With a Few Precautions, Dogs and Their Owners Can Fully Enjoy the Blooming Season
With
a little awareness and a few simple precautions, dog owners can prevent
many of the problems that arise with warmer weather and keep their dogs
safe and healthy.
Englewood, CO (PRWEB) March 16, 2009 -- As winter's chill gives way to warmer days and spring flowers, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, offers owners some tips for helping their dogs enjoy a happy, healthy spring season.
"Spring represents a time of growth and renewal -- but not everything that springs forth this season is good for dogs," said Liam Crowe, Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist and trainer. "With a little awareness and a few simple precautions, dog owners can prevent many of the problems that arise with warmer weather and keep their dogs safe and healthy."
Bark Busters offers the following pointers for warding off spring's primary culprits:
Heartworm infection
The American Heartworm Society recommends
that all dogs be tested annually for heartworm infection. Transmitted
by mosquitoes, this serious parasitic disease can be fatal.
Fortunately, your veterinarian offers a variety of
options for preventing heartworm infection, including an injection, daily and monthly tablets, and monthly topical medications.
Fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks can cause a host of problems, from flea allergy
dermatitis to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. In large
enough numbers, both ticks and fleas can also cause dangerous amounts
of blood loss, especially in young dogs. While a number of flea and
tick prevention options are available today, monthly spot-on topicals
and oral tablets offer convenience and effectiveness in protecting your
dog. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
Spring allergies
Blooming plants, grasses and flowers can
trigger atopy, an allergy similar to hay fever. But instead of
sneezing, a dog typically develops itchy skin and will persistently
scratch, lick and bite to get relief. If you suspect that your pooch
may be suffering from seasonal allergies, visit your veterinarian for
recommended allergy treatments. These can range from oral medications
(like cortisone) to skin tests that pinpoint allergies in more severe
cases.
Poisonous plants
Inquisitive dogs might see those fragrant spring blooms as a tasty
snack, but dogs can become extremely ill or even die from eating
poisonous plants. Ask your vet for a list of poisonous plants you'll
want to avoid having in your garden. You can also help prevent your dog
from digging by not gardening with your dog present--he may conclude
that digging is acceptable and enjoy digging to underground pipes or
chewing on sprinkler heads.
Lawn hazards
If a lawn -- yours or another's -- has been
treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides, do not let your
dog walk on it until these potentially dangerous treatments have dried
completely.
Unpleasant odors
If your furry friend has taken on an offensive aroma over the winter,
find out where the smell is coming from. Odor in your dog's mouth could
mean dental problems, digestive problems or underlying internal
diseases, such as kidney problems or diabetes. If his teeth are
discolored or he has an odor worse than his usual doggie breath, have
your veterinarian perform a dental exam. Next, check his ears. If the
skin inside is red or sore, if the ear has a bad smell, or if your dog
reacts in pain when you examine his ears, have your vet check him for
an ear infection. Also check your dog's skin for the common disorder
seborrhea, usually characterized by flaky dandruff or an oily, waxy
feel to the coat and a strong odor. You can prevent this by frequently
bathing your dog with a medicated shampoo that your veterinarian can
recommend. Finally, an infection or anal gland problems can also lead
to odor and discomfort, in which case your dog will need to be seen by
your veterinarian.
Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in correcting and managing dog behavior. Bark Busters' natural training system can successfully train any dog, even a puppy, by leveraging the same communications methods--body language and voice control--that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. Many of our client require only one home visit from a licensed dog behavioral therapist if owners continue with follow-up exercises just 10 to15 minutes a day for several weeks. All training takes place right in the home where the problems generally occur. And Bark Busters' training is the only service of its kind that is guaranteed for the life of the dog. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company's services.
About Bark Busters:
Bark Busters, the world's largest, most trusted dog training
company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in
2000. Since inception, over 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide
using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices
in 42 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is
continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral
therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the
possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion
dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that
offers guaranteed lifetime support.
SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training
services as the "Best of the Best" in its category. No other training
company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainerin your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior.
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