How To Buy Safe Toys For Your Dog

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Our beloved dogs are more than pets, they are family. We cuddle with them on the couch, take them out on family outings, and play with them all day. Our fur babies feel the happiest when they are playing with their toys. As responsible dog owners, we must prioritize the safety of our dogs, especially when it comes to their toys. Sad to say that not all toys are designed to keep our dogs safe. We have some tips when buying safe dog toys for your fur baby.

Types of Dog Toys To Avoid

  • Dog toys made from toxic material.

First, make sure that the material of the toy is safe for consumption. Some dogs tend to chew their toys into smaller, easily swallowable pieces. If your dog has eaten their toys in the past, you may want to stay away from dog toys made from the following toxic materials:

  • Lead
  • BPA
  • PVC
  • Chromium
  • Phthalates
  • Bromine

Dogs that have ingested these toxic materials may have serious health issues like organ damage/failure and in the worse scenario, death. If your dog ate any of these toxic materials, we recommend calling your veterinarian immediately.

  • Dog toys that are too small or too big.

Additionally, it is important to consider your dog’s breed and size when buying a toy for them. For large dog breeds such as Bernese mountain dogs, great Dane dogs, and English mastiff dogs, you would not want to buy small dog toys because it could pose a choking hazard for them. Alternatively, you would not want to buy big dog toys for small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, or Maltese dogs because large toys are too heavy for smaller dogs to play with safely.

  • Dog toys that are not durable.

Equally important to the appropriate size of dog toys would be the durability of the toy. As a dog parent, you know your dog’s play style the best. If you have a dog with a softer play style, you can buy the cuddly plush dog toys. On the other hand, if you have a dog with a rougher play style, you would want to buy durable toys made from rubber or nylon and avoid plush dog toys made from polyester. Dogs with a rougher play style can easily rip apart plush toys and may eat toxic materials.

Types of Safe Dog Toys

  • Rubber Chew Toys

Rubber chew toys are perfect for dogs with a rough play style. Rubber is durable and can withstand dogs who love to chew their toys. Not only are rubber chew toys safe for dogs, it can also maintain your dog’s good oral hygiene. ‘When your dog is playing with a rubber chew toy, it is cleaning your dog’s teeth.

  • Rope Toys

Rope toys are another great toy for dogs with a rough play style, especially for dogs that love to play tug-of-war. Similar to playing with rubber chew toys, your dog’s teeth get cleaned while playing with rope toys.

  • Tennis Balls

The classic game of fetch with a tennis ball is perfect for every dog. Make sure you buy the right size for your dog’s breed.

  • Interactive Toys

Interactive toys like puzzles and treat dispensing toys can entertain your dog for hours. These types of toys can be mentally stimulating for your dog and decrease destructive behavior such as dog bites.

Your dog deserves safe and entertaining toys that they can play with anytime. A dog bite attorney from NW Injury Law explains that by keeping your dog occupied with toys, you can prevent them from engaging in dangerous behaviors such as biting other humans.

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover On-The-Job Dog Bites?

Worker’s compensation is insurance that covers employees who get injured or fall ill on the job. This means that if an employee is bitten or injured by a dog while on the clock, they should be covered by workers’ comp. This is assuming that their employer has workers’ comp insurance, which most employers are required to have, barring a few exceptions depending on the location and type of employer.

Employees That Encounter Dogs

It may sound unusual to be bit by a dog at work, but plenty of workers encounter dogs on the job. Occupations such as postal carriers, delivery drivers, contractors, landscapers, utility workers, cable/internet techs, police officers, and home health care workers might come across dogs while working. According to the USPS, over 5,400 postal workers experienced a dog attack in 2021. Even office workers can encounter a dog if employees are permitted to bring their dogs to work.

