FROM OUR VETS: Dog Bite Prevention Always Worth Talking About

From Dr. Baillie:

As school gets out, and summer activities hit high gear, it's a good time of year to be talking about dog bite prevention;  almost 5 million dog bites occur every year in our country.   Bites accounted for more than one-third of homeowners' insurance liability claims in 2011 according to the Insurance Information Institute.  

Teaching children how to interact with dogs--even if you don't own one--can go a long way in preventing injury. Kids aged 5-9 years old are most often the ones injured, and usually the dog that bit them is not a stranger. The AVMA estimates that of the children under the age of 18 who have been bitten, family dogs are responsible for 30% of the bites, while the neighbor's dog is responsible for another 50% of the bites.

Tips from the AVMA include:

*Carefully select your pet,  considering the breed and your own lifestyle.  Puppies should not be obtained on impulse.  We are happy to consult with you about finding your best dog breed match (in fact, we love to talk dogs!)  

*Make sure your pet is socialized as a puppy so it feels relaxed around people and animals.

*Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.

*Train your dog. Basic commands help dogs understand what is expected of them and can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of trust.

*Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation.

*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 vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and other health care are important because how your dog feels affects how it behaves.

*Neuter your pet.

*Make sure gates are secure.

If you are bitten by a dog, here is a checklist of things you should do:

* If the dog's owner is present, get the owner's name and contact information, and request proof of rabies vaccination.  

* Clean bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.

* Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if the bite occurs after office hours.

*  Contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records.   

We have sent several Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo staff members for special training in dog bite prevention and have, in the past, presented programs for day camps and elementary schools.  If you have questions or problems regarding dog bite situations feel free to call us at 651-770-3250 for help or advice.   

For more information on dog bite prevention, visit http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/ for helpful tips and resources for the whole family.

For Valentine's Day (and every day!), Dr. Plantz suggests how we can bring the love...

With Valentine’s Day coming up, we all like to show our dogs how much we love them.  We don’t have to buy new toys or give them calorie- rich treats, though.  Here are some ways to show your dog how much you love him without adding unneeded calories or breaking the bank:

Be Mine

**Take off her collar and spend a few minutes scratching her fur and skin where her collar normally sits.  She will love getting scratched in an area that doesn’t normally get any attention.

**If your dog shows interest in the TV, rent some movies with nature animal themes (maybe wolves).  Turn the volume up, sit on the floor with her, and see how she responds to various animal noises and images.

**Try dancing with your dog.  Turn on a fun song, put your dog’s paws on your waist and dance away!  

**If your dog likes car rides, take him for a long car ride in the country with the window part way down so he can smell all the good scents of the country.

**When your family exchanges Valentines, wrap up one of your dog’s toys and let her unwrap it with the family.  She will feel included and probably find new joy in an old toy.

**If your dog likes ice cubes, add a little chicken or beef stock to the water and make delicious, low calorie treats.  You can also drop one kernel of his food into each compartment.  As your dog licks the ice cube, he will eventually get a tasty surprise.

**Speak to your dog through an empty paper towel tube.  Your voice will sound funny to her and will get her excited

**Give your dog a massage.  When he is laying down relaxed, rub his back, legs and head.  He will enjoy the feeling as much as we enjoy our massages.

**Play hide and seek with your dog.  Distract her, then run and hide.  See how long it takes her to find you (try places like a closet or the bath tub).   When she finds you, give her a lot of praise.

For more ideas on how to show your dog how much you love him, check out the book “97 ways to make a Dog Smile” by Jenny Langbehn