Animal Welfare
#1 – Dog Bite Prevention
Any dog can bite: big or small, male or female, young or old. Even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest pet can bite if provoked. Remember, it is not a dog's breed that determines whether it will bite, but rather the dog's individual history and behavior.
From nips to full-blown attacks, dog bites are a serious problem. Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States seek medical attention for dog bites each year. The number of recorded dog bite injuries is significantly higher in children than adults. The elderly and home service providers such as mail carriers and meter readers are also high on the list of frequent dog bite victims. Fortunately, there are several things we can do to prevent dog bites.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association to learn more.
#2 – Dogs Traveling in Truck Beds
#3 – Pets & Disasters
Disasters can vary widely in scale, severity, and impact. No matter where you live, disasters and emergencies can and will occur. By being prepared with a disaster plan, you are helping advance your safety, the safety of your animals, and that of first responders.
Being prepared means:
Making a disaster plan for your family and pets
Preparing everything you need to execute that plan—such as putting together an evacuation kit for every member of your household (including all pets)
Staying informed about local animal disaster plans
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association to learn more.
#4 – Socialization of Dogs
Socialization is the process of preparing a dog or cat to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Ideally, socialization should begin during the "sensitive period" which is between 3 and 14 weeks of age for puppies, and 3 and 9 weeks of age for kittens.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association to learn more.
#5 – Canine Devocalization
#6 – Ear Cropping & Canine Otitis
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
#7 – Spaying & Neutering (Gonadectomy)
Many pet owners opt to spay or neuter their pets. Spaying and neutering are important for preventing unplanned or unwanted litters, and reducing pet overpopulation. Although progress has been made in recent years, millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year, including puppies and kittens. The good news is that you can make a difference.
By having your pet spayed or neutered, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted animals. What's more, you could be setting your pet up for a longer life, as studies have repeatedly shown that spayed or neutered dogs and cats live longer, on average, than other dogs and cats. This advantage is likely due to the health and behavioral benefits of the procedures.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
#8 – Pet Dental Care
Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
#9 – Caring for Senior Dogs
It's important to remember that age is not a disease. Although senior pets may develop age-related problems, you can help your pet live a happy, healthy, and active life in their senior years by providing for their physical, mental, and health care needs.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
#10 – Dogs’ Social Lives and Disease Risks
Whether it's the dog park, doggie day care, boarding, competitions or training classes, mingling dogs with varied or unknown health histories can present health problems for dogs as well as their owners. The very reason you take your dog to a dog gathering – social mixing with other dogs – is the same thing that can put them at risk. Diseases can be spread through direct contact between dogs, shared bowls and equipment, contaminated water, stool, insects and other methods. People who visit these areas and interact with the dogs may also become infected with zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be spread from animals to people. In addition, any gathering that puts people and dogs together introduces the risk of dog bites.
Visit American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to learn more.