If you are bit by a dog, your first step should be to try and put distance between you and the dog. Once you are safe, check your wounds, apply pressure if necessary, and call 911 for medical help. If you are able to take photos of your injuries and the scene, it can be extremely helpful in filing a successful claim.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

As stated above, if you were injured by a dog during work hours, you should be eligible for workers’ compensation. After reporting the injury to your employer, request a workers’ compensation form. You should also seek medical treatment as soon as possible, for your own health as well as to document your injuries. Once your claim is approved, you can collect compensation to cover your medical expenses, any lost wages, and other potential damages such as vocational rehab. If your claim is not approved for some reason, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer like those at Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer for help appealing the decision.

If you are an independent contractor, you are unfortunately not eligible for workers’ compensation. Instead you will need to file a third party lawsuit.

Third Party Lawsuits

In addition to a workers’ comp claim, you may also be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. This will apply if you were bitten by a dog at your office or on public property while performing a job duty. Dog owners are responsible for their dogs, so speak to an injury lawyer about filing a lawsuit against the owner. Personal injury lawsuits are based on negligence, so you will be successful if you can prove that the dog owner was negligent in protecting you from their dog.

If the injury occurred on private property, the type of personal injury lawsuit will be a premises liability lawsuit. Property owners have a responsibility to protect people who are working on their property from harm. Once you prove that the property owner was negligent, you will be able to recover compensation from the owner’s insurance company. Since workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering damages, a third party lawsuit may be necessary to compensate you for these.

By filing either one or both of these types of injury claims, you should be able to recover compensation for your workplace dog bite injury and begin the healing process.

Worst Mistakes to Make After a Dog Bite Injury

Dog bites can cause serious long-term physical and emotional damage to their victims. In order to ensure full and fair monetary compensation for all available damages, informed victims should be cautious of these costly mistakes.

Delaying Medical Attention  

It’s important to make sure to seek medical attention for your injuries right away. Delaying medical care can be detrimental to a victim’s health, as well as increase the risk of infection. This also makes it more complicated when attempting to prove the severity of your dog bite during an insurance claim. Medical bills, paired with police reports, can provide substantial physical documentation to your injury claim and potential lawsuit. 

Forgetting to Collect Evidence 

Even though delaying immediate medical care is a mistake, leaving the scene of the bite too quickly can seriously impact the strength of a dog bite injury lawsuit as well. Even if the immediate injury doesn’t appear serious, collecting evidence at the scene can prevent you from being liable for any medical expenses. This may include:

  • Pet owner’s name and contact information
  • Photographs of where the bite happened
  • Photographs of the dog
  • Photographs of the victim’s injuries
  • Witness information

Admitting Fault  

Admitting fault under any circumstances can negatively affect your potential case. While collecting your own evidence is important, any implication of negligence such as “it’s okay” or “I shouldn’t have petted them” hurts your legal case as a dog bite victim. These matters can be discussed when going over your case details with a qualified personal injury attorney, along with other important case details. 

Settling with Insurance Companies

If the dog owner is insured, dog bite victims may quickly hear back from insurance companies attempting to settle an injury claim immediately. Doing so can prevent your ability to pursue future legal options involving more substantial and fair compensation. Refrain from signed formal documents or statements until you know the full extent or your injuries and case circumstances. 

Important Qualifiers for Dog Bite Lawsuits

After suffering a dog bite injury, you may have legal options involving compensation. Dog bite lawsuits have a few necessary qualifiers that are important to outline and understand.

  • Proof of liability or negligence causing the bite injury. This involves using collected evidence, police reports, witnesses, and other information to prove that the dog owner can be held accountable for a victim’s injuries. Assigning fault can vary based on defined state specific dog bite liability statutes. 
  • Have specific recoverable damages outlined. For any type of personal injury case, there are numerous types of damages that are potentially recoverable. These are based on injury extent, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, inconvenience, or loss of future earnings.  

 

How to Safely Vacation With Your Dog

Vacationing can be an excellent way to relieve some of the pressure and stress that mounts up throughout the year. Whether you’re booking a hotel room a few towns over or travelling to an entirely different country, some time spent exploring new places can be great fun for you and your loved ones. However, if you are a dog owner, you may be wondering what you should do with your pet while you’re away from the home.

