The Importance of Dogs on Leashes

Should a dog be on or off a leash?

This question could be controversial, as there are opinions for both sides. It also can be personal, because every owner and dog is different. We want to share some insight on the matter, so that you can learn more about leash etiquette and why it's so important.

For those with dog-friendly dogs

Not all dogs are friendly. You might have a sweet, curious dog that loves to play with other dogs, but some people do not. There are several reasons why some dogs are unfriendly towards other dogs. They may not have been socialized as a puppy, had a traumatic experience that makes them cautious against other dogs, or has a temperament that doesn't mesh well with unfamiliar canines. Off leash is not a bad thing, but if you're an owner with a dog off leash, and it runs up to a dog who does not do well with other dogs, it's probable your dog will be attacked.

A good rule of thumb is to always have your dog leashed when you are in a place with high dog traffic. If you are out somewhere, with no other dogs in sight, it's great to have your dog off leash. Leashes are not a negative thing. In fact, they help you keep your dog under control when it passes other dogs. 

For those with dogs who need their space

If you have a dog that doesn't do well with other dogs, you know the importance of a leash. You almost always know what will happen when your dog comes in contact with another dog, which is usually some sort of conflict. When you are out walking your dog on the sidewalk and you see another dog and its owner coming in the opposite direction, you cross the street to the other side. You always avoid dog parks. Sometimes both you and your dog are anxious when you come to a park with other dogs. When you see a dog running towards you and your dog, you tense up and try to shield your dog. It can be hard having a dog that doesn't do well with other dogs. Some dog owners don't realize how stressful it is for you and your dog when they walk with their dogs off leash. 

We know it can be stressful having a dog that needs its space. Don't worry. Your dog just needs extra care and precaution. And the best way to prevent something from happening is to keep them secure on a leash. You would hope that someone else with a dog would keep it on a leash as well. 

Leashes are an important tool

Leashes are a good way to keep dogs safe and help keep them under control. When dogs are off leash and meet another dog, it's hard to anticipate how either side will react. Dogs, after all, are animals and react instinctively. It takes less than a few seconds for dogs to have a reaction with each other–for good or bad. Leashes allow you to get control of your dog if a fight were to break out. If either dog is off leash, it is opening a window for something harmful to occur.

Retractable Leashes

In our opinion, retractable leashes are not the best way to leash your dog. They are not dependable, especially if your dog starts running after something and you can't brake quickly enough. It's also difficult to keep your dog under control while using a retractable leash. Because dogs on retractable leashes are accustomed to roaming freely on the leash, it is much harder to control them if they come in contact with another dog.

We want to present you with this information so that you can make the decision about having your dog on or off the leash. It's respectful to have your dog on a leash in high dog traffic areas. Not only is it safe, but a good way to keep you in control of your dog. Remember, you and your dog are not the only pair out walking on the street. 

Here are some helpful sites for more information about the importance leashing your dog:

DINOS

The Bark

Giving Animals as Gifts

There has been a debate over the years about giving pets as gifts, especially at Christmastime. While it seems like a thoughtful idea, you need to make sure that the person you are giving that cute puppy or kitten to is up for the commitment. And, if you decide to give an animal as a present, that you choose to adopt from your local shelter.

Giving a pet to someone at this time of year should not be a surprise to him/her. If he/she has expressed interest in getting a puppy, make sure to sit down with him/her and discuss his/her situation. You would hate to give him/her a German Shepherd if his/her apartment only allows small dogs. It's a very nice gesture to give a pet for Christmas, but do it the right way.

Avoid giving a child a pet for Christmas unless you know his/her parents are on board with it. Pets are a big responsibility and demand a lot of care and attention. The last thing you would want is for it to be returned to a shelter because the family couldn't take care of it, or afford the costs associated with pet care.

We recommend doing your research before giving someone a pet for Christmas. It's not necessarily a bad thing to give someone a pet as a gift, but know 100% that he/she actually wants it. In our honest opinion, consider giving your friend or family member something that is not living and breathing.

What is so important about spaying and neutering?

 By having your pet spayed/neutered, you are not only helping to decrease the pet population, but giving your loved one a happy and healthy life.

Millions of healthy cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S. due to overpopulation and homelessness. You can do your part to end this by having your pet sterilized at a young age. There are also health and behavior benefits for your pet that receives the spay or neuter.

Health Benefits

Longevity

Studies show that pets who are spayed/neutered, have a longer life than unaltered animals.

