Protecting Your Pooch

Last week, a pit bull terrier attacked my friend’s dog during a walk. Her Shetland sheepdog had lacerations on his face and mouth, requiring stitches and round-the–clock care during the first few days of recovery.

This incident spurred me to learn how I would prevent or handle circumstances if another dog attacked my dog during a walk.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends startling the dogs to get them to break out of a fight before resorting to physically separating them.

Clap, yell and stomp your feet, spray water if there’s a hose nearby or put an object such as a piece of plywood between the dogs. If you walk in an area where there are a lot of loose dogs, it’s recommended that you carry citronella spray and have it handy. Spray the citronella near the dog’s nose.

If none of these tactics work, take hold of your dog’s back legs, just under the hips, and lift the back end like a wheelbarrow. This prevents it from pulling, ripping and causing any more damage. Do not grab a dog by the collar because the dog may turn around and bite you.

Learn First Aid

The Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) offers pet first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes quarterly. The class teaches what to include in a pet first aid kit, how to recognize potentially life threatening situations such as shock and poisoning and how to prepare to prevent emergencies.

The next workshop is Sept. 17 and the cost is $60. To register, visit the HSSV website.

Pet of the Week

Here’s Bethany, a darling 3-year-old female Chihuahua. She doesn't need a lot of room and will give a lot of love in return. Bethany has been spayed and she’s current on all of her vaccinations.

To adopt Bethany, visit the South County Animal Shelter website. The Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) holds adoption fairs on the first and third weekends of the month at Petsmart in Gilroy. The next adoption event is Aug. 6 and 7, 2011.