In some instances, it may be difficult to travel with your dog. If your dog gets anxious in the car, is scared to be around people, or exhibits signs of stress when outside of a familiar environment, it may be in their best interest to stay with a trusted caretaker or at a kennel while you are away. Should your dog be up for the adventure, you may find it rewarding to bring them on your trip with you. In this article, we discuss some of the factors that need to be considered when bringing your dog with you on a trip.

Check With Your Veterinarian Before Committing to Bringing Your Pet

Before you decide that you are going to bring your pet on vacation with you, confirm with your veterinarian that they are healthy enough for the trip. Your dog must be prepared to handle the rigors of travel and needs to be current on their vaccinations. Discuss your vacation destination with the veterinarian as well, so they can create a health plan that protects your pet from any dangerous conditions in the area(s) you will be in. Having the correct parasite protection and medications for the place you’re traveling to can help your dog stay healthy and happy.

Check That Your Dog’s Identification is Accurate

Dogs are naturally curious animals, and all the new sights, smells, and sensations at your vacation destination may tempt them to run off. Should your dog run away and become lost, you want their identification to be up-to-date. Make sure that your phone number and address are on an ID tag on your pet’s collar, so someone can get in touch with you if they find your dog. A microchip offers an additional layer of protection by ensuring that a shelter or veterinarian’s office can identify your pet and contact you.

Take Advantage of Crate Training

In most circumstances, you’ll want to keep your dog safely confined in a crate while travelling. Your pet won’t be able to get underfoot or provide a distraction, while they are simultaneously protected from physical dangers during the transportation period. To ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible, make sure the crate has enough space for them to stand, lay down, and turn about. Make sure to prepare your pet by implementing crate training at home well in advance of your trip. This minimizes the stress they will face throughout the duration of your travels.

Determine the Most Efficient Method of Transportation

You may be wondering what the best method of transportation is for your upcoming trip. Is it better to drive to your destination since your pet has some familiarity with trips in the car? Or should you bring your dog on a plane, since the overall travel time will be substantially shorter? The answer is different for every owner, but we’ve included some things to be mindful of when it comes time to decide on a travel method.

Taking a Plane Flight

If you are flying to a travel destination within the United States, you will need a Certification of Veterinary Inspection and possibly an acclimation certificate to get your pet onboard the plane. These may only be received from an accredited veterinarian. In essence, these documents assert that your dog is in good health and does not show signs of diseases that may pass to people or other animals. International travel may necessitate additional paperwork and even a quarantine period, so make sure to check your vacation destination’s rules and regulations well in advance of your trip.

Small dogs may oftentimes accompany you in the plane’s cabin, whereas large breeds will likely need to travel in the cargo bay. Try to schedule your flight for a time of day when the weather will not be too hot or cold, so your dog has the most comfortable transition possible.

Driving to Your Destination

If you decide to drive to your destination, your pet should be secured in a crate. Doing so keeps them from distracting the driver or being thrown if the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. If your dog has a harness that fastens to a seatbelt, you may alternatively choose to have them ride in a seat. Avoid having your dog in the passenger seat when possible, since the airbag can cause serious or fatal harm if it deploys.

Enjoy Safe Travels With Your Pet

If you decide to bring your dog with you on your travels, it’s important to try to limit the stress they are under. Tiano O’Dell PLLC notes that a dog that is stressed is more likely to exhibit dangerous or aggressive behavior, and nothing can ruin a vacation quicker than an accidental bite! We hope that this guide helps you enjoy your next trip with your four-legged companion, wherever that adventure may take you.

Who’s Liable When a Dog is Hit by a Car?

As a dog owner, you always strive to protect your pet and keep them safe. However, despite the efforts and best intentions of even the most experienced owners, sometimes a situation arises where a pet is exposed to danger. According to a study put together by Pet Playgrounds, approximately 1.2 million dogs are killed by motor vehicles in the U.S. every year. Even if a dog is fortunate enough to survive being struck by a car, it is almost certain that they will suffer serious injuries in the collision.

