Puppy Dog Spot

Your neighbor calls to tell you that once again, your dog is loose. What do you do when your dog escapes from your yard constantly?

You need to first determine how the dog is managing to get out. If you have a traditional fence, do you have a lock on your gate? Dogs can figure out how to unlatch gates, or sometimes they may have help in the form of neighborhood kids.

Is your dog a fence jumper? Dogs can jump surprisingly high, especially if your male dog has spotted a female in heat. You will need a higher fence for a jumper. Before you go to that expense, check if your dog is actually standing on something like a patio table and then jumping from there.

Your dog may have managed to scoot under the fence. Diggers may dig a big enough hole beside the fence to allow themselves to get out. Chicken wire or extra boards at the bottom of the fence will prevent this escape route.

Did your dog get out even though you have an electric fence? An intelligent, determined dog can figure out that after a brief period of shocks, the pain is gone, and the party begins. Also, the collars can fall off or batteries can go dead in the transmitter, allowing your dog an easy exit.

Don’t give your pet incentive to leave. Keep fresh water available at all times and make sure your pet is well-fed. Combat boredom by playing with your dog daily, providing varied and interesting toys, and maybe even having another pet for companionship. Leaving a female in heat unattended in your yard is not a wise idea.

In case your dog does escape again, be sure that he or she is wearing ID of some sort. This could be a tag, a microchip, tattoo, etc.

Following the above tips should help you when your dog escapes from your yard.

Your vet just told you that your dog has roundworms. What are roundworms, and can you get rid of them?

Roundworms are a type of worm that is commonly found in puppies although adult dogs can get them, too. The mother can easily pass worms to her offspring since they are closely confined in a kennel. Often, the dog owner will first diagnose worms when some worms are passed in dog stool.

Roundworms take up residence in the small intestine and can become so numerous that the intestines can become blocked. One worm can grow up to six inches in length. Roundworms are contagious to other dogs and even people. To prevent worms, do not allow your dog to sniff stool from other dogs and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your animal.

Ask your vet to check your dog’s stool for worms at annual exams even if you have seen no evidence of infection. If your dog does have worms, your vet can prescribe medication. You will need to bring your dog for a check after finishing the medication as sometimes several rounds of treatment are necessary to completely eliminate the problem.

Roundworms can eventually lead to the death of your dog if left untreated, so be sure to get annual exams, and follow up on any unusual symptoms promptly.