#3 Fact or Fiction: Whenever There's a News Story About a Dog Attack, It's Almost Always a Pit Bull

It’s Pit Bull Awareness Month!

Fact or Fiction: Whenever there’s a news story about a dog attack, it’s almost ALWAYS a pit bull.

Fact. Dog bites and attacks involving pit bulls are reported 85% more often than attacks by any other breed of dog.  A 2008 study by the National Canine Research Council studied a series  media reports of dog attacks that occurred during a four day period in 2007.  On day two, a mixed-breed dog attacked and killed a small child.  The local newspaper ran two stories.  On day four, two tethered pit bulls broke free from their chains and attacked a woman who was trying to protect her small dog.  The woman was hospitalized.  Her dog was uninjured.  The attack was reported in 230 articles in national and international newspapers, as well as all of the cable news networks.

Last year, our clinic ran its own experiment.  We scanned the names of children that had been killed by dogs, looking for names that would be easy for Google to find.  On July 25th, 2008, 14-month-old Addison Sonney was killed by an English Sheepdog mix.  A Google search of her name produced 28,900 results.  Seven weeks prior, 7-year-old Tanner Monk was killed by two off-leash pit bulls.  A Google search of his name produced an astounding 1,960,000 results.  The American media consumer has an insatiable appetite for stories involving pit bull attacks.  And our media providers are more than happy to feed us.

It is also important to note that in a study that included veterinarians and animal professionals, pit bulls were incorrectly identified 89% of the time! So the next time you hear a news report a “pit bull attack”, remember there is only an 11% chance that the dog has been correctly identified as such.

#2 Fact or Fiction: Pit Bulls Are Naturally Aggressive

It’s Pit Bull Awareness Month!

Fact or Fiction: Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive and inherently dangerous.

Fiction.  As of February 14, 2013, the American Temperament Test Society found that pit bulls averaged a score of 86.8%.  This is the same score logged by Standard Poodles!  Pit bulls were the sixth most tested breed with 839 subjects being tested.  This is a VERY challenging test that takes place in unfamiliar places, and gauges the dog’s level of fear, anxiety, and aggression when placed in stressful situations.  Pit bulls scored higher than Golden Retrievers, Collies, Schnauzers, and Malteses.

Many factors lead to aggression in dogs including, but not limited to, being sexually intact, having recently bred, being in the presence of puppies, being chained or tethered outdoors, living isolated from humans, inferior breeding, poor nutrition, lack of veterinary care, being born in puppy mills, lack of training and socialization, and being subject to abuse by humans.  It is interesting to note that of the 51 dogs rescued from Michael Vick’s dog fighting operation. only one was euthanized for aggressive behavior.  The rest were placed into loving homes, and several even work as service dogs.  This is truly astonishing considering that all were subjected to the factors above, in addition to unfathomable cruelty.

#1 Fact or Fiction: Pit bulls have locking jaws

It’s Pit Bull Awareness Month!

Fact or Fiction : Pit bulls have locking jaws.  Once they bite down, they cannot let go.

Fiction. Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia has stated under oath “There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of ‘locking mechanism’ unique to the structure of the jaws and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier.” A study out of Presbyterian College by Jesse M. Bridgers III  titled “The Mechanical Advantage of the Pit Bull Jaw” examined 49 skulls of various breeds of domestic dogs, including those of pit bulls.  Conclusion: “After graphing and analyzing the derived ratios, I have found no evidence of mechanical advantage in the pit bull compared to other breeds of domestic dogs.”  A 2003 study by T.E. Huston titled “Bite Force and Bite Pressure Comparisons of Humans and Dogs” found “There is nothing out of the ordinary in the jaw structure or anatomy of the bull breeds.” That same study also disproved the myth that pit bulls bite with 1600 pounds of pressure per square inch.  Both Rottweilers and German Shepherds were shown to bite with substantially more force than pit bulls.

Nearly all breeds of dogs are capable of biting and holding on with amazing tenacity.  For a free demonstration, stop by the clinic and attempt to extract a Greenie from Grendel’s mouth. You will tire long before our geriatric dachshund does!

October Pet of the Month

October is Pit Bull Awareness Month!

If you guessed that Reese Pieces is a pit bull, you’re WRONG!  Reese Pieces is a Rhodesian Ridgeback/American Bulldog mix.  If you guessed incorrectly, don’t feel bad.  In a recent study by the National Canine Research Council, pit bulls were only correctly identified on the first try 2% of the time.  As if that isn’t bad enough, the study group included veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal control officers.  Yikes!  So the next time you see an attention-grabbing headline about a “vicious pit bull attack”, remember there’s a 98% chance the dog has been misidentified.  

Congratulations Reese Pieces, and share with your friends - you may not be a pit bull, but you are a sweetheart.  You’re also our October Pet of the Month!

Why Does My Dog Need a Heartworm Test?

Every year, compliant dog owners bring their dogs in for a check-up, and are informed that they need a heartworm test.  Understandably, this is especially confusing for pet parents who religiously give the medication every month.  If they know their pet has been taking the prevention, why must they take the test? It’s a good question to which there are two answers.

The first reason is that, quite simply, it’s the law.  Veterinarians in the state of Florida must perform this test every 12 months in order to legally dispense the medication.  The spirit of the law is to protect your pet’s health.  If heartworm prevention is given to a dog that has already contracted the disease, it is possible for the dog to become dangerously ill.

The second reason is that no preventatives are 100% effective, even when they are given properly.  Pharmaceutical companies know this, and as a result, provide their consumers with a guarantee that acts as a goodwill gesture.  If a pet owner is giving the medication properly and consistently, and the product fails to protect your pet against heartworm disease or intestinal parasites, the pharmaceutical company will pay for your pet’s treatment!  The guarantee is only valid, however, if there is a solid purchase history and a previously negative heartworm test on file.  Since heartworm treatment is risky, and the cost can easily exceed $1000, it is in the consumer’s best interest to do the test.  Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, so here in South Florida, our pets are at risk all year round.  It is therefore very important to remember to stay compliant with this basic, yet vital component of care.

Back to School

Does Your Pet Have the Back-to-School Blues?

Summer is a time when many families decide to bring home a new pet.  When children are home from school, and routines are more relaxed, more time can be spent helping the new pet adjust, and teaching children about the responsibilities of pet ownership.  When the school year starts, and routines change drastically, the pet can easily become confused or develop separation anxiety.  This is especially true of pets who were brought home as puppies or kittens, and are now entering adolescence.

If you suspect your pets have the back-to-school blues, be sure to include them in the morning routine.  Feed them one of their main meals at this time, as they are more likely to sleep throughout the day if their belly is full.  Designate a special toy that is only given to them by the children, and only as the children are leaving for the day.  Look for toys marketed as food  puzzles or brain teasers that will allow your pet to entertain himself.  A “cat sitter” DVD with images of birds and squirrels can keep a bored kitty entertained for hours.  Allow both pets and children to play together and blow off steam as soon as the kids get home.  When it’s time for homework, encourage the pet to sit quietly near the children as they study.  Making the afternoon routine predictable and fun will give your pets something to look forward to, and make it easier for them to cope with being alone throughout the day.

Eros is not impressed with homework! 

September Pet of the Month

Johnnie is an eight year old neutered male kitty who just might be one of the coolest cats around!  Whether he’s relaxing at home with his mom, or or getting a check-up here at Sabal Chase, nothing seems to faze this fabulous feline.  Not to mention, he’s awfully darn cute!  Congratulations, Johnnie, and share with your friends - you’re our pet of the month!