Cancer

Spayed females have a greater chance of avoiding cancer, including breast tumors. Also, females that are spayed before their first heat tend to be healthier than those that wait.

Neutering your male pets can help prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Pyometra

Unaltered female dogs run the risk of contracting Pyometra, which can be avoided if they get spayed. Pyometra is an infection in the uterus that can occur if the female has had several heat cycles without getting pregnant.

Clinical signs of Pyometra are determined by an open or closed cervix. The most common symptom of an open cervix is excretion of pus or abnormal discharge. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy, anorexia and depression. A closed cervix is much more dangerous because the discharge collects in the uterus, causing a distended abdomen. Bacteria from the uterus drains into the bloodstream and the dog can rapidly become ill. Contact our office as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur in your dog.

Behavior Benefits

Females will not go into heat if they are spayed. A pet in heat normally will urinate all over the house, so you are saving yourself a lot of trouble by having the surgery done.

Roaming is less likely in neutered pets. Intact males like to go out looking for females and will leave your house frequently to find them. They risk getting hit by a car or fighting with other male animals.

Neutered males act much better. Intact males mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine everywhere. They are more aggressive and will mount on almost everything, including your leg. Neutering helps decrease this.

Have we convinced you?

We encourage you to do your research before spaying or neutering your pet, however, do take into consideration that there are more pros than cons for having the procedure done. You can make a huge difference in ending pet overpopulation simply by making the first step and scheduling an appointment with us.

Happy National Train your Dog Month!

Why train your dog? Why NOT?

  
Dogs don’t come programmed knowing what sit, stay or come means; nor do they know difference between an expensive pair of shoes or piece of furniture.  The moment we bring home a four-legged animal--sometimes three-legged fur child--we owe it to them to show them the ropes. The house rules need to be clear and consistent. Investing in your dog through training can provide lasting benefits. Training should be approached in a positive hands free manner with the intention of being a calm and consistent leader.  Training also allows quality time to bond with your canine companion which is key.  A genuine bond helps the both of you work as a team. A trained dog has a higher chance of staying in a forever home with a forever family. Out of pure canine logic they display gratitude through loyalty, love and slobber kisses.  It’s a win-win!

--Courtney Stauffer, Certified Dog Trainer


All of us at Parrish Creek highly recommend that as soon as your puppy is old enough, to have him/her trained by a professional dog trainer. By starting good behavior habits, you are providing a safe and healthy relationship with your dog for the rest of his/her life. While it is true that you can teach old dogs new tricks, it is more preferable to train your dog at a young age. Like a young human child, puppies soak things up like a sponge!

This new year, resolve to have your new dog trained. You won't regret it! Contact our resident dog trainer, Courtney Stauffer, for more information on getting started. Visit her Facebook page, Bark to Basics, L.L.C.

Remember to Vaccinate!

Often we hear our clients voice they only want their dog to receive the rabies vaccine. This is indeed important, but there are other vaccines that are just as crucial for your dog to remain healthy. We want to take a moment and explain to you why your dog needs vaccines. There have been constant debates about the importance of having your dogs vaccinated, and we want to set the record straight. What we are sharing with you has been backed up by multiple scientific trials and studies.

First of all, please vaccinate your puppy at six weeks and after. Puppies that are young and nursing receive immunity from their mother. When vaccines are given before six weeks, the puppy is often still nursing, and the mother's milk reacts with the vaccines, causing them to be ineffective.

What we recommend for your dog/puppy:
Bordetella
Rabies
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
Leptospirosis

Bordetella (Canine Tracheobronchitis)

Bordetella is a highly contagious disease that affects the respiratory system. Often nicknamed "kennel cough," Bordetella is a bacteria that causes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and coughing. Left untreated, it can cause even more damage to the dog. The name, kennel cough, can be misleading however. While places like boarding facilities and shelters are common places to find Bordetella, affected dogs that come in contact with healthy dogs outside or at the vet can transfer the disease. At our clinic, we take Bordetella cases seriously. If we are aware of an infected dog coming in for an appointment, we take precautions to keep other dogs safe. We immediately take them to an exam room and after its appointment, we disinfect everything--the floor, scale, exam room, etc. Yes, it is that contagious. Please get this vaccine for your dog!  

Why DHPP and Leptospirosis?
Most people are more familiar with Rabies and Bordetella vaccines than DHPP and Lepto. For a healthy dog, we recommend receiving all vaccinations.

Let's break each disease down so you can understand their importance.

