Dog Days of Summer

It is summer time and now is when a lot of families, especially kids, start thinking about getting a dog. Donna Bainter, behavior manager for SPCA Tampa Bay, says there are 5 things to consider before taking a new addition home.

1. Do you want a puppy, adolescent, or an adult dog? This is a very important question to be considered by the family. A puppy is very cute and is a great idea if you have the time to spend training and caring for it. If not maybe an older dog would suit your lifestyle better.

2. Consider your lifestyle, what type of dog would fit in with your family? Are you an active family? If not choose a breed that does not need a lot of exercise. Does anyone in your family have allergies? There are many types of dogs that are a good fit for families with allergies. Make sure you get a dog that fits into your family lifestyle so that the transition is easier.

3. Which Breed? Animal Planet has a good breed selector page to help families find a compatible breed. Choosing a breed by how they look, doesn't mean it will fit in with your family. Research different breeds and select one that will fit right in by their temperament.

4. Rescue dog or Pure Bred? If you are going to a shelter to pick out a dog, make sure you ask why the dog is there. Many shelters will help place dogs that work with your lifestyle. If you have a family, they will help you find a gentle dog that will fit in. Some shelters may help with vet bills and training classes if you adopt a shelter dog. If you are thinking of going to a breeder, make sure you can see the parents of the puppies, this way you will know what shape they are in and also that you are not purchasing from a puppymill.

5. What is the dog's behavior? Choose a dog or puppy that is wagging it's tail and happy to see you, but not too excited that they jump all over you. A shy dog may seem nice and calm, but if they are too shy and cowardly they may bite if they get scared.

Adding a dog to your family is a life changing event, make sure you do your research and find a dog that matches your lifestyle since they will most likely be a part of your family for many years to come.

Dog rescues owner from kangaroo

You hear a lot about dog rescues -- but this is the first time I've ever heard about a dog saving its owners from a kangaroo. In fact, I didn't even know kangaroos were dangerous.

But, according to this report from the BBC News, an Australian woman was saved by her dog after a large kangaroo attacked her and the dog jumped into the mix to save her. Here's a quote from her son: "My dog heard her screaming and bolted down and chased him off. If it wasn't for the dog, she'd probably be dead."

Protect your dog from summer heat

So, we're here in Georgia and the heat has been relentless. It's been 90-plus degrees for the last week and there is no sign it's going to get any cooler. This time of year, it's really important to monitor your dog for heat exhaustion. You already know how important it is to keep your dog hydrated, but here are some signs, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, that your dog is suffering from overheating:
- Heat stroke can occur quickly in dogs, especially big dogs. Heavy panting is the first sign, but there's more.
- Along with heavy panting, a dog suffering from heat stroke will lay on his side.
- Often, the pet won't be able to stand up and has thick saliva coming from her mouth.
- The mucous membranes are usually red but may be pale.

The solution? Move quickly to the shade and pour cool (but not cold) water on the dog. A fan blowing cool air on the dog will also help cool her body temperature. Consult a vet if you think it's really serious. A temperature of 106 or higher is considered a serious emergency and should be treated as such.

Is tap water safe for your dog?

Doctors have found that people who drink unsafe tap water for a long period of time can come down with bladder cancer. Now, doctors have been studying the effects of disinfected tap water on dogs. Turns out, according to this post on eMaxHealth, that there is no link between sick dogs and disinfected tap water. So for now, you can save the Evian for the people.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

We are not sure who came up with this idea, but this is a week that the United States Post Office takes very seriously. With 3,184 letter carriers bit last year this is something they are trying to crack down on. About 800,000 Americans are attacked by dogs each year. Nearly half of those attacked will seek emergency care, out of those injured about a dozen die.

With a strong community outreach there were 89 fewer dog bites nationwide last year. If people are made aware of this problem we can continue to fix it!

In April we posted a Dog Bite Prevention Week from Massachusetts, but the third week in May has been designated for National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Here are some tips from our previous post that will help support National Dog Prevention Week.


· When your letter carrier comes to your home keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room or on a leash.

· Don’t allow your dog to bark, jump up against the door, or bite the mail as it comes through the mail slot; this will only teach your dog to attack the letter carrier.

· If your dog has to be out during mail delivery time, make sure it is restrained and that the length of that restraint does not allow it to reach the path the mail carrier has to take in order to deliver your mail.

· Do not tie your dog near the mail receptacle.

· Do not let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog’s instinct is to protect the family.

· Obedience training can teach your dog proper behavior and help you control your dog in any situation.

· Spay or neuter your dog — un-neutered dogs are more likely to bite.

· Make sure your dog has had its shots and is licensed.

Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com, Sink your teeth into this: it's National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Grand Opening of Dog Park

If you live in the Hartford, VT area and are a dog owner check out Watson Dog Park. The grand opening of this fenced in two acre off-leash park will be June 7th at 10am. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremeony an dog owners and their furry friends are welcome to join the fun.

For more information on this event, contact: info@watsondogpark.org, or call Hartford Parks & Recreation • (802) 295-5036.

Dog Bite Prevention Week

We see it in movies and on tv, but dogs chasing and biting our mail carriers has actually become a problem. Postmaster William H. Dunn of Winchester, MA is trying to make sure dog owners will be responsible and keep their pets contained during mail delivery times. 3475 mail carriers were bit last year, which can result in pain and suffering for the mail carrier and the mail delivery itself can be disrupted. In the last 6 months there have already been over 35 dog bites.

Dunn offered these great tips for being a responsible dog owner:

· When your letter carrier comes to your home keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room or on a leash.

· Don’t allow your dog to bark, jump up against the door, or bite the mail as it comes through the mail slot; this will only teach your dog to attack the letter carrier.

· If your dog has to be out during mail delivery time, make sure it is restrained and that the length of that restraint does not allow it to reach the path the mail carrier has to take in order to deliver your mail.

· Do not tie your dog near the mail receptacle.

· Do not let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog’s instinct is to protect the family.

· Obedience training can teach your dog proper behavior and help you control your dog in any situation.

· Spay or neuter your dog — un-neutered dogs are more likely to bite.

· Make sure your dog has had its shots and is licensed.

Source: http://www.wickedlocal.com, Beware: Dog Bite Prevention Week