Tag Archives: dogs

Is your dog a real New Yorker?

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Winter Wonderland Dogs

New York State law requires that all owned dogs be licensed and the NYC Health Code §161.04 requires every dog owner to have a dog license tag attached to their dog’s collar while in public. Dog owners may be fined for violation of these laws.

If you live in one of the five boroughs of New York City, call 311 to have an NYC dog license application mailed to you or download it from this web site: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vet/vet-doglicense.shtml.  Dog owners may also apply and make payment online for a new dog license or renew an existing one.

 

Canine Influenza Virus Information

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Boxer

Animal General has received many phone calls recently regarding the Canine Influenza Virus and vaccine that has been highlighted on several news programs.

Animal General does take the Canine Influenza Virus seriously, as it can cause illness in our patients ranging from mild to severe (similar to Flu in people), however, the vaccination has not been proven to prevent Canine Influenza in vaccinated dogs.  Instead, the vaccine decreases the shedding of the virus and severity of the illness in dogs who contract the influenza virus.  Animal General’s recommendation, therefore, is to consider each dog’s risk to other dogs.  For instance, if you feel your dog has exposure to many other dogs, especially in closed quarters, you may consider the vaccination to decrease the spread within your local community.  The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) canine vaccination guidelines, published in 2011, does not recommend Canine Influenza Virus vaccination as a “core” vaccine for dogs.

As always, the doctors and staff at Animal General are available to discuss your dog’s health with you at any time.

Facts to Help Avoid the Risk of Dog Bites

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Be a Responsible Dog Owner

Spring is one of the most enjoyable times of year for people and their pets. Many of us will be stepping out more frequently with man’s best friend at our side. This is also the time of year when the incidence of dog bites begins to increase dramatically. May 15-21 has been proclaimed National Dog Bite Prevention Week. According the Center for Disease Control, children under the age of 12 are the most frequent victims of dog bites, followed by the elderly and the ever at-risk delivery person.
Animal General maintains that it is not in the nature of dogs to bite without provocation of some sort. Therefore, if responsible dog owners adhere to and practice certain principles with our dogs, the risk of a bite occurring will be greatly reduced.

What follows are some very practical suggestions for pet owners who want to lower the risk of their dogs biting. Many of these are recommendations from The Humane Society of the United States. Take a moment to read through the list to refresh your memory or to learn about this important issue.

• Selection of a particular breed may reduce the likelihood of bites. Some breeds are by nature protective of their family. This can make them more prone to bite if strangers approach. When choosing a dog, consult with your veterinarian about the nature of the breed you are considering. If you have a protective animal and a new babysitter we suggest that the sitter visit first and get to know the dog. A staff member at AG once had a relative who, after putting the children to bed, was corralled for 3 hours in the kitchen by a protective Aire- dale until the children’s parents arrived home. The dog and the sitter eventually became the best of friends.

• Make your dog a family member. Dogs are social animals that love to be included in the family mix. If you know anyone who keeps a dog tied or chained in a yard, please advise him or her that this can lead to aggressive behavior on the part of the dog.

• Play safely, easily, and often with your dog. Tummy rubs not only indicate submission on the part of your dog but they also indicate the complete trust your dog has in you.

• Show sensitivity and respect for your dog’s needs. Don’t allow children to approach a sleeping dog or a dog that is nursing her puppies. Leave your dog to enjoy his/her food in peace without interruption.
• Socialize your dog at an early age. Exposure to different people, other dogs and diverse situations will help your dog to be more adaptable and less nervous in new surroundings. Playing with your dog’s toys is something that s/he should become accustomed to as a puppy. Animal General offers a Puppy Play Group free of charge to clients and their pets every Tuesday and Thurs- day from 7:30-8:00p.m. Call the hospital if you’d like more details.
• Attend a dog training class with your dog. Every dog should respond to the basic sit, stay, come and down commands and should be well trained to walk on a lead.
• Spay or neuter your dog at an early age. This reduces the chance of aggressive behavior.
• If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior toward any person seek professional help for the animal as soon as possible.
• Never allow anyone to tease or startle a dog. Do not allow anyone to pull on his/her extremities or interrupt the animal while eating. This is outright provocation and is unacceptable behavior under any circumstances.
• License your dog. See that vaccinations are up to date and that your dog is in good health. Dogs in pain are more prone to snap or bite while attempting to protect themselves.
• Be cautious, calm and encouraging when in new situations with your dog. Do not force him/her to approach anyone.
• Give treats to new human visitors to give to your dog. Bribes work!
• Know your dog’s limitations. If your dog panics in crowds leave him at home. If s/he over reacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel keep him/ her in another room. Help from professionals may reduce these behaviors but use common sense and avoid stressful situations for your dog.

Behavior Issues?
If you believe your pet may have behavior issues relating to one of the tips listed above, be sure to consult a veterinary professional at Animal General for more information and guidance.

Dental hygiene

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Feb./Mar. is Pet Dental Month

Correct dental hygiene for your pet can safeguard him/ her from serious health problems at a later date. Feb./ Mar. is Pet Dental Month. Think about scheduling an appointment at Animal General for a dental checkup.

Pet-Safe Winter Holidays
Having a pet-safe Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day or other winter holiday is an easy task if the following suggestions are followed:
•    Floral arrangements should never contain lilies. All lilies are toxic to cats.
•    Never leave those yummy chocolates out so that a dog can finish them up for you.
•    The darker the chocolate, the more your pet will like them. Ingestion is likely to cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, and an elevated heart rate.
•    Do not allow a pet to lap up any spilled wine. It takes just a little alcohol in a pet-sized body to cause vomiting, lack or coordination, dif- ficulty breathing, and even coma.
•    Gather up tape, ribbons, cellophane, and bal- loons from the celebration. Long, stringy, “fun- to-chew-and-chase” items can get lodged in a pet’s throat or digestive tract.
Poison control calls across the country increase by about 74% in the days immediately preceding and fol- lowing Valentine’s Day, so make sure your pet is safe. Purchase pet appropriate toys and treats. Remember, a rolled up piece of paper or a new dog bone can pro- vide lots of safe and inexpensive fun.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic sub- stance please call Animal General immediately!
Parts of this article, Courtesy of ASPCA.