevent." 

Staying calm during the situation will help. Staying calm is also the best way to prevent dog bites, especially from stray dogs. 

Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from a possible stray dog attack: 

• Do not run or make sudden movements. Walk slowly and keep calm. 

• Do not show your teeth, as the dog may interpret this as a sign of aggression. 

• Do not assume a threatening stance.

• Avoid eye contact with the dog. 

• Cross to the opposite side of the street as soon as you spot a stray dog that makes you feel unsafe.

If you are carrying an umbrella or something in the shape of a stick, do not use it to threaten the dog or attack it. If the dog gets aggressive and lunges, use it only as a shield against the dog's mouth and teeth. 

Rabies is just one disease that a human can contract from a dog. Carlos advised against disinfection with household items like garlic. Don't risk it — go to an expert instead!

This doctor is a real genius.  It's the SALIVA and not the BITE that causes rabies? How else are you going to come into contact with dog salvia except from a bite??  Can you get rabies if you French-kiss an infected dog?  

Rabies is a much a disease for the dog as it is for a human? Where did this doctor go to school? Why state something so obvious? Rabies is a disease. Period. Whoever has it has a disease. Sad to see that Filipinos still distrust modern medicine but do trust the old-time power of garlic. 

I love those tips to protect yourself from a stray dog attack. Don't bare your teeth and avoid eye contact! The fact that they have to tell people to not act like animals is astounding. 

You know what the best way to avoid a stray dog attack is? It's for the city to round them up and destroy them. Too many stray dogs biting people, pooping in the street, ripping up garbage bags and strewing garbage all over the place, and having litter after litter to keep the process going ad infinitum.

It is past time to cull the herd. What kind of nation has hordes of stray dogs roaming about causing havoc to the point that the people must be given tips on how to avoid them!? The same nation that has millions living in perilous shanties right next to polluted rivers and has poor people literally making delicacies out of garbage.