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Prevent Dog Bites

May 17, 2012 12:34 pmLeave a Comment

     As the warm weather is upon us people and their dogs are outside a lot more so I want to pass on a timely article I ran across in the News Sentinel of Fort Wayne Indiana.

Good Advice!

Don’t get bitten, and don’t let your dog bite someone

Animal Care & Control offer tips for National Dog Bite Prevention Week, Sunday-May 26

News-Sentinel staff reports
Thursday, May 17, 2012 – 9:44 am

During National Dog Bite Prevention Week, Sunday-May 26, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control reminds parents to supervise the interactions of children with pets, because 60 percent of dog bites involve kids.

“Children may not always respect a dog’s boundaries," said spokesperson Peggy Bender in a news release. A child who quickly approaches a dog and attempts to hug or pet it may be at risk by making the dog feel annoyed or threatened.”

Bite prevention education pays off, according to Animal Care & Control. By teaching children how to properly approach dogs and ask permission before they pet someone’s dog, animal bites are reduced.

Animal Care & Control offers these bite prevention tips to protect children and adults.

·

How to avoid being bitten

*Be cautious around dogs you don’t know.

*Treat your own pets with respect and gentle handling.

*Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.

*Avoid unfamiliar dogs. If a dog approaches to sniff you, stand still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.

*Don’t pet a dog by reaching through a fence.

*Always ask permission before petting someone’s dog.

*Don’t run past a dog. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things.

·*Never disturb a dog that’s caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.

*If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don’t scream or yell. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don’t turn and run.

*If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

Prevent your dog from biting

*Socialize your dog or young puppy, so it feels at ease around people and other animals. Gradually expose your dog to a variety of situations under controlled circumstances; continue that exposure on a regular basis.

*Don’t allow your dog to be in places where it might feel threatened or be teased.

*Attend a dog training class. The basic commands “sit,” “stay,” “off,” and “come” can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of obedience and trust between pets and people.

*Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war.

*Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog.

*Keep your dog healthy with yearly vaccinations. How your dog feels directly affects how it behaves.

*Spay or neuter your pet. Altered dogs are less likely to bite.

*Don’t chain your dog. Chaining increases aggression in dogs.

What should I do If my dog bites someone?

Even if the bite can be explained (for example, someone stepped on your dog’s tail), it’s important to take responsibility for your dog’s actions by taking these steps:

*Confine your dog away from the scene of the bite.

*Check on the victim’s condition. Wash wounds with soap and water.

*Professional medical advice should be sought.

*Report the bite. Call Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control inside the city and the sheriffs department in the county.

*Consult your veterinarian for advice about dog behavior that will help prevent similar problems in the future.

*If someone else’s dog bites you, seek medical treatment, and then call authorities with everything you know about the dog to help animal control officers locate the dog.

Dogs are wonderful companions. By acting responsibly, owners not only reduce dog bite injuries, but also enhance the relationship they have with their dogs.

Posted in Dog SafetyTagged , , ,

Protecting Your Dog In Hot Weather

May 11, 2012 10:46 amLeave a Comment

With hot weather quickly approaching it’s time to remind all dog owners about the dangers of summer to our furry friends. Leaving your dog in a closed car, not providing fresh clean water, too much exercise in the heat, long walks on hot asphalt or hot sand, lawn chemicals and pesticides and several other things can pose a hazard to our dogs. 

Please read this informative article from the aspca as a reminder of those things we need to keep in mind as we enjoy the summer months with our best buddies;  

Hot Weather Tips

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hot-weather-tips.aspx

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts. 

"Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat," says Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly."
Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

Visit the Vet
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.

Made in the Shade
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

Know the Warning Signs
According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

Screen Test
"During warmer months, the ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a result of High-Rise Syndrome, which occurs when pets-mostly cats-fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally injured," says Dr. Murray. "Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple precautions." Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.

Summer Style
Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut helps prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. As far as skin care, be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

Street Smarts
When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

Avoid Chemicals
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.

Party Animals
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. "Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas," says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. "Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol."

Fireworks Aren’t Very Pet-riotic
Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. "Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous," says Dr. Hansen. "Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals."

Paying attention to these things can prevent tragedy and insure you and you dog enjoy the long hot summer together.

What are the signs of heat stroke in my dog?

