An Ounce of Prevention
A few weeks ago I met Bella. Bella had escaped from her home and was running as fast as she could toward the state road. When I finally caught up to Bella, I noticed that she did not have any pet identification on her. Later, I was informed that Bella did have a microchip but her owners could not be located. The main microchip registry database was not updated with her present owner’s information. The good news is that Bella was reunited with her owners - safe and sound. However, the ending to this story might have been quite different.
When I was being certified as a pet first aid instructor, I was surprised to learn that most medical emergencies are avoidable. Did you know that 60% of all visits to veterinary facilities are due to an emergency? How about the fact that preventable accidents are the leading cause of death among pre-senior dogs and cats?
What can we do as pet owners to keep our pets safe? The answer is two-fold: Owners should be able to administer pet first-aid (in the case of emergency) and be aware of “Preventable Risk Factors” within the home. “Preventable Risk Factors” - are situations which owners can control to promote safety within their dog’s daily living environment. Here are some “Preventative Risk Factors” to think about:
ü Nutrition and Feeding – Although there is much debate on which food/diet is the best for your pet, virtually everyone agrees that good nutrition is essential. However, some food that is good for people are not good for dogs. Foods like avocado, garlic and onions can all present a threat if ingested by your dog. For a complete list of people foods that could be toxic to your dog visit http://www.aspca.org and click on “Pet Care”.
ü Provide Plenty of Fresh Water – Make sure the water your dog drinks is clean. Do not let your dog drink from water sources that appear to be stagnant or contaminated. Be mindful that even though a nearby lake of river looks clean, it may contain harmful organisms or pollutants.
ü Dental Health – Rule of thumb: A healthier mouth equals a healthier life. Dental problems that go untreated not only cause problems in the teeth and gums, but their effects can extend to other areas of the body. It's estimated that 80 percent of dogs (and 70 percent of cats) over the age of three suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Make time to speak with your vet about your dog’s teeth during his annual physical.
ü Electric Cords: Chewing on electrical cords can burn or shock your pet, causing respiratory problems, cardiac arrest and even death. Be particularly mindful of puppies. Their inquisitive nature, sharp teeth and need to chew everything puts them at high risk.
ü Choking: According to research dogs are 3 - 4 times more likely to choke on an object than cats. String, yarn, socks, balls, bones and small toys are some common household items that may cause your dog to choke. Trash cans are also a common source for choking hazards. Discarded bones, food wrappers and leftover food can be very enticing to a curious or hungry dog.
ü Proper identification – Make sure your pet always wears a collar with an ID tag. If any of your contact information changes, be sure to change the information on your dog’s ID tag. Your name, your pet’s name, phone number and address should be included on your dog’s ID tag. Note: When providing a telephone number on an ID tag, it is recommended to use a cell or mobile phone number as opposed to your house phone.
ü Regular veterinary checkups – Regular veterinary exams can help to identify preventable disease problems and help promote early detection of others. It is recommended to schedule a routine exam for your pet at least once a year.
ü Take time to perform a “Snout to Tail Assessment” (Petsaver Program) - This assessment creates a base line for your pet’s health. When you know what is normal for your pet it becomes easier to recognize and assess what is abnormal.
ü Emergency Phone Numbers: In the event of a medical emergency every minute counts. Have the phone number (and driving directions) of the nearest veterinary emergency hospital and Poison Control hotline posted and readily available.
Final Note: Remember that many emergency trips to a veterinary facility could be avoided if owners recognized “Preventable Risk Factors” in their dog’s daily living environment. Donna Gleason - TLC Dog Trainer resides in Sherman, CT. She is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with a Masters in Behavior Modification and a certified pet first aid instructor (PTI). She offers professional in-home training (specializing in puppy education, basic obedience and behavior modification) and group puppy/basic obedience classes. Donna is a member of APDT, Delta Society, Shelter Animal Reiki Association, Good Dog Foundation and consulting trainer for Paw-Safe Animal Rescue. To reach Donna call 203.241.4449 or visit her website @ www.TLCdogtrainer.com