We hope that you never have to deal with the aftermath of your beloved pet being hit by a car. However, if your pet is involved in a collision, we put together this guide to help you understand how liability is determined in such a situation. Please note that this guide does not cover all possible scenarios and seek out experienced, local counsel for your unique case.

How Are Dogs Struck by Motor Vehicles?

Dogs tend to be curious, even if they spend most of their time indoors. Your dog may see something they want to chase, such as the neighbor’s cat or a squirrel. Unfortunately, this can put them in danger if they incidentally put themselves in the path of an oncoming car. If the driver is traveling over the speed limit or is distracted, they may find themselves unable to stop their car in time to avoid a collision. In some cases, a dog may unexpectedly run out in front of a motor vehicle, leaving the driver no way to avoid striking them.

In some cases, dogs and other pets may sleep underneath a parked car for warmth or safety from other animals. The car’s operator may not realize this and attempt to drive away with the animal still under the vehicle, which can easily cause serious or fatal injuries. If you or a family member park your car outside in a residential area where there are likely pets and roaming animals, you should always be sure to check under the vehicle before getting inside.

Analyzing the Circumstances of the Collision

When it comes to animal-related collisions, the underlying circumstances of the crash are incredibly important. Was a dog running free without supervision? Was the responsible motorist driving safely or recklessly at the time of the crash? Were there any underlying factors (low visibility, a poorly designed road, etc.) that played a role in the accident? We discuss some of the animal-related situations that can potentially arise.

  • Unsupervised pet: In most cases, it is a pet owner’s responsibility to protect their dog from traffic. They can do so by using a proper leash, keeping their dog supervised, and ensuring that any open yard space is surrounded by a fence of an appropriate durability and height. Many counties have leash laws that require pets of all types to be tethered to their owner while in public. If an unsupervised pet is struck by a car, it is likely that the owner will be responsible for any ensuing medical bills and potentially even damages to the car.
  • Distracted or impaired driver: A driver’s behavior can determine whether they bear some responsibility for striking someone’s dog. If a driver is on their phone and not paying attention to the road, for example, they may be found responsible for causing a collision that could have reasonably been avoided. Another reason that a driver may be found at least partially liable is if they were impaired at the time of the accident. According to the Rosenstein Law Group, responding officers may begin an investigation into whether the driver was under the influence in the event of a serious accident.
  • Livestock collision: Although not specifically dog-related, livestock crashes do occur with some regularity around farms and in rural areas, so we wanted to discuss this scenario as well. A livestock crash will almost always cause substantially more damage than a collision between a motor vehicle and a household pet. Full-grown cows can weight more than 1,500 pounds and an adult bull can weigh more than 2,000 pounds. Striking one of these animals at a high speed is oftentimes enough to cause serious damage to a car and catastrophic injuries to its passengers.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Dog or Other Animal?

State laws on pet ownership vary, but many states consider dogs as property when it comes to insurance. If a dog is unsupervised and it runs into the road, it is likely that the owner would be responsible for paying for any ensuing vet bills. However, when a driver is acting recklessly or intentionally strikes an animal, they may be liable for the injured pet’s care. In some cases, the driver’s auto insurance policy may decline to pay for damages if the driver intentionally struck the pet with their car.

Steps to Prevent Your Dog From Being Struck by a Car

Even if you live in a remote area, chances are you and your pets encounter cars daily. To help you protect your dog from traffic, we’ve put together a list of proactive steps you can take to keep them safe.

  1. Teach “wait” and “sit” when you and your dog exit your house or come to a curb. By reinforcing these commands, you reduce the chances of your dog running into the street.
  2. Pay attention when walking your dog and use an appropriate-length lease that does not allow your pet to wander into the path of oncoming cars.
  3. Do not leave your dog unattended in your yard, even if you are confident that they cannot escape. Be particularly mindful of where your dog is during holidays, when your dog might be more stressed or afraid than usual.
  4. Check your surrounding when arriving at or leaving your residence. Verify that there is not an animal under your car before starting the engine and make sure that there are no pets in your path as you back up or park your vehicle.