Posted in Dog Care, Dog SafetyTagged , ,

Signs of Heat Stroke in Your Pet

May 11, 2012 10:15 amLeave a Comment

Heat stroke is a very real danger for your pet in the hot summer months. Taking precautions to avoid it is essential for both you and your pet. Knowing the signs of heat stroke and what to do could very well save your dog’s life so please read this article by C. Markus to learn more;

Heat Stroke in Pets

by C. Markus at http://www.nativeremedies.com/blog/heat-stroke-in-pets/

Heat stroke can be a life-threatening issue for both humans and pets. As humans, we can shed layers of clothes to stay cool, but this is not the case for pets. Imagine not being able to shed an extra layer of clothes on a hot summer day.

Recognizing the signs of heat stroke in your pet is crucial. Dogs with short noses, heavy coats and heart or respiratory problems have a higher heat stroke risk. So, make sure to watch them with extra caution. Some pets are more suited for the heat, so it’s important to know what your pet is bred for and his or her limits.

Signs of heatstroke in pets can include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Disorientation
  • Vomiting
  • Dark or bright red tongue
  • Dry mouth
  • Body temperature from 104-110F
  • Coma

If you think your pet may have heat stroke, visit a vet immediately. Just because the symptoms go away, don’t assume your pet is fine. Its internal organs may still be suffering from heat stroke. This is why it is so important to keep an eye on your pet while out on a hot day.

Use the following tips to keep your pet cool on hot days:

  • Take your pet to a cool, shaded place.
  • Use cool, wet fabric to wrap around your pet’s feet and head.
  • Dump cool water on your pet. Don’t use ice water, as this may cause blood vessels to constrict.
  • Offer your ice cubes to lick and provide plenty water.

Also see Protecting Your Dog in Hot Weather >>

 

Posted in Dog Care, Dog SafetyTagged , , ,

Dogs Are Amazing!

April 25, 2012 11:14 pmLeave a Comment

Dogs are incredible! Many experts believe that we still don’t know the full extent of their capabilities. They are so in tune with their surroundings and possess such an amazing awareness and insight into the people in their lives that it’s hard to comprehend. So it’s true when I say that when you’re training your dog always stay calm because they can read you and if you’re angry or nervous or stressed they know it and it affects them and their training. To illustrate their incredible abilities, consider this;

I have a good friend who fosters puppies during their first year of life for "Canine Partners for Life" and she’s been doing it for many years. Then they move on to be trained for specific jobs by a trainer. Once these seemingly normal puppies complete all of their training they are seemingly transformed into miraculous life savers for many needy people. Below is an article about one of those dogs.

If this doesn’t illustrate what seems to be a sixth sense in our canine buddies I don’t know what does.

A miraculous companion

Cardiac alert dog helps Bethlehem college student avoid injuries due to fainting

August 29, 2011|BY MILTON D. CARRERO, Of The Morning Call

Carolyn Tomlinson’s stomach would go in knots every time the phone rang.

It was an ominous sound that usually meant that her daughter, Shannon, was unconscious and on her way to the hospital aboard an ambulance. The calls came more than once during some weeks.

My husband and I lived on edge," Carolyn said. "The terror was always there."

Shannon, a sophomore studying media and communications at Muhlenberg College, suffers from a rare, autonomic disorder known as neurocardiogenic syncope that causes her to faint without warning. The 19-year-old Bethlehem honor student has suffered 13 concussions in 2 years. In 2010, she was transported by ambulance to the emergency room 24 times. This year, she has been rushed to the hospital 16 times.

But it hasn’t happened again since May.

Everything changed in June in an almost miraculous way. Her blood pressure still drops on a whim and her condition has no cure. But the miracle is in her new cardiac alert dog, Clover. The 2-year-old Labrador retriever can detect Shannon’s sudden changes in blood pressure and alert her to sit down and protect herself before she faints.

To warn her, Clover places her head on Shannon’s leg, licks her hand and pants. Shannon must at this moment find a safe place to sit or lay down. Clover will insist on keeping Shannon in a relaxed position until the dog feels that she is safe. Sometimes Clover will rest on top of her to ensure Shannon doesn’t rise abruptly.

"It’s a very stressful time for her," Shannon says. "I need to listen immediately so that she learns that alerting is a good behavior."

So far, it has been a constant learning process. The success of this relationship is vital for both, and they each must benefit for it to work.

"She has to know that good things come from me," Shannon explains. "Treats are a very important part of our relationship. If we work hard together, we get to play hard, too."

