May 2008 newsletter[Download as pdf»]
Be a Responsible Dog Owner:
Facts to Help Avoid the Risk of Dog Bites
Spring is one of the most enjoyable times of year for people and their pets. Many of us will be stepping out more frequently with man's best friend at our side. This is also the time of year when the incidence of dog bites begins to increase dramatically. May 21-27 has been proclaimed National Dog Bite Prevention Week According the Center for Disease Control, children under the age of 12 are the most frequent victims of dog bites, followed by the elderly and the ever at-risk delivery person.
Animal General maintains that it is not in the nature of dogs to bite without provocation of some sort. Therefore, if responsible dog owners adhere to and practice certain principles with our dogs, the risk of a bite occurring will be greatly reduced.
Practical Suggestions to lower risk
Many of these are recommendations from The Humane Society of the United States.- Play safely, easily, and often with your dog. Tummy rubs not only indicate submission on the part of your dog but they also indicate the complete trust your dog has in you.
- Attend a dog training class with your dog. Every dog should respond to the basic sit, stay, come and down commands and should be well trained to walk on a lead.
- Spay or neuter your dog at an early age. This reduces the chance of aggressive behavior.
- License your dog. See that vaccinations are up to date and that your dog is in good health. Dogs in pain are more prone to snap or bite while attempting to protect themselves.
Read more suggestions and other topics in our May newsletter»
Tips to Prevent Fleas & Ticks
May is a good time to begin flea and tick prevention.
Protect your pet from discomfort and the possibility of disease with a good flea and tick preventative. Fleas are annoying and can cause severe dermatitis in pets and their owners. Ticks provide an even greater health risk. Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever are some of the tick-borne diseases we see in dogs at Animal General. We recommend only one brand of flea and tick prevention: Frontline®. Used just once per month, this topical treatment works extremely well against fleas and ticks. Dogs who roam wooded or beach areas should also be protected by a Preventic® collar.
Approaching Strange Dogs
Dog Lovers Get Up Close and Personal... slowly and carefully!
- Keep a distance of between 5-10 feet between you and any dog being walked on a lead. It is never wise to approach a dog that is off lead or without its owner.
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Always ask the owner's permission before approaching the dog.
If the answer is yes, ask the dog's name and approach slowly from the side if possible. Relax. Dogs can sense if you are nervous and this can make them ill at ease. - Hold out your hand, palm up, or make a fist, and allow the dog to sniff your hand.
- Speak softly to the dog using his/her name and words that are likely to be familiar. "Hi, Retro. Good dog; what a good dog!"
- Stroke the dog gently on the chest, shoulders or back. Avoid the neck and face area.
- Don't stare at the dog directly; a dog can interpret this as a threat.
- Look for signs of acceptance by the dog. He may nuzzle you or lick your hand or offer to shake hands. Let the dog take the lead in developing the friendship.
- If the dog owner has a treat you can have, it may be a good time to offer it to the dog... This could seal the friendship.
Featured Site:Humane Society of the United States Youth
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