By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Aroostook Republican
Here are some statistics regarding dog bites:
• Approximately 20 people die each year in the United States as a result of dog attacks.
• Children are more likely to be bitten than any other segment of the population.
• More than 40 percent of severe bite victims are children under age 11.
• More than half of all children will be victims of a dog bite by the time they reach age 12. Annually an estimated 5 million dog bites occur nationwide, with approximately 400,000 bites occurring in Texas.
• Dog bites cost insurance companies $250 million a year in medical and liability costs, accounting for one-third of all liability claims against homeowners’ policies.
Ask your children what things they think they should consider when deciding whether or not to approach a dog.
Is the dog with someone?
• Never approach a dog that is tied to anything.
• Never approach a dog that is alone.
• Never approach a dog that is behind a fence.
• Never approach a dog that is off leash.
If the dog is with his person, ask the person on the other end of the leash:
• Is your dog friendly?
• May I pet him/her?
Ask the dog:
• Never approach a dog without letting it see and smell you first.
• Slowly extend your relaxed closed hand (not clenched fist) for the dog to sniff and watch how the dog responds.
• Even if the person with the dog says it’s OK, you always need to ask the dog.
• After you see that the dog wants to be pet (remember dog body language) then gently stroke the dog under the chin and on the side of the face.
• Never make your first stroke on the top of the head.
Sometimes aggression issues come from our pets not feeling good. Can pets be too pampered? They sure can be; we tend to pamper ourselves and our pets with food. Obesity is a problem with people and with animals. According to ThePetCenter.com, a recent survey indicated that 40 percent of America’s pet population is overweight. Obesity can adversely affect a pet’s health just as it can our health. It can exacerbate problems with the cardiovascular system and other major organs, as well as aggravate existing health problems.
How can you tell if your pet is becoming obese? Do the rib check. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs or feel them only with heavy pressure, it’s time to consider a weight reduction program. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before beginning any weight loss program with your pet, rule out any serious illness and start in small steps. Along with changes in its diet, increase the amount of exercise your pet receives. This can simply mean regular walks with your dog (good exercise for both of you) and more playtime. Cats tend to do their own thing, but you can take time to discover your cat’s favorite toys and encourage it to play. A little effort can go a long way in saving your pet’s life from obesity and the complications that go along with it.
So what can you do to pamper your pet that is healthy for him? Show your pet that you appreciate them by taking a special 10 minutes out of your busy day to just “be with” them. Take your dog for a walk, dogs crave the stimulation they get from being in different environments and the exercise is good for both of you. When you are out and about, let your dog lead the way for a bit, to investigate and smell the smells. If your dog likes to ride, take them for a sightseeing ride in the country or downtown. Have patience with your pet; being a dog or cat is not the same as being a furry little person. Sometimes they just don’t know. I guess it all boils down to our time and enjoying being with your pet. You can also provide them with a soft place to sleep and plenty of stimulating toys, maybe even a buddy. I think it is important to remember that our pets are living beings that need and crave our attention, so take a few moments of your time and give it to them!
A properly exercised dog is a happy dog! And it is good for us, too!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The shelter is located at 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, or you can visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