No one in the house is allowed to pet Clover besides Shannon. Clover accompanies her 24 hours a day. Their bonding and exclusive interaction is key in preserving Clover’s ability to detect changes in Shannon.

"It’s hard because you realize she depends on me for everything, and I depend on her for so much," Shannon explains. "This relationship is one of the most important that I have because without her I would be a lot sicker, but without me she wouldn’t have a loving home."

"She is always working," Shannon says about Clover. "Any time my heart has a problem, she needs to be ready to alert and tell me to get down."

Clover hasn’t missed once since June 20. Shannon, who used to wear a helmet to school, can now cross the street, ride the bus and lead a semi-independent college life without fearing a devastating fall or a permanent head injury.

The feat defies logic, but is the result of arduous training, training and a certain intangible element that not even Shannon can describe.

Clover was bred and trained at Canine Partners for Life, one of five organizations to offer seizure alert dogs worldwide. The program, based in Cochranville, Chester County, follows a meticulous training regimen for owners and service dogs. The puppies spend their first year with a foster family to help them be socialized. After the first year, the dogs go with a trainer, who prepares them to become service dogs. Then they are ready to be matched with their lifelong partners.

Shannon was placed on a waiting list for more than a year. She went through training for several weeks until Clover picked her. Then they trained together.

"The first time I met her, she told me that I needed to lay down," Shannon says.

During a field trip to Longwood Gardens, Shannon was introduced to Clover by the Lab’s trainer. When Shannon bent down to pet her, Clover alerted Shannon that her heart was in trouble by placing her head on Shannon’s chest. The sudden change in position had caused her blood pressure to plummet. Shannon didn’t know it, but her face became pale and she would have fainted had it not been for Clover.

Each of these dogs cost about $24,000 to raise and train. The program, subsisting mostly on donations, provides the dogs to people with disabilities for $1,000 to $3,000. Michael Leader, president of Allentown Country Meadows, donated the money for Clover.

The dogs can pick up dropped objects, assist with dressing and even turn people over in bed at night to prevent bed sores. But Clover’s assistance to Shannon goes beyond the customary daily tasks. The dog’s bond with her must be strong enough to detect not only her heartbeat but other subtle variations in her body and temperament that could trigger Shannon into fainting.

Perhaps the best demonstration of the cardiac alert dog’s success so far lies in Carolyn’s expressive smile as she watches her daughter playing with Clover in her backyard.

"It has been so life changing," her mother says. "I’m no longer afraid of the phone ring."

You can learn about Canine Partners for Life at http://www.k94life.org, 610-869-4902.

Amazing! Do all dogs possess these capabilities? Who knows. I would guess some are more sensitive to some things while others may be more sensitive to other things like detecting cancer in people, or detecting seizures before they occur, or knowing some event like an earthquake is coming well before it hits. What is clear is that dogs can sense things that we can’t. Maybe the next time your dog acts out of the ordinary around a stranger, we should listen.

Posted in Dog TrainingTagged , , ,

Dog Bite Can Be A Death Sentence

April 8, 2012 8:37 amLeave a Comment

I can’t stress enough how important it is to teach your puppy or older dog not to bite, ever! Dogs can easily get over excited when children are running around and playing near them. This can lead to a bite. A fearful or insecure dog can bite. An aggressive dog may bite. That’s also why it’s so important to socialize your puppy from day one and continually expose him or her to different people, dogs and situations, and while doing so to set and enforce boundaries and rules. A dog bite can be a death sentence for your dog.

Consider this story which is played out on a regular basis across this country;

‘Puppy court’ is now in session

Wicomico Animal Appeals Board decides fate of dogs ID’d in attacks

written by Calum McKinney Staff Writer

SALISBURY — The Wicomico County Animal Appeal Board is preparing for what board member Jaclyn Wolinski said might be their busiest two weeks ever.

After a Willards boy was mauled by two dogs in August 2007, the Animal Appeal Board was established as part of a law that allowed for the euthanization of a dog after one violent attack. Wolinski said this replaced the old "first bite’s free" credo that previously prevailed in the county. On Wednesday, the board will hold two hearings: One regarding an incident that occurred on March 22 involving Jack, a Jack Russell/beagle mix, and the other regarding a March 25 incident involving Sheba, a German shepherd.

"I don’t think we’ve ever heard two incidents in one night before," Wolinski said. "It’s probably going to be a long night."

