3 Halloween Pet Safety Tips You Need to Read

October 25, 2016 by Fanna Easter

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is almost here! Halloween festivities are a blast, but sometimes it’s best to keep pets home for their safety. Before you purchase Halloween candy or open your door for trick-or-treaters, please review these Halloween pet safety tips again!

Safely Confine All Pets Indoors

Many pets disappear during Halloween, so it’s best to keep all pets, including cats, safely confined indoors. Think about it: every time your front door opens for trick-or-treaters, it’s an opportunity for your dog or cat to escape. Plus, costumed trick-or-treaters look scary.

It’s best to keep dogs safely in their crates, tucked away in another room, away from all the commotion. Play soft music in the background to drown out loud knocks and doorbell rings. Classical music works best. Crate time doesn’t have to be boring! Give your dog a frozen yogurt stuffed toy while resting in his crate. This way, he can join in on the festivities too. Check out this Halloween frozen treat idea for your dog!

When bringing your dog outside to potty, keep your dog leashed at all times. When pottying your dog in a secured backyard, stay with your dog until he finishes his business and bring him back indoors. Supervision is key during Halloween.

Don’t Force Pet Halloween Costumes

Most pet costumes are uncomfortable and not easy to walk around in. If your dog refuses to walk or seems stressed, it’s best to remove the dog costume. Instead of a Halloween hat, choose a spooky sweater. Or better yet, stick to a Halloween bandana or a candy corn-themed collar with current ID tags.

Keep Halloween Candy Away From Your Pet

While we know dogs and Halloween candy don’t mix, there’s still a steep increase in Pet Poison Control calls around Halloween. Believe it or not, it’s their busiest time of the year. Keep all Halloween candy away from your dog—even non-chocolate varieties.

Also, candy wrappers are a choking hazard and bowel obstruction. When trick-or-treaters are out front, keep your candy high up, such as on the wall shelving next to your front door. During the week of Halloween, keep all candy in your closed pantry preferably on a high shelf.

Just in case, here’s the Pet Poison Helpline number: (855) 764-7661. They charge $49 per call, and offer amazing advice!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!

You may also like: Teach Your Dog to Wear a Sweater

Why Montreal’s City-Wide Pit Bull Ban Isn’t The Answer

October 3, 2016 by Fanna Easter

Pit Bull Bans: Why Montreal is Wrong

The City of Montreal passed a Pit Bull ban on Tuesday, September 27. New ownership of Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes are now banned from the city as of Monday, October 3. Previous pet owners of Pit Bulls or Pit Bull-type breeds are obligated to follow strict new laws.

Those laws require Pit Bull owners to:

Pay $150 for special permitting
Complete a criminal background check
Sterilize, microchip and vaccinate their dogs
Keep their dogs muzzled and leashed in public

If you’re not outraged yet, it gets worse. Montreal has mandated all Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes currently in rescue or animal control to be euthanized.

Yes, you read that right. Montreal just wrote a death sentence for innocent dogs, and this death sentence is based on complete ignorance. This new and absurd Pit Bull ban goes into effect today, and I’m livid about it.

I’m angry, and you should be too.

History of Breed-Specific Legislation

Over the last decade, American Pit Bull Terriers have been the target of completely biased discrimination. It started across the pond in Europe where the country began banning certain breeds to reduce dog bite incidents. The idea of banning what they considered were dangerous dog breeds trickled worldwide.

Not only were thousands of innocent dogs killed due to breed-specific legislation, but many families were also forced into expensive legal battles to keep their dogs. Unfortunately, many pet owners lost the legal fight and their furry family members had to pay the ultimate price.

When dog breed banning was introduced to the US, it had a domino effect. Banning certain breeds of dogs spread through cities and states like wildfire. Interestingly, breed banning picked up momentum when mainstream media discovered a huge bump in ratings while covering Pit Bull maulings. The media used this to their advantage and began reporting on Pit Bull incidents.