5 Tips To Help Your Rescue Dog Adjust Well

If you are thinking about adopting a dog, or just adopted one, here are five tips to help your new pup adjust to your home. 

Tip 1: Look At The Notes Provided By The Shelter

Most of the time, when you adopt a dog from a shelter the employees there identify what kind of environment your new dog will do best in. Some possible environments are: single pet home, no kids, no men in the house, etc. These labels are likely due to previous traumatic experiences, or predispositions to violent behavior. 

Be sure that your house actually represents the environment that works best for that specific dog, doing so you can prevent needless pain in the long run. If a “no kids” dog were to end up in a house with children, they could potentially bite that dog. Take a look at the list of reasons why dogs bite, to gain more understanding. 

Tip 2: Establish a Routine 

Animals thrive when they stick to routines, so from day one, work on crafting a one that works for you. Some daily events that you may want to incorporate into your plan could be: 

  • Meal times 
  • Walk times 
  • Play time with other dogs 
  • When they can use their toys 
  • Crate time (if that applies to your dog) 
  • Keeping rules consistent about if your dog is allowed on beds, the couch, etc. 

Tip 3: Expect Some Delays 

When adjusting to a new environment, most dogs will make mistakes along the way. This could be in the form of accidents in the house, barking, escape attempts, or other types of mild behavioral issues. These annoying occurrences can be temporary and resolved on their own, or may need professional intervention. 

Depending on your dogs’ individual history and circumstances, you can support them during this period in a variety of ways. If your new family member is prone to accidents, perhaps use disposable potty pads in the meantime to help reduce messes. Or, if your dog is an escape artist, be sure that your fence is reinforced. Keeping your dog in their home at all times is optimal for the safety of the dog and for the neighbors around you. 

Tip 4: Be Proactive 

Along those lines, some dogs begin to display more severe behavioral issues that need a more aggressive plan of action. Some signs of severe behavioral issues that you should never ignore include: 

  • Food guarding 
  • Toy guarding 
  • Growling or defensiveness towards other people 
  • Growling or lunging at other dogs when on walks 
  • Baring their teeth  

These issues can escalate into attacks, which severely injure the victim and even threaten the lives of the dog due to dog bite laws. Though states like California are a bit more lenient with their dog bite laws, as you can see here from Harting Simkins & Ryan’s website, this is a situation any pet parent wants to avoid at all costs. 

In order to combat these problems, consider hiring professional dog training to intervene. If this is not a financial possibility for you, reach out to the shelter you adopted your dog from and they can often connect you with free or low cost resources.

Tip 5: Be Patient  

Overall, the adoption and adjustment process can be long and laborious; so patience is essential throughout the journey. In order to give your dog the space they need to adjust well consider: 

  • Setting realistic goals for your dog’s development (don’t take them on a cross country road trip the week they get home!!)
  • Give yourself and your dog some alone time 
  • If an accident happens in the house or a frustrating moment occurs, take some time to yourself before responding to your dog 

Adopting a dog can be such a loving and rewarding process. By keeping these tips in mind we hope that you and your pet adjust well to their new home.

Establishing Custody of a Shared Pet After A Breakup or Divorce

Going through a divorce or breakup is a difficult process no matter what the circumstances may be. However, if you and your ex partner share a pet, the emotional results can be even more devastating. In this article we will explore the process and impact of establishing custody of a pet after a couple splits. 

Impacts Losing Your Dog After a Divorce or Breakup

For many dog lovers, it comes as no surprise that humans forge a deep and emotional bond with the pets in their lives. In fact, when you begin to hangout with your pattern’s dogs and pets, a definite psychological bond can be formed. Whether the dog was purchased before the relationship began, or as a shared pet, the resulting bond can feel the same. 

Unfortunately, when the relationship comes to an end, the person left without the pet can feel legitimate grief and loneliness as if they had lost a pet. Furthermore, your course of action depends greatly on where in the country you live, due to differing pet custody laws across the nation. 