Deciding whether it agrees or disagrees with a health officer’s previous determination of an animal as "dangerous," the board’s decisions sometimes mean life or death for the dogs involved.

One of the original members of the board, Wolinski is a veterinarian and co-owner of Healing Hands Animal Hospital in Salisbury, where she was born and raised. As the licensed veterinarian representative, Wolinski is joined by a representative from the health department and Sheriff’s Office, an American Kennel Club certified trainer as well as members of the general public "knowledgeable of dogs."

Together with the AKC trainer on the board, Wolinski said she often feels she has to serve as an advocate for the dogs during hearings. Nevertheless, she said she has agreed with the board’s decision in all but one case — then, her "nay" vote at the end of the hearing was the most she could do to show her frustration.

"I went home very upset and frustrated," she said, "just like at work if I have a medical case and can’t help the animal."

She said there has also only been one case that she can remember when the board disagreed with the health department’s original decision.

Then she said, it appeared that a dog had just gotten overly excited while playing with a group of children and had tugged a girl down by her arm.

read more >>

Please don’t minimize this problem and think it can’t happen to you and your dog. It only takes one incident in a split second of time to find yourself in a lawsuit and losing your dog.

If you’re finding it difficult to stop your puppy or adult dog from nipping or biting, you might consider getting some help before you find yourself in a similar situation. This excellent book contains all the help you need from experts in dealing with this problem;

 

                                                                                                                          
Posted in Dog TrainingTagged , ,

Who Is Top Dog In Your House?

April 1, 2012 3:07 pmLeave a Comment

When trying to train your dog, it’s very important to understand how a dog thinks.  They are pack animals with a complex social structure and that fact is something you need to aware of in order to have the best relationship possible with your dog. Keep this concept in mind and it will help you train your dog more effectively.

I know the phrase "pack" gets overused but in the wild, it essentially means "family". Wild, (not in captivity), wolf packs are a family where the alpha male and female are almost always the breeding parents of the rest of the pack or if you will, family.

Puppies as well as most adult dogs are quite happy to be around humans and this is one of the main aspects that makes them excellent companions. Because of this innate instinct to be part of a pack (family) they readily take to the people they live with as their family and therefore they need to find their place within that group. All pack animals have different levels within the pack, often determined by age, with the parents at the top as the leaders. The leaders set and enforce the rules for the pack.

The second level is the next in command, usually the oldest offspring, and each level down has less dominance within the pack until you finally reach the bottom.  Dogs understand where each individual in the group fits in that hierarchy, and they can easily assume those roles naturally as long as there is a clear chain of command in place.

When you bring a puppy or adult dog home, it sees everyone in the household as part of their new pack.  It then needs to immediately determine where it falls in the pack.  It’s critical that your dog understands not only that there is a pack leader but also, who it is and who he is to follow. A pack, a family, a business, or any group must have a leader in order to function properly.

We run into problems when there is no clear leader.  You need to establish yourself as head of the pack, the head honcho, the top dog,… right away, or your dog will be uncomfortable that there is no leader.  If there is no clear leader, your dog will follow its instinct and become the leader, so as to ensure that the pack is strong. You‘ll even see a puppy attempting to fill that leadership role, because they instinctively know that there must be one.

So who is Top Dog in Your House?

If you establish yourself as leader from the beginning, your dog, without too much fuss, will settle into its spot in the pack and happily view you as the one in charge.  There are several things you can do to ensure that your dog knows that you’re the boss. 

•            Set and Enforce Boundaries – Let your dog know from day one, where he can and cannot go. 

•           Set and Enforce Ground Rules – Don’t let your dog chew on your shoes because it’s cute, unless you want him to chew on your shoes forever. He’ll be confused later for being punished for doing the same thing. 

•           Physical Contact – It’s important that you pet, groom and handle your dog.  Even if your dog isn’t thrilled with being brushed or having his nails clipped, don’t give up. 

•           Be Consistent – Whatever it is you don’t want your dog to do, stop him every time and don’t ever let it go.  Be consistent with your praise, and always praise your dog when he does things the right way. 

•           Be Patient – Always remain calm and be patient with your dog. Repetition is the key to successfully teaching a behavior. Impatience will just make it harder for your dog. 

Following these basic rules to establish yourself as the leader will save you a great deal of frustration as your puppy grows. 

** It’s also important that everyone in the house teaches and enforces the same rules with your dog. This will avoid confusion for your dog and accelerate the learning process.

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