Most Dog Fatalities Are Often Children —NVMA Chairman

In this interview with our source (Motunrayo Joel) Chairman, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Alao Mobolaji, talks about the safety measures owners should enforce when keeping a pet
Is it advisable to keep pets at home or even carry them along in a car?
Pets are called domestic animals. This means they can freely live with humans. However, there are certain measures that should be put in place to allow dogs, for example, to move freely around the house. These measures are to protect the owns and members of the public.

What protective measures should owners put in place whenever they are carrying their dogs along in a car?
First, the dog should be properly trained and should have learned how to obey commands. It shouldn't be a dog that's let loose at will. In developed societies, there is something called responsible dog ownership certificate. This means the dog has complied with obedience commands to a certain extent and is able to move freely within the environment. Another protective measure is that the dog should be properly leeched before putting it in a car. Anything can happen even if the dog is an obedient dog.
Are there signs pet owners can see in pets to know they are gradually getting wild?
There are signs, if a dog's changes, that is a sign especially if it is a dog the owner started training from birth. Although, some people train their dogs to be wild depending on what they want their dogs to do for them, but there are some extreme situations; when a dog becomes dangerous to its owner and members of the public. Once a dog's behaviour moves out of normalcy, that is a warning sign. Some dogs even experience madness.
Children like playing with pets. Is it advisable to leave them with pets?
Children like to play and they find dogs as play companion. It is the job of the owner to ensure that they are immunised against rabies and are properly trained. The owner should give it proper medicare. If the dog is an aggressive one, it shouldn't be where children are. Most dog fatalities are often associated with children; they are the most vulnerable victims.