Within weeks, US media broadcasted anything related to Pit Bulls, continuing to paint Pit Bulls as dangerous dogs. When Pit Bull bites decreased, media then shifted their focus to mixed breed dogs that resembled Pit Bulls. Eventually, the media would cover other dog breeds and make them look vicious too.

RELATED: Training Pit Bulls

What is Considered a Dangerous Dog

Don’t get me wrong, there are certainly dangerous dogs in the world, but that’s based on behavior and not appearance. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve met scary dogs of all sizes and shapes. I knew these dogs could certainly do some damage if provoked. Sure, large dog bites will hurt more than bites from smaller dogs, but does that constitute banning all large dog breeds? American Pit Bull Terriers are actually smaller than Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, yet they’re the most popular dog breeds.

Pit Bulls Don’t Have More Powerful Bites

Pit Bull dogs don’t have a higher pressure per square inch (PSI) bite compared to other dogs nor do they have a “locking jaw.” Both of these ridiculous allegations are Pit Bull myths. Dr. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states: “The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of Pit Bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog.” (American Pit Bull Foundation, n.d.)

Pit Bulls Aren’t the Only Breed That Gets Banned

When breed-specific legislation became common practice, cities and countries quickly added additional breeds to their dog ban list. Within days, dog breed banning lists included Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Dalmatians, Shari Peis, Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Dobermans, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, any type of Mastiff dogs and Chow Chows. Toso Inus, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasilerios were also added to breed bans worldwide despite being rare dog breeds. Are cities, states and countries jumping on the breed banning bandwagon? It sure seems so!

Mixed breeds are targets too. If a dog is mixed with any of the above-mentioned breeds, they’re subjected to dog ban laws as well. I’m not sure how those laws work because identifying Pit Bull mixes isn’t that easy. I’ve trained dogs for more than 23 years, and I can’t identify Pit Bull mixes. Plus, who am I to judge a dog’s fate by his appearance? Montreal passed a Pit Bull breed ban after a “Pit Bull” had killed a woman. The part that confuses me is the dog wasn’t even a Pit Bull. DNA results proved otherwise!

Why Breed Banning Doesn’t Work!

Laws are meant to keep everyone safe, including dogs. When breed-specific legislation spread across the world, something interesting happened. Studies found that banning certain breeds of dogs doesn’t work. Banning dog breeds doesn’t stop or decrease dog bites. Data shows dog bites continue to rise in areas where certain breeds of dogs are banned.

When city officials picked up on this data, many overturned Pit Bull bans. Entire countries even lifted their breed bans. Armed with this data, I don’t understand how the City of Montreal legally passed its new Pit Bull ban law when data clearly shows banning dog breeds doesn’t work.

Moreover, a task force found that the public’s safety hadn’t improved as a result of a Pit Bull ban. The county had spent more than $250,000 per year to round up and destroy banned dogs, yet safety levels remained the same (American Bar Association, 2009).

When researching credible dog bite data online, question the motive of certain organizations that cherry-pick data. Choose reputable sources with actual experts, such as the American Bar Association, CDC, ASPCA, HSUS and American Veterinary Medical Association.

What You Can Do to Save Innocent Dogs

“Doing nothing basically means you agree with the current situation.” This quote haunts me every time I stumble across an injustice. We need to do something and we need to do it now. When we work together, we can move mountains!

We can still overturn this Pit Bull law. Canadian veterinarians, Montreal SPCA, American Bar Association, outraged pet owners and ordinary people are voicing their opinions about this new law. Contact city officials or sign a petition here. If you’re a writer or blogger, please share your thoughts on Montreal’s horrible decision.

Dogs don’t have a voice, but we do. Please speak for all dogs today.

5 Tips for Stress-Free Veterinary Visits

September 30, 2016 by Fanna Easter

Stress-Free Veterinary Visit Tips You Need

Stress-Free Veterinary Visits — Catherine Yeulet/iStock

Sitting in a packed veterinary clinic waiting room is stressful. I get hives just thinking about it. As a dog trainer, pet parent and past vet tech, I’ve witnessed dog fights happen within seconds.