Canine Distemper

This disease attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems in dogs and puppies. It is also found in wild animals. Dogs pass this contagious disease to other dogs by airbourne exposure. All dogs are at risk, but puppies younger than four months and unvaccinated dogs are more susceptible to the disease. The best way to help prevent this is vaccinate.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and in this case refers to a specific type of liver disease caused by an adenovirus.  It contagious from dog to dog and is often times fatal.

Parvovirus (Parvo)

This is a highly contagious disease that affects the gastrointestinal tracts. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months have the highest risk. Although there is no drug that kills Parvo, immediate treatment can help the dog's immunity fight the illness. We have to be extremely careful with puppies that have Parvo because their immune system may not be mature enough to fight off infection.

Parainfluenza

This virus is highly contagious and is one of the many causes of the disease "kennel cough" or tracheobronchitis.  It along with Bordetella can cause cold-like symptoms including a harsh dry cough.  Occasionally, it can progress to pneumonia.

Leptospirosis

Leptospira is a bacteria commonly found in lakes, marshes, and streams.  When it infects dogs it often causes, among other things, kidney failure.  It is particularly concerning because it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed to humans, causing similar serious disease.  Vaccination of your dog is important to protect you as well a your pet.

If you have any questions about vaccinations and their importance, please feel free to speak with any of our staff or veterinarians. Comments or questions can also be posted on our Facebook page.

Get the Right Dog for You!

Have you ever passed someone on the street with their dog and instantly become dog hungry? The cure is simple. Go get yourself a dog! But then you wonder, where do I start and what type of dog should I get?

People searching for a dog often make the mistake of purchasing/adopting the wrong breed for their lifestyles. We’ve often encountered clients who obtained a dog and then realized they can’t give it what it needs.

There was a client who adopted a Border Collie and had the best intentions, but lived in a small apartment and was absent from home a majority of the day. The dog spent most of its time in a kennel—which is not ideal for Border Collies, who require several miles of exercise every day. Eventually the owner had to find another person to take care of the dog.

You can avoid mistakes like this simply by doing your research. There are several things to consider when bringing a new family member into your home.

Is the breed good with children?

Some breeds of dog are not suitable for young children. If you have children, don’t pick a breed that may possibly bite them. Chow chows are one example of dogs who don't work well with children.

Health problems

Certain breeds of dogs are susceptible to different types of illnesses. For example, Pugs tend to have respiratory issues, while Standard Poodles are prone to ear infections.

Exercise demands

Some larger dogs, such as Australian Shepherds, require exercise every day. If you work outside the home and don’t have time for much exercise each day, a small breed of dog would be perfect for your situation.

Are living areas (apartments, homes, townhomes) suitable for the specific breed?

Some apartment complexes have different guidelines for dogs living in the apartments. Make sure you know what your landlord requires before obtaining a dog.  

Work schedule

Some dogs require more time than others. Make sure if you work that your dog’s needs are met.

Arranging boarding when out of town

Dogs still need attention when you go on vacation. Arrange proper boarding before you leave. This can be with a pet sitter or friend, or a professional boarding facility.

Costs of food

Dogs need to eat. Add dog food and treats to your budget.

Veterinary care

We recommend when you first get your dog that you set aside money or an account for veterinary expenses. It is likely your dog will get sick and need to visit the vet sometime in its life. Dogs also require maintenance services (vaccines, heartworm protection, grooming, etc.). It’s good to be prepared.

Who will be primary care taker?

Are children taking care of the dog? If so, parents still need to supervise them so that the dog’s needs are met. Sometimes in large family homes, the dog gets ignored.

Other pets in house

Some dogs get along with cats and birds—some don’t. If you have other pets and want to bring a dog home, consider the living space. Ask yourself, if I bring a new dog into the home, do I have enough space to keep my pets separated and happy?

Shelters or breeders

Shelters are a wonderful place to give a dog a forever home. Most dogs in shelters are adults and potty trained already. In our experience, they make great pets! Some people may choose to get their dog from a breeder. It’s good to make sure the breeder is legitimate before purchasing a puppy. Please avoid puppy mills at all costs! Puppy mills have terrible living conditions for dogs and puppies.

Puppy or adult

Some people want to raise a puppy and others prefer an adult dog. Either choice is rewarding, but make sure you’re prepared for whatever you decide. Puppies require lots of time and patience.

New dogs are always a fun experience! Being prepared before choosing your family member is in your best interest and will make the journey much better! And as always, staff at Parrish Creek are available for your questions.

Visit the AVMA website for more detailed information.