The Grey Bruce Veterinary Association and the Grey Bruce Health Unit are reminding pet owners of the need for extra vigilance in controlling their dogs (and cats) during the holiday season.
“The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for dogs,” says Dr. Sally Parks from the Grey Bruce Veterinary Association. “There is lots of coming and going, strange faces, excited children and changes in routine.”
The outcome can be an unfortunate biting incident resulting in personal injury and possibly even the need for post-exposure rabies treatment. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are bitten more often than any other group and most serious bites come from adult dogs between 2 and 5 years of age.
Here’s what you can do to reduce the possibility of a biting incident:
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Family dogs should have a place where they can be content and rest undisturbed.
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Respect the dog's resting places, toys, and food.
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Make changes if needed in the environment to make the dog feel safer and more relaxed.
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Watch for stress signals that the dog is uncomfortable- closed mouth, turning away, lip licking, half-moon eyes, shaking off and yawning.
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Ask permission before you pet a dog. Dogs don't like hugs or kisses; instead scratch the side of the neck.
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Give dogs an “escape route” if they are in the same room as children, so they can leave if uncomfortable.
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Never place a baby on the floor with a dog or leave a baby alone even with a trusted dog. Keep the baby's door closed.
If your pet does bite someone, it must be reported to the health unit in order to monitor the animal’s health status over a ten day period and check its rabies vaccination status. In Grey and Bruce Counties, cats and dogs must, by law, have up to date vaccinations.
