Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Do we really want to play games when it comes to taking our pets out to the dog park?
As the warmer weather approaches, not only are we ready to explore beyond our home, so are our furry friends. With our new adventures ahead, it is not without safety and a game plan to make our adventures pleasurable.
We have many things to consider, up to date vaccinations, proper harnesses and leads, car transportation safety and a safe place to visit. Being prepared and having a game plan will ensure a better outing. Keeping in mind that even though we are responsible in our travels, doesn’t mean that dangers still don’t exists. As pet owners we have the responsibility to keep our dear friends safe. In this blog we will learn about some dangers that are found in those dog parks we love to visit, safe ways to deal with the behavior of our furry friends, the importance of vaccines and how to mark out the red flags.
Do I know you?
Yes, I am cute, but am I a safe friend?
While we would like to think of every pet owner finding the importance in taking care of their pet in the best way, this is not always true in some cases. Allowing our furry friends to roam freely, is not only dangerous to them, it can also pose danger to us. What we may deem as a harmless looking friend, may not be the case at all. Pets can become very territorial in nature. Roaming freely and also be lead by their lead. Only they know what their intentions are as they approach the unknown. By the time they get to their destination, it may be too late. Here are some pointers to remain safe when encountering other friends along the way. Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not place your pet in an area where they feel unable to escape. Keep their leads close to you. NEVER allow them to approach a strange animal. This is grounds for disaster all day long. Inter-dog aggression occurs when a dog is overly aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs. This behavior is often considered normal, but some dogs can become excessively aggressive due to learning and genetic factors. Inter-dog aggression occurs much more frequently in non-neutered male dogs. This behavior can also occur in your household between your pets.
Here are some common signs towards other dogs:
Lunging
Posturing
Direct eye contact
Raised hackles
Pricked ears
Teeth exposed toward the other dog
If you see these behaviors, calmly remove your dog or redirect their attention to something else.
Dog aggression toward other dogs is a very serious matter. Until your dog is successfully treated, keep them a safe distance from all other dogs — “safe distance” meaning the minimum amount of space they need to remain calm and unstressed. Even if physical contact is never made, managing a dog who’s pulling and lunging on-leash is very difficult — not to mention stressful for all parties — and attempting to defuse an attack in progress is downright dangerous.
Be aware that even the briefest fight can result in a fine, a lawsuit, or — most devastating — the injury or loss of your pet or someone else’s.
How to prevent Dog to Dog Aggression:
There’s no surefire way to prevent aggression, but there are basic steps you can take to greatly decrease the chances your dog will develop a problem:
Socialize your puppy. Arrange supervised play dates with other pups, and encourage interaction with well-mannered adult dogs who can teach your puppy how to behave.
Neuter or spay your dog as early as your vet recommends is safely possible; this will greatly reduce hormone-driven aggression.
Always treat your dog with kindness and respect, using positive reinforcement to train. Physical correction, intimidation, and isolation only encourage aggression by adding to a dog’s anxiety.
Dog aggression toward other dogs is treatable but nearly always requires the help of a trained professional and lifelong vigilance. Doing everything you can to prevent incidences in the first place may be a better option as you continue training.
Becoming sick, is not my idea of fun.
Help me prevent the dangers.
You know me, I am curious, and I promise I will get into something I shouldn't. Keeping me vaccinated will ensure me the best protection from wildlife and other hazards while I’m out sniffing and running around.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Before you head outdoors, be sure your dog is on a flea and tick prevention regimen for his own comfort and safety. Flea bites on the other hand, can lead to constant scratching and irritated patches. They can also transmit parasites such as tapeworms, or cause skin allergies. Ticks can cause a host of problems such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or bacterial infections. Anytime you’re outdoors with your furry friend, even walking through the grass in your backyard, fleas and ticks can hitch a ride. Fleas and ticks live in grassy areas, yards, trails, and even in piles of leaves. What we might not see, doesn’t mean isn’t out there. It is up to us as responsible pet owners to protect our pets.
Snake Bites
If you are hiking or exploring with your dog, be sure you stay on trails and steer him away from exploring holes, crevasses, or areas where snakes like to hide. Dogs love to dig, sniff and seek out new smells. This can often cause them to uncover critters that could cause them harm, like venomous snakes. Be always on guard. My nose may wander into places that are very unwelcoming.
Lepto
If your furry friend will be spending anytime outdoors, it’s important to protect them with a Leptospirosis vaccine. This can be an issue, because standing, or slow-moving water can carry diseases such as Leptospirosis, or “Lepto.” If your furry friend takes a drink or plays in the water, lepto can cause a host of painful symptoms including fever, shivering, dehydration, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Kennel Cough
if your furry friend will be spending any time around other pets, it’s important to protect them, Kennel Cough, or “Bordetella,” is a term for infectious tracheobronchitis, a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. The infection is spread in the same way humans spread a cold, through droplets in the air, or through direct contact. You can protect your furry friend against this disease by getting the Bordetella vaccine.
We have named a few important vaccines needed to explore the outdoors, to have a complete list of our recommended vaccines please click below.
First-of-its-Kind Study Shows 1 in 5 Dogs Visiting Dog Parks in Major U.S. Cities Tested Positive for Intestinal Parasites
This raises unique concern as COVID-19 Dog Socialization Survey suggests increased socialization of dogs during pandemic
GREENFIELD, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new survey of more than 1,000 US pet owners shows that recent COVID-19 restrictions have increased our reliance on our four-legged family members. Further, pet parents report plans to keep canine friends integrated into their daily lives after the pandemic is over, including working from home, errands and social time.
I hope we have started you on a path to some great outdoor adventures, and, fitting you with some safety measures. Our furry friends depend on us to keep them safe. In return our days are filled with loyal love. So, as the sun rises and sets later in the evening, what better time to arrange a trip outdoors. Companion Animal Veterinary Services, INC is here to provide you the most comprehensive care in your friend. Enjoy the outdoors and all the rewards it has to offer!
“Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” – Walt Whitman
Blog written: Doreen Levers