Your dog is a member of your family, and it can be fun and convenient to take him with you when you hit the road. Unfortunately, without careful preparation, you may be putting him in danger. What can you do to ensure pooch has a safe journey?
Perhaps the best solution is a doggy seat belt. Most cars weren’t designed with dogs in mind, so your regular seat belt won’t fit him. Buy the right car harness, though, and you can keep any sized dog safely strapped up in the back.
This should also ensure he doesn’t go poking his head out the window. We all know how much dogs love to feel the breeze through their fur, but it’s actually pretty dangerous. He could get struck by a flying object, or even jump out.
No matter where you live, it is important to be prepared for the types of disasters that can occur in your area, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Some disasters can even be so devastating they require evacuation. In this case, Angela Clendenin, public information officer for the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team (VET), said it is best to take your furry family members with you.
“After a disaster strikes, the area in and around homes can be quite dangerous for pets,” Clendenin said.
For example, downed power lines can create a tremendous danger for animals, especially where a power line has fallen into a home or backyard. Additionally, fencing that has fallen or broken into pieces also can cause injury or death in pets.
Though some choose not to evacuate during a disaster, Clendenin said for the safety of those in your home, including pets, it is best to leave early. In fact, Clendenin recommended evacuating as soon as the first notice is issued.
“When evacuation is delayed, roads can get jammed with traffic or become impassible with early flooding or debris,” Clendenin said. “For those who need assistance with evacuating animals, resources may become scarce or non-existent as the threat from the disaster gets closer. Evacuating early ensures that pets and their owners are able to get to safety before the disaster hits.”
Despite our best efforts, it can be hard to think clearly when preparing to evacuate. Gathering enough supplies for pets and family members can be stressful and take a lot of time—which is why Clendenin recommended making an emergency pet kit.
“One of the best ways to prepare your pet for a potential disaster is to create a ‘go kit’ of necessary documents and supplies, which people can easily grab and transport with them in the event of an evacuation,” Clendenin said. “In the case that pet and livestock owners get separated, this kit should include photos of pets and descriptions of where livestock is located, using GIS coordinates, if possible. Ensuring your pets and livestock are microchipped or visibly tagged or marked is also a way to identify animals and establish ownership.”
In addition, be sure to pack a few days’ supply of food, water, medications, and comfort items for your pets. If you would like more information on what to pack in your emergency kit, Clendenin recommended visiting http://ift.tt/1XrpW3D.
Disasters are unpredictable and can affect anyone. Though we can’t control the weather, we can control how we react to disasters via our preparedness. If disaster is ever near your area, be sure to take caution and prepare your family and pets.
via Modern Dog Magazine Home http://ift.tt/2vsvLHg
For folks like us, that’s pretty much every day, but we dog people aren’t the sort to shy away from more excuses to shower our pups with adoration!
NationalToday.com did a survey in which American dog owners revealed the top ways in which they pamper their pooches:
Give my dog a special treat (60 percent)
Tell my dog, “I love you.” (49 percent)
Buy or make a special gift for my dog. (36 percent)
Post photos of my dog all over social media. (30 percent)
Include my dog in special activities. (25 percent)
The survey also listed the top five most dog-loving states based on how regularly dog owners in each state engaged in loving behaviors with their dog. These were:
California
New York
Washington
Tennessee
Florida
How do you spoil your dog? Share stories and pics in the comments thread!
Environmental allergies are more common in dogs than in cats and typically occur between ages 1 and 3. The reactions occur when a dog’s immune system is especially sensitive to a substance, even a common one. Dogs with environmental allergies are usually genetically predisposed to these chronic conditions. Additionally, certain breeds are more prone to environmental dog allergies than others: Retrievers, Terriers, Boxers, Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Shepherds, Beagles and Irish Setters.
Since dogs are often outside, it’s hard to avoid common allergens. Photography by Eudyptula/Thinkstock.
The Most Common Environmental Dog Allergies
The most common environmental allergens that affect dogs are:
Pollen (which can travel up to 100 miles)
Mold spores
Dust mites
Animal dander
Some of these irritants are seasonal and are more aggressive during certain times of the year. Many of us humans are familiar with the aggravating effects of seasonal allergies. They’re no fun for us or our dogs. Because dogs spend a fair amount of time outdoors, it’s nearly impossible to avoid contact with some of the offenders.
Dog Allergy Symptoms — Atopic Dermatitis or Atopy in Dogs
As a dog’s body tries to reject the offending allergens, bothersome symptoms occur. The most common symptoms are skin-related ones and are a result of Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy), which is skin inflammation and extreme itchiness due to allergens. As a dog becomes uncomfortable from the symptoms, he may try to relieve them by excessive chewing, biting and licking. These self-soothing methods could create hair loss or open wounds that may become infected if left untreated.
The areas on a dog’s body that are typically affected by Atopy are:
Flanks
Wrists
Ears
Groins
Underarms
Between the toes
Area around the eyes (itchy or runny)
Treatments for Environmental Dog Allergies
If your dog is exhibiting Atopic Dermatitis symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. During an exam, the health professionals will review your dog’s complete medical history and discuss symptoms with you. If environmental allergies are suspected, the vet may recommend a course of action:
Intradermal allergy testing on a dog is similar to the test performed on humans. Small amounts of common allergens are injected under the skin, and the veterinarian looks for an allergic response to one or more of them. Once the allergen is determined, hyposensitization therapy might be the next step. This involves regularly giving the dog small injections of the allergen to desensitize the immune system. The therapy could take six months to a year to work, and research has shown that it is only 60 to 70 percent effective in dogs.
Your vet may recommend antihistamines or corticosteroids to help reduce itching and discomfort. Over-the-counter sprays or creams are also available to lessen the itchy symptoms.
Management of Environmental Dog Allergies
Because Atopy is a chronic condition, you’ll need to manage it for the rest of your dog’s life. There are, however, some ways you can help him stay comfortable:
Schedule regular vet appointments as recommended by your health professional.
If pollen or grass is an allergen, use your air conditioner in the summer months.
Wash your dog every three to seven days with hypoallergenic shampoo or medicated shampoo.
Remove your dog from the room when you vacuum.
Change the furnace filter regularly.
When your dog comes inside from the outdoors, wipe his body to remove dust, pollen, weeds or grass.
Some vets recommend regular doses of Omega 3, which is a great supplement for skin and coat health. Ask your vet if it’s a good choice for your dog.
Environmental allergies in dogs are irritating and could result in pain and even infection. If you suspect your dog might be affected by environmental allergies, call your vet’s office for guidance.
Thumbnail: Photography by adogslifephoto/Thinkstock.
The votes are in and our Star Dog contest winner is Munster! Munster is a sweet American Bulldog that was born with Spina Bifida, but he doesn’t let that stop him from enjoying life!
