Doggone Etiquette —

Better Safe

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:                           

This is the month when you get that new badge of honor to wear with pride. Around a soldier’s neck, it is called a “dog tag” but when it goes on your collar, people call it a “license tag” – go figure! Maybe it’s because a soldier gets his for free and your people have to pay the town to get one for you. Anyway, it shows the world that your VIPeople are indeed proud to have you as part of their family and are concerned about your safety. You might want to check to make sure all your doggy friends have their new tags. A quick sniff around the collar will let you know. If you don’t see it, give your friend’s owner a very puzzled (sad or worried) look. That should do it.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

June is the month to renew your dog’s town license. It is not something he can do himself, nor is it just a permit to say you own Rufus. Its main purpose is to provide various ways to protect the dog. A certificate from your vet is required, showing that the dog’s three-year rabies vaccine is current, so the license does indicate that at least one health benefit is up-to-date. And of course Rufus gets the numbered tag to wear on his collar for proper identification so you can be notified should he become lost and found, or injured. But watch out! If either you or Rufus break any of the local laws pertaining to dogs, you are on record as his owner.     

As good as all that is, don’t ignore the additional ways you and your veterinarian can protect the dog’s health. Last week we discussed problems for dogs caused by excessive sun and heat. Now an alarm has been sent out by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) indicating that there is a nationwide increase in parasites, and it is a “banner year” for heartworm disease especially in the Northeast. (That’s us!) It is due in part to the increase in both heat and rainfall. After a routine exam for heartworm shows Rufus is clear, the vet will recommend a preventive medication to be given once a month. Don’t forget the “banner year” warning – being late a week or more with the medication this month or next month definitely puts Rufus in danger. Follow the directions precisely.                

While we’re at it, remember to guard against flea and tick bites. Ticks are prevalent in our area, “banner year” or not, and whichever brand of prevention you decide to use, follow the directions closely. Lyme disease is a very serious threat, and can easily be overlooked in its initial stages. A thorough comb-out (down to the skin) once a week will help you to locate and remove any ticks, dead or alive, on your dog. After any walk in a wooded area, check yourself and the dog for these tiny bugs. We can blame our topsy-turvy weather for being the cause of this increased concern, but let’s be sure to heed the parasite alarm and keep all our dogs as safe as we can.

Graduation, proms, and parties are in full swing. Rufus is definitely not invited to most of these people events – unless, of course, it is his graduation from the good training school he has been attending. In that case, a reward of merit is in order, but keep it simple. Be thankful no prom is needed! Brag to friends and relatives if you like, but giving the dog his favorite playtime or special dinner is sufficient recognition. On the other hand, if the crazy weather has turned Rufus into Rufus-the-Rough-house, perhaps summer school is in order.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.