Some pet owners would get bitten and scratched by their own stressed dogs. Some dogs would shake, bark, drool or hide due to stress. Stress causes fear, and packed waiting rooms certainly can cause a dog to fear the vet’s office.

Give these tips for stress-free veterinary visits a try. You’ll be surprised how well they work! I know because this is exactly how I manage veterinary waiting rooms with my personal dogs and clients’ dogs.

Always Leash Your Dog

Dogs must be leashed at all times, especially when walking into and waiting in a veterinary clinic’s waiting room. Keep retractable leashes at home because they’re too unpredictable. If you don’t have a dog leash, ask the receptionist if you can borrow one before bringing your dog inside the clinic. Even if you plan to hold your small dog in the waiting room, make sure your dog is leashed.

Keep Your Distance

Dogs are stressed at the vet’s office, so it’s best to maintain at least 3 feet away from other dogs and cats. When walking into the waiting room, look for a quiet corner. If the waiting room is packed, ask the receptionist to place a chair in a quiet corner for you and your dog. Trust me, I’ve sat in the employee break room before. 🙂 While waiting, shorten your dog’s leash to prevent him from wandering around and visiting other dogs or people.

Don’t Allow Petting

Veterinary visits are already stressful, so it’s best not to allow strangers to pet your stressed dog. If a child or person walks over and asks to pet your dog, politely explain that your dog is nervous and he needs to relax before meeting the vet. Even the sweetest dog can become so stressed that he growls or snaps at a stranger. Be your dog’s advocate during stressful situations. It’s our job to keep our dogs safe.

Play Games

This is a big one! Bring plenty of super yummy treats and play a dog game while waiting. Play several sessions of “touch” by redirecting your dog’s face away from the waiting room commotion. If you’re sitting in a corner, hold your hand against a wall and say “touch.” If you’re flanked on both sides by pets, hold your hand against your chest and say “touch.”

Fun games for dogs followed by yummy food rewards will successfully redirect your dog’s attention to something fun instead of stressing over waiting room distractions.

If All Else Fails, Sit in Your Car

Some veterinary clinic waiting rooms resemble rock concerts, which is very unfortunate. If your dog’s uncomfortable around other dogs, people or children, then it’s best to wait in your car with your dog.

Bring a friend along for the ride and ask her to sit with your dog while you check in at the front desk. Explain to the receptionist that your dog is uncomfortable around other dogs, and that you’ll be waiting in your car until an exam room is open.

Ask the receptionist to walk outside and let you know when they’re ready for you and your dog. Also, ask if you can use a separate entrance, so you can completely avoid the packed waiting room. Most veterinary clinics will readily comply with your request.

Good luck!

What to Do to Keep Your Dog Safe Before and During a Flood

August 30, 2016 by Fanna Easter

Flood Preparedness for Dogs

Last week was a tough one. My south Louisiana hometown was completely flooded. I paced all weekend as family and friends feared floodwater would continue rising overnight. Most of my Louisiana friends and family have dogs, and they were extremely concerned about evacuation protocols pertaining to dogs if they were forced to abandon their homes. Several friends and family contacted 911 and were told emergency personnel wouldn’t evacuate dogs and they would only rescue people. Of course, my friends and family refused to leave their dogs behind in their flooded homes.

This article contains real flood survival tips that my family members used during the worst flood in Louisiana history. I hope these pet emergency tips help you in your time of need too.

Real Survival Tips

My best friend, her husband, and my three Godchildren and their four dogs were completely surrounded by waist-deep water. They were unable to leave, as their cars were flooded. A freak storm had formed over south Louisiana and poured more than 24 inches of rain within 25 hours. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a flood warning, which means they weren’t prepared to evacuate.

They were completely stuck in their homes while water was rushing inside and rain poured outside. I sat on the phone, listening to my friend and her husband struggling to put together a plan. They were panicking. Several of their neighbors dialed 911 and were rescued. This wasn’t an option for my friend and her family though because they would’ve been forced to leave their dogs.

