Final answer:
In the excerpt, 'lavish' is used to indicate 'pamper' (option B), referring to the extravagant and excessive care or indulgence, which is not common for dogs in Africa, unlike in America where such treatment is prevalent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of the word lavish as it is used in the excerpt depicts a scenario where dogs are not treated with excessive and extravagant care. In the given context, 'lavish' does not suggest bathing (A), teasing (C), or scolding (D). Instead, it implies a sense of pampering (B), which means providing extensive or elaborate attention or indulgence, often more than necessary.
This word choice serves to highlight a cultural contrast between the treatment of dogs in Africa versus America, where in the former, dogs serve practical purposes and are not overly pampered as pets, whereas in the latter, they are often treated with indulgence.