Fireworks!

Firework Phobia

Don't forget Edel Miedes of K9 Advisors is available to answer questions about behavior!  You can send your questions to scac@sabalchaseanimalclinic.com.  Here is a question from the Kupkees.

Dear Edel,

Last year Zohan had a tough time dealing with Fourth of July fireworks.  How can we better help him cope with his fear?

Dear Doc and Lynn,

The key to treating fireworks anxiety is teach the dog to be as calm as possible.  I like to create a safe space for Zohan, and condition him to go there when he is afraid.  Usually a plastic crate padded with a comforter and placed inside a closet works well.  The close walls and hanging clothes reduce the vibrations and expansions of the sounds.  

I would also provide a CD player, or some type of sound system to play the kind of relaxing, New Age style music you might hear in a spa.  Keep that in the closet as well, and be ready to turn on the music in anticipation of the fireworks.  Once set up, you can provide the sounds of Fireworks with a training CD (Legacy Canine Behavior and Training makes a good one).  Teach Zohan to go to the safe space when he is frightened. This also works well for dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms.

It's important to remember NOT to correct him for barking or having accidents on the floor when he is anxious. He is not being naughty, and any correction given at this time will only intensify the nervous, insecure feelings he is already having.  Good luck and Happy Fourth!

Cheers,

Edel

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 11 of 12)

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 11 of 12)

Every year, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs. Sadly, bites often happen to children.  While many dogs avoid aggressive behavior and pose low risks for biting, it is important to remember that any dog, regardless of age, breed or history, has the ability and the potential to bite.  Fortunately, dog bites can be both prevented and avoided.  Here are some tips to help your children stay safe around man’s best friend.

10.  While many dogs tolerate being hugged and kissed by children they know, they generally do not like it.  Many dogs find this behavior frightening, or perceive it as a threat.  Children should be taught that petting and playing are better ways to show affection to dogs.  If your family pet does not mind being hugged and kissed, teach your little ones to NEVER do this to any dog other than their own.

Goodbye to Rileigh

Goodbye to Rileigh

Today we said goodbye to Rileigh, Dr. Rose's 8 ½ year old Golden Retriever.  Rileigh came into Dr. Rose's life as a rescue with no training, poor social skills, and an aggressive temperament.  Dr. Rose saw that she had potential, and adopted her, issues and all.  After many hours of training, and a lot of patience and perseverance, Rileigh matured into a loving and balanced soul.  Dr. Rose credits her for making her a better person, a better dog owner, and a better vet.  Run free, Rileigh - you will be missed.

Rileigh on Halloween as a bug catcher!

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 10 of 12)

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 10 of 12)

Every year, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs. Sadly, bites often happen to children.  While many dogs avoid aggressive behavior and pose low risks for biting, it is important to remember that any dog, regardless of age, breed or history, has the ability and the potential to bite.  Fortunately, dog bites can be both prevented and avoided.  Here are some tips to help your children stay safe around man’s best friend.

9.  Always supervise. Do not leave children and dogs alone unattended, even for a second.  Sadly, the most severe injuries to children occur when they are left alone with dogs.

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 9 of 12)

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 9 of 12)

Every year, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs. Sadly, bites often happen to children.  While many dogs avoid aggressive behavior and pose low risks for biting, it is important to remember that any dog, regardless of age, breed or history, has the ability and the potential to bite.  Fortunately, dog bites can be both prevented and avoided.  Here are some tips to help your children stay safe around man’s best friend.

8.  If you own dogs, remind your children that not all dogs are like theirs, and may not tolerate the same things their own pets will.

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 8 of 12)

Preventing Dog Bites to Children (Part 8 of 12)

Every year, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs. Sadly, bites often happen to children.  While many dogs avoid aggressive behavior and pose low risks for biting, it is important to remember that any dog, regardless of age, breed or history, has the ability and the potential to bite.  Fortunately, dog bites can be both prevented and avoided.  Here are some tips to help your children stay safe around man’s best friend.

7.  Teach them to ask an owner's permission before petting an unknown dog.  If the dog appears frightened or overly excited, don't be shy about vetoing the owner's decision.  A dog that is barking, jumping, or pulling at his leash is not under his owner's control!  While these dogs may not bite out of fear or aggression, they can still cause injury to a child by knocking her down or giving a "play bite".  If this dog does not respect his owner, he is not likely to respect your child.  It is best to politely remove yourself and your child from these situations.

 

June's Pets of the Month

In honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, Twitter and Whisper are our June Pets of the Month! 

Adopted from Miami Dade Animal Services together, these 10 week old babies keep their family on their toes with their kitten antics! 

Congratulations! Twitter and Whisper, tell your friends! You are Sabal Chase Animal Clinic's June Pets of the Month! 

Adopt a Shelter Cat Today!