As it continued to rain, they made room in their attic. They brought a chainsaw with them in case they needed to cut through the roof to get out. Each adult and child packed a small bag of clothes. They also packed a bag of dog food and fresh water for each dog. They waited inside their flooded home until the storm had passed. Thankfully, floodwaters remained steady and the rain finally stopped around 2:00am, which then the floodwater quickly receded. I don’t think they will ever forget that night and neither will I.

A few other family members were forced out of their homes, so they loaded themselves and their dogs inside of their boats. They floated along for hours until Good Samaritans found them and towed them to dry land. Everyone was soaking wet, but they and their pets were safe.

Pets and Floods Advice

Flash flooding happens within hours and without any warning. With hurricanes, residents are given plenty of time to evacuate if needed, but flash flooding is pretty much like tornadoes in that you never know when or if it will affect you.

I remember living in North Texas where we had been surrounded by several tornadoes. We stood in front of the TV, holding our leashed dogs and emergency bags, looking for an opening to drive through. At least we could have left during that natural disaster, but we wouldn’t have that luxury during a flood. If you share your home with dogs (or any pets), it’s so important to prepare ahead of time with disaster kits and a couple of emergency plans.

Flash flooding is about survival, and preparation will most definitely help.

Before a Flood Occurs

Prepare an evacuation kit for your dog.
Make sure your dog’s ID tags contain your most updated information, including a family member’s cellphone if you’re unable to be reached.
Update your dog’s microchip information within days of moving to a new home. Again, add a close family member’s contact information just in case you’re unable.
Download a pet first aid app for your smartphone; you never know when you’ll need it.
If you haven’t created a pet first aid kit, I advise you to do so or at least purchase one now.

If Your Home Floods

Never leave your dog home alone during a flood. If you evacuate, your dog must go with you. It’s not fair to leave your dog alone to fend for herself; it’s like leaving a small child behind in floodwater.
Your dog will be scared. Everything looks and smells different plus you’re freaking out. Your dog will sense your anxiety and freak out as well.
Don’t crate or tie out your dog. She needs freedom to move away from rising waters.
Block the flooded area with furniture, crates or baby gates. Floodwater is contaminated with sewage. When flooding occurs, sewage backs up and spills out into floodwater. Plus, many biting insects ride along the water’s surface, so it’s vital to keep your dog away from floodwater.
Place clean bowls of fresh water on top of furniture, fireplace stoops and coffee tables.
When bringing your dog out to potty, bring her on leash so long as the floodwater level is safe for your dog’s height.
If floodwater is high in your backyard, or your dog refuses to potty in floodwater, I recommend creating a safe potty area in your home with potty pads. Make sure to place potty pads away from floodwater—even if it’s on a higher surface area.
Make sure your dog is wearing a collar, and keep a leash handy if needed.

If Your Dog is Separated From You

Send out an urgent “my dog is lost” message on social media. Post a current description of your dog, last seen location, your current contact information, a friend’s contact information and picture of your dog on all your social media channels. Make sure to change the setting to public, so your story can be shared over and over again.
Search through Twitter and Facebook for local “lost pets” pages, and post your dog’s information along with your current contact information. Contact Animal Control and local makeshift shelters. Their phone lines will be busy, but keep calling.
Don’t stop looking: Animal shelters are packed with lost animals during floods, so keep checking and let everyone know your story.

If you weren’t affected by the flood, it’s important to jump into action and help your neighbors. I’m convinced that if it weren’t for Good Samaritans, or “The Cajun Navy,” many two and four-legged lives would’ve been lost. These kind souls literally launched their personal boats into flooded water and searched house to house for people and pets in need.

Go Cajun Navy. I can’t thank you enough!!!

The Hidden Danger Behind Dog Collars

August 26, 2016 by Fanna Easter

Dog Strangulation By Collar is Real

We probably both agree that dogs should always wear their collars with a current ID tag, but wearing dog collars in certain situations can be hazardous. For years, I firmly believed dogs should always wear collars until one day when my dog’s ID tag got caught between the wires of his crate.

