May 18-24 is recognized as National Dog Bite Prevention Week.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) an estimated 4.7 million Americans will be bitten this year.  The primary victims are children, the elderly, and postal workers.  Annually, as many as 800,000 people require medical treatment from dog bites, and 12 people each year die from dog attacks.

So, what can we do to keep ourselves, our families and friends, and our dogs safe?  The AVMA along with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Postal Services have combined forces and made a brochure to help us prevent dog bites, "What you should know about Dog Bite Prevention."

Pick a dog that is a good match for your home.  Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds.

Socialize your pet.  Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older.

Train your dog.  Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between owner and dog.  Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.

Keep your dog healthy.  Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.

Neuter or spay your dog.  These dogs are less likely to bite.

Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.   Be alert to signs your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.

Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.

Teach children to be careful around pets.  They should be taught not to approach strange dogs.  They should also ask permission from a dog's owner before petting the dog.

If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still.  Once the dog determines you are not a threat it will go away.  If you wish to pet the dog, now that you are not a threat, pet it gently, avoiding the face, head, and tail.

Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

If a dog threatens you, remain calm.  Avoid eye contact.  Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves.  If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.

If you are bitten, there is vital information you should get.  Request proof of the rabies vaccination from, the dog owner and get their name and contact information, and contact the dog's veterinarian to verify vaccination records.  Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible, and seek medical attention immediately.

Regardless of size or breed, all dogs can bite if provoked, and in many instances, a dog attack is avoidable.  Responsible pet ownership is key to reducing the likelihood of a dog bite and can enhance the relationship owners have with their dog.  For more information you can click here to view the brochure "What you should know about Dog Bite Prevention."

Help Carver Lake Raise Money for Homeless Animals!

Pets age much faster than humans.  At only 1 year old your pet's age in human years ranges from a teenager to a 20-something depending on species and breed. And the older your pet is the faster they age!  By the age of 7 pet years, your pet is already beginning their senior years!

The fact that pets age faster also means that diseases and problems  develop faster.  This means it is especially important to bring them in for biannual exams.  Even pets that appear normal can have an underlying problem that may only be detected during an examination or diagnostic screening by your veterinarian.

Twice a year wellness exams with your veterinarian can help diagnose, treat, and prevent health problems BEFORE they become life threatening.  These biannual exams also provide you the opportunity to discuss nutrition, behavior, and other concerns with your vet. 

Besides biannual examinations for your pet, it is also important to contact us if you notice any changes in your pet's eating, drinking, sleeping, grooming, or playing habits, or any unexplained changes in weight, urination, defecation, or behavior.

By meeting with your vet on a biannual basis you can help your pet live a longer, healthier life!

Pets With Storm Phobia

It's that time of year!  While some of us are enjoying the light show and loud concert of a thunderstorm, many pets are afraid, showing it by hiding, shaking, pacing, eliminating in the house or destroying things in the house.  This problem can arise at any age, and without treatment, usually gets worse with time.  There are many things we can do to help our pets deal with their fear and to ensure that everyone in the house is safe during a thunderstorm.

First, be sure that your pet is healthy.  Some medical conditions, which may have other subtle symptoms, can cause pets to be more reactive to fear.  These include thyroid and adrenal disease.  A thorough physical examination and screening labwork can rule out a medical contribution to a new phobia.  Other behavioral issues may also need attention such as separation anxiety. 

Your reaction to thunderstorms will set the tone for how your pet views the noise and flashes of light that accompany a good storm.  Stay calm, and when possible, distract your pet before it begins to react, with a fun training session or a game.  If your pet needs to go outside to eliminate, put on your rain coat and go out with them.  Show them you are not afraid!  It is very important that you don't accidentally encourage your pet's fear.  Extra attention, petting, and attempts to soothe your pet will reinforce the fear.

For pets who are crate trained and very comfortable in their crate, they can be crated.  Cover the crate with a heavy blanket to reduce light and play a radio or television to provide constant noise.  When storms can be anticipated on a weekday, pets are welcome at Carver Lake Veterinary Center for daycare.  The change of scene and constant activity can reduce anxiety for many pets.  This allows the veterinary staff to observe your pet during an initial trial with medication, if needed.

A collar or plug-in diffuser with a pheromone called Dog Appeasing Pheromone can soothe some dogs and take the edge off their reaction.

Anti-anxiety medication can help your pet learn new ways to deal with storms.  Newer prescription medication blocks the panic without causing sedation.  It is best to give the medication at least one hour before the storm.  For some pets, who become fearful with changes in barometric pressure in advance of the storm, that means the medication is given well ahead of time.  With less panic, pets can better observe your calm attitude and play games that encourage relaxation.  Simple tricks like sit, down, stay with delicious treats give your pet a focus other than the storm.

In severe cases of storm phobia, you may need the help of a professional veterinary behaviorist.  The Doctors at Carver Lake Veterinary Center can refer you and your pet to a specialist in our area.

Because storm phobias in pets can start at any age an usually get worse, let you veterinarian know as soon as you see signs of anxiety in your pet so that appropriate training and medication, when needed, can help you and your pet get through our upcoming storm season.