Dangers of rabies

A dog waiting by the gate is often the first to welcome us home. We know the sound of its paws, the way it asks for a scratch behind the ears and how it seems to understand when we have had a difficult day. Today, on World Rabies Day, I hope we return some of that devotion by protecting our pets and the people around them.

Rabies is a frightening disease because, once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. But a bite from an unvaccinated dog does not mean that the person or the dog will inevitably die. A dog without a vaccine record is not necessarily infected, and a person who may have been exposed can be protected through prompt medical care. That is why we must act quickly and not wait for symptoms.

This remains an urgent concern in the Philippines. The World Health Organization recorded 425 reported human rabies cases here in 2024, up from 284 in 2022. Behind each number is a family that would give anything for another ordinary morning together. Prevention gives us the chance to spare other families that grief.

If a dog or cat bites or scratches you, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and go to an animal bite treatment center or health facility. A health professional can assess whether you need a rabies vaccine and, for certain exposures, rabies immunoglobulin. Even if the animal belongs to you and appears healthy, seek advice promptly. Its observation should never delay your care.

Generosity can begin before a bite ever happens. Imagine a neighbor who takes an elderly pet owner and her dog to a vaccination drive because the trip is difficult for her. Think of a parent who shares the barangay’s schedule with other families, or a young person who helps a neighbor keep a record of a pet’s vaccinations. These are small acts, but they protect the children playing outside, workers passing through our streets and the animals we love.

Our Anti-Rabies Act calls on dog owners to have their pets vaccinated and to practice responsible care. A vaccination record is more than a piece of paper. It is a promise to the community: I will do my part to keep you safe. Ask your veterinarian or local veterinary office when your pet’s next dose is due.

Proverbs 12:10 tells us, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.” Caring for an animal also means caring for the people whose lives touch its own.

On World Rabies Day, let us turn affection into action: vaccinate our pets, share reliable advice and help anyone who has been bitten get care at once. A generous heart protects life while there is still time.