Prevent Dog Escapes from Your Yard

The phone rings, and it’s the dog pound letting you know that your dog has once again escaped from your yard. What can you do when your dog escapes?

First, you need to figure out how your dog gets out. Some dogs are smart enough to unlatch a fence, so make sure that you locks on your gates and keep them locked. Locks will also prevent neighbor kids from accidentally or intentionally letting your dog out.

Did your dog escape under the fence? Dogs can wriggle under surprisingly small spaces. Sometimes, dogs will dig a big enough hole under a fence to get out. You may have to put chicken wire or extra boards along your fence bottom to stop your dog.

Your dog may have jumped the fence. Never underestimate your male dog’s jumping abilities especially if a female in heat is around. A higher fence is about the only solution for jumpers. However, make sure that the dog was not standing on something else in your yard such as a patio table and then jumping.

You may be shocked to find out that your dog escaped from an electronic fence. Unfortunately, some dogs will put up with a little pain in order to make their get away. This is especially a problem with intelligent, stubborn dogs, who figure out that after a few seconds of shocks, they are able to do whatever they want. A traditional fence may be your only option for a dog like this.

You can also help keep your dog at home by making sure that he or she is well-cared for. Have fresh water available at all times, and maintain regular daily feeding times if you do not leave food out all the time. Be sure to spend time playing with your dog daily and provide interesting toys to help reduce boredom. Do not leave a female in heat unattended in your yard.

Ensure that your dog is wearing some type of ID at all times. This could be an ID tag, a microchip, tattoo, etc. If your dog does escape, you have a better chance of getting your pet back.

By following the above tips, you should reduce the times that your dog escapes from your yard and get your canine back if he or she does get out.

 

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Dogs and Roundworms

You take your dog for a stroll, and stoop to pick up dog waste. To your horror, strands resembling spaghetti are in the stool. Though you need to get an official diagnosis from your vet, your dog has worms, probably roundworms.

Roundworms are commonly found in puppies who may have the stereotypical potbellied appearance. These worms can grow up to six inches in length and live in your dog’s small intestine. They can multiply rapidly to the point that they actually block your dog’s intestine.

Mothers often pass roundworm infections to their offspring. New puppies should be examined by a veterinarian for the presence of worms. Since worms can cause many various physical symptoms, if you notice any physical or behavioral symptoms that is out of the ordinary for your pet, be sure to follow up with your vet.

Unfortunately, roundworms are contagious to other dogs and to humans. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog and keep your pet away from the stool of other dogs. By treating a worm infection immediately, you lessen the chances of passing the worms to another pet or person.

Your vet can give your dog medications to kill the worms. However, an exam is needed after the course of medication has ended as often several rounds of treatment are needed to completely worm your dog.

A roundworm infection can eventually kill a dog, so seek treatment promptly if you suspect your dog is ill.

 

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