Monthly Archives: May 2015

The Heat Is On

Tip on Dog Health, ,

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????No this isn’t a tribute to Glenn Frey or “Beverly Hills Cop.”  After these storms roll through Columbus, it’s going to be hot.  So, here are some tips to help your dog in the heat.

Water, water everywhere.  Make sure you have FRESH water accessible to your dog.  You might even have two bowls outside on hot days, in case one gets knocked over.

No hot rods.  We all know that cars get furnace like in the summer – even with the windows open.  Even the shortest amount of time can cause your dog to overheat.  Call law enforcement if you see a dog suffering in a hot car.

Cool shade.  Provide shade if you’re leaving your dog out for a while.  A cover can also protect if there is a sudden thunderstorm.

No baking.  Maksim loves laying on the hot blacktop on sunny days.  But I roust him when I see him panting heavily.

Speaking of blacktop.  Keep your dog’s walks to a minimum; being closer to the blacktop can cause him to overheat more quickly.  Better yet – walk him in the early morning.

Trim, not buzz.  You might be tempted to shave your long haired dog.  Trim the long hair but remember that his coat is insulation.  It can help keep him cool —  and will prevent sunburn.

Know the warning signs.  Flat faced dogs are most susceptible to heat stroke but any dog can overheat.  Signs of overheating are excessive panting, drooling, pale gums, weakness and confusion.  Seizure, vomiting and diarrhea are danger signs.

Know what to do.  If you suspect he is overheated, place cool, wet towels on his neck, groin, and head.  Do not use ice water.  Also, wet his tongue if he won’t drink, but don’t force water in him.  Get him to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

 

Play it cool this summer and keep your dog safe in the heat.

8 Lifesaving Tips to Prevent Dog Bites

Uncategorized, ,

Have you ever been bitten by a dog? Hopefully you could identify the dog so you did not have to go through the pain of rabies shots.

If you haven’t been bitten by a dog, you’re actually in the minority. There are more than 52,000,000 dogs in the United States alone.  Approximately one-third of all homes have a dog as a pet. So it’s not surprising that according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people a year are bitten by dogs, with one in five people requiring medical attention.

Dog bites with children are a big problem, causing more health problems than measles, mumps and whooping cough combined! Believe it or not, they are more common than injuries from bike accidents, playground injuries, mopeds, skateboards or ATVs. In fact, 50% of children will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday.  Why? Because small children are often the same height as a dog and tend to push and pull on the dog thinking they are being playful.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips
Here’s some tips that will help you and/or your child to stay safe:

  • Ask owners if you can pet their dog.
  • Avoid dogs you don’t know.
  • Never leave a child or baby alone with a dog.
  • Never reach over a fence to pet a dog as the dog may bite to protect his territory.
  • Allow the dog to initiate touching and play.  Don’t bother him when he’s in his crate, eating or sleeping.
  • Don’t approach a dog if he is busy feeding or playing with her puppies. She might become defensive.
  • Don’t tease dogs.
  • If you’re threatened by a dog be calm and still.  Running, screaming and hitting can escalate the situation. Avoid eye contact.

The most likely place for a dog attack to occur is in the home of the victim. The second most likely place is at the home of a friend of the victim. Seventy-seven percent of biting dogs are owned by the victim’s family, a relative or a friend of the family.

Does Your Dog Bite?
As a Columbus dog trainer, I have visited the homes of many clients whose dogs have a biting problem. This is the type of destructive behavior my 11 years of training can help you overcome. I have seen many pet owners think that their dog will not bite or harm a child, only to discover they were wrong.  This is particularly true for owners who engage in rough play with their dog. Inadvertently, they may be setting him up to play roughly with others who might not recognize the behavior as play. Remember that even the sweetest dog can bite of provoked.

Call me to take the bite out of your dog!  614-859-0612

Dog Disaster Awareness Plan

Dog Behaviors,

With May being National Preparedness Month, it’s important you have a plan in place for natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. that can hit the Columbus area without warning. Bad weather can hit before you know it. It’s important for both you and your pet to have a plan in place to keep everyone safe.

BEFORE A STORM

  • Place “Pets Inside” decal or sign on your front window to alert emergency responders.
  • Make sure your dog comes on command.
  • Train your dog to come to the basement with you or a room without windows.
  • Check with out-of-town friends, family or pet-friendly lodging for shelter.
  • Ensure your dog’s license/micro-chip registration has your current address and phone number.
  • Have a recent photo of you and your pets, in case you become separated.
  • Put together a pet emergency kit.  Items to include:
  • Collar and back up collar
  • Medications, food and water (include a two-week supply) and bowls
  • Photocopies of health records
  • First aid supplies
  • Secure, unbreakable carrier
  • Favorite toys
  • Trash bags or newspaper for clean-up

DURING A STORM

  • Your pets can sense if you are stressed. Keep your pets calm by being calm.  If they show signs of anxiety, avoid “comforting them.”  Try to use a normal tone of voice and keep to their normal routine as much as possible.
  • Use their “den” to help them feel like they have a safe haven.
  • Turn on a TV or radio to normal volume to distract them from loud noises. Rap music is definitely not the choice – choose something like classical music to call them.
  • Close the curtains to reduce noises and bright flashes.

AFTER THE STORM

  • Walk your dogs on a leash until they become reoriented to the area and your home.

The key is to be prepared. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. If you have any problems training your dog with anxiety or other issues, call me at 614-859-0612. I can help you overcomes virtually any destructive or annoying dog behaviors.