Now, understand, I didn’t leave him in his crate with a collar on. He chose to lie next to his crate when his ID tag became entangled within the wires of his crate. When it happened, he freaked out! Thank goodness we were home to hear his panicked screams and frantic sounds from pulling against his crate; he was choking himself. It took two people to free him from his collar; my husband and I had to cut the collar off of him. From that day forward, he never walked into that room again—ever.

Dog Collar Accidents are More Common Than You Think

Freak accidents happen or so I thought. After this incident, I needed to find out if dogs strangled by collars was common or if they were just freak accidents. Well, we found out we weren’t alone.

It seems dog collars get caught in many things, and strangulation by collar has even caused some dogs to lose their lives. Dog collars getting caught or stuck happens so often that large pet retail companies created break-away collars to prevent this from happening. One thing I know for sure is large companies won’t spend thousands of dollars creating a new item unless it fills a buying niche. Their research was certainly alarming.

Please understand: I’m not saying your dog will strangle himself from wearing a collar; I’m saying it’s possible your dog can become strangled by his collar and taking a few steps to make sure it doesn’t happen to your dog is worth its weight in gold.

15% of My Clients Have Experienced Dog Strangulation by Collar

As a dog trainer, I speak with clients about their dogs every day and I’ve found dog strangulation by collar does happen. On average, I would say 15% of my clients had a similar incident with a dog collar getting caught on the wires of their dogs’ crate, fence, furniture, and even while playing with another dog.

Dog Accidentally Strangled By Collar During Playtime

The first time I heard of a dog being strangled by a collar, it was 20 years ago and happened while two dogs were playing together. Both dogs were wearing collars when one dog playfully pulled on the other dog’s collar. Her muzzle suddenly became tangled in the other dog’s collar. Well, the tangled dog panicked and started pulling away, which caused the other dog (the one wearing the tangled collar around his neck) to choke. His collar was strangling him. Thankfully, someone nearby had a pocket knife and cut the tangled collar, which freed both dogs. What a horrifying situation.

Strict Collar Removal Policies Set

Many pet-related businesses have strict rules on removing collars in certain situations. While working as a veterinary technician, it was mandatory to remove all collars from any patient kenneled—even during a hospital stay. Large retail grooming chains also have strict polices requiring dog collars to be removed before dogs are placed in their kennels. Their collars are then placed in a plastic sleeve outside of the dogs’ crates. While working in the pet grooming industry, I saw many grooming employees terminated when they failed to follow this policy. Needless to say there certainly is a trend in dog collar accidents.

When Should Dogs Wear Collars?

Dogs should wear a collar under supervision only. That means you should take your dog’s collar off whenever he’s crated, playing with another dog or left unsupervised in your home. It’s just not worth the risk.

If You Must, Use a Break-Away Collar

If you’re not comfortable with your dog running around naked (i.e. no collar), there are a couple of break-away collars on the market. Break-away collars look and feel just like regular flat buckle collars and feature a spot for ID tags too. The difference is break-away collars will unsnap and free your dog when it snags onto something.

Over the last 15 years, break-away collars have vastly improved. Back in the day, the break-away mechanism was super sensitive. If a dog sneezed while wearing this collar, his collar would unsnap. As of today, break-away collars are a great safety option. Most are versatile and have two D-rings that can be used during leash walks, which disables the break-away option. Once the leash is removed, the break-away collar option is in place.

Get Your Dog Microchipped

The main reason dogs wear a collar is to carry ID tags with their pet owners’ contact information. If our dog should become lost, we hope a good Samaritan will find our dog and contact us using the information on our dog’s ID tags. Collars and ID tags work, but it’s not a bulletproof option, so please microchip your dog. Collars can be taken off and ID tags can be lost, but a microchip is underneath your dog’s skin. It can’t be removed. I can’t say enough good things about microchips; they’re absolutely invaluable.

Have you had a scary dog collar accident? Please share your story below, so we can all learn together!

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