Bloat In Dogs

Did you know your dog is more susceptible to bloat in the summer months?

Increased water consumption & exercise can increase the likelihood of bloat!
Read more about bloat and what to do if you suspect your dog is bloating

What you should know about DOG BITES!

With the growing popularity of dog parks and community areas with canines, the more you know about the warning signs of a dog bite the better prepared you are to prevent them. The Humane Society of the United States has a wonderful site detailing how to teach children to avoid dob bites.

A New Deadly, Contagious Dog Flu Virus Is Detected in 7 States

How can you protect your dog?

1. If you notice your dog is acting lethargic, make an appointment at your Vet.
2. If you notice your dog coughing, make an appointment at your Vet.
3. If you notice your dog seems hot, take his or her temperature. A healthy dog's temperature is 102.5.
4. If you frequent a dog park or area where there are lots of dogs, bring your own fresh water and water bowl. Community bowls are a haven for germs!
5. If you notice another dog coughing or lethargic, inform their parents of this new deadly dog flu virus. They may be unaware of the severity.

For more information about the dog flu virus click here.

DOG PARK SAFETY

A note from the owner of Martin's Dog Farm:

All of our dog evaluations take place at local dog parks. As the months pass our time inside the dogs parks increases substantially. Unfortunately, some of the behavior we see is extremely upsetting. All of the staff on Martin's Farm have years of experience grouping dogs together for fun and exercise. Never have we seen the escalation of such aggressive behavior between dogs. Dogs are pack animals who greatly need our guidance and supervision when grouped with other dogs. We are hoping that the suggestions below and the link to an informative web site on Dog Park Safety may help. It would be a shame for the terrific resource of public dog parks to be destroyed because of the poor handling and supervision by dog owners. Educate yourself, please!

1. When you see other dogs entering the park, take responsibility for your dog and be sure that the newcomers are not being met aggressively by your dog(s).
2. Discourage all humping. Humping frequently is the beginning stage of aggression. If dogs are permitted to hump other dogs it soon becomes a habit that is extremely hard to break. Dogs mimic other dogs' behaviors. This is not a habit dog owners wish your dog to pass on. Ignoring your dog won't deter them. If you find your dog seems to hump other dogs uncontrollably, a public dog park isn't the place for him or her! Please be respectful of others!
3. WATCH YOUR DOG! Many dog parks are not only a place for dogs, but have become a social outlet for may dog owners. Be sure that you are aware of where your dog is and what he or she is doing at all times.
4. If your dog is part of a group of dogs huddling around a dog, distract your dog so that the out-numbered dog can also enjoy their time at the park.
5. If your dog continually growls or snaps at another dog at the park IT'S TIME TO LEAVE. Dogs, just like humans, have good days and bad days. Also, sometimes there is bad chemistry between two dogs. There is nothing more infuriating than an aggressive dog remaining at the park and harassing other dogs.
6. If you are hoping to socialize a dog who posses aggressive tendencies, find a private location to meet other dog owners or trainers who are willing to work with you and your dog. It is unfair to jeopardize the safety of other dogs in order to train your dog at a public dog park.
7. Be aware of the beginning stages of a dog confrontation. If you see your dog approach another dog with a stiff stature, raised hair on their back and tight facial features, it's time to intervene and distract your dog. Throw a ball, encourage them to follow you, make a strange sound, etc.!
8. If you frequent the same dog park over and over, your dog will begin to think that the dog park is his/her turf. Rotating dog parks, although not as convenient, is a wonderful way to keep your dog and the other dogs at the park happy.
9. If someone requests that you control your dog, it's not personal! Remember, you don't know the history of the other dog. The owner may be aware of something you don't know.

For more information about dog park safety, please click below.
http://www.stldogparks.org/pages/dogpark_safety.html