Pet Custody Laws

California 

If you and your ex partner live in states like California, the pet is not necessarily considered personal property. This means that pets, like dogs and cats, would be viewed in a family law court and both parties could enter into a custody agreement. Through a process that mimics child custody agreements (albeit, much less complex in most cases) both parties can reach an agreement that keeps the pet’s best interests in mind. 

However, if you and your ex enter into a shared pet custody agreement, be sure to abide by that agreement to the T. Since this is a legally binding document, withholding the dog or other pet from their owner could be viewed as a form of kidnapping by California law. 

Arizona 

Alternatively, states like Arizona view pets simply as personal property. This does not allow a grieving ex spouse many options. Essentially, if you did not purchase the pet, then you have no rights to ownership after the relationship dissolves. You and your ex partner can use mediation and other tactics to reach an informal pet custody agreement, but the courts cannot mandate shared custody of the pet like they can in California and other states. 

In the event that your ex has no interest in a pet custody agreement, coming to terms with losing a pet in your life can be quite difficult. But using a good coping mechanism is important, because attempting to take the pet despite legal precedent could result in a theft charge. According to Arizona criminal defense lawyers at Stewart Law Group, a class 6 charge could carry fines up to $2,000.

Final Thoughts 

Breakups are never easy, and they can be especially emotional if a pet is involved. Depending on where you live at the time of the breakup, you may be able to use a pet custody agreement to still see them. However, if that is not an option for you, here are some resources to help you grieve the situation. 

How Can You Celebrate National Dog Day With Your Pet?

National Dog Day is celebrated annually in the United States on August 26th. As an all-day event, you and your fellow dog lovers across the country can celebrate for however long you like. We’ve put together a list of fun ways to celebrate the holiday and show your furry friend just how much you love them.

Go for an Adventure

Many dogs love going on adventures with their owners. From long walks on new trails to spending time at the local dog beach, spending some time outdoors with your furry companion is a great way to kick off the holiday. If you’ve been meaning to explore a new area of your city, hiking trail, or other dog-friendly place, take your pet with you! If your dog is anxious or afraid of new places, you can stick to a tried-and-true local route that you know they’re comfortable with. The Hill Law Firm warns that a startled or anxious dog may be more likely to bite, so it’s best to stick to their comfort level when it comes time to get outdoors.

Have Some Other Pets Over

If your pup has some other canine friends, consider having them over to have a fun playdate. You can alternatively go to a local dog park or dog-friendly beach so your dog can make plenty of new friends. Make sure your dog is comfortable interacting with strange dogs if you do decide to go to the dog park. Some dogs can be overwhelmed if they haven’t spent a lot of time around other animals, particularly if they are a young puppy.

Make Some Dog-Friendly Snacks

There are countless easy-to-follow recipes online for homemade biscuits and dog-friendly cakes. Baking something nice for your pet can be an enjoyable experience, and they’re sure to enjoy the results of your labor of love. If you don’t have time to make a handmade treat, you can always run to the store and pick up your dog’s favorite snack for them to enjoy. If you have any other pets over to celebrate the holiday, you might consider asking their owners what treats they like to make sure none of the pups are left out!

Buy Your Pup Something Nice

Maybe your dog is starting to outgrow their bed, or you want to get them a cute Halloween costume that you know they’ll love. There’s no better time to spoil your pet by getting them something nice than right now. You can even get them a new toy that they can play with, so they can exert their energy in a positive way and stay healthy.

Play Some Games

Playing some dog-friendly party games can be an enjoyable way to pass time, while also offering an opportunity to reinforce some basic commands. Make sure you have plenty of treats and toys on hand to play fetch or hide-and-seek, which lets you work on your pup’s “fetch,” “sit,” “come,” and “stay.” You and your furry companion are sure to have a good time!

Enjoy National Dog Day & Show Your Furry Friend Some Love

We hope that our suggestions help you and your furry friend have an amazing time during this year’s National Dog Day. Your pup is sure to enjoy whatever activities you plan for the day, from going to the park to enjoying some tasty treats!

What is the National “Clear the Shelters 2022” Event?

Since 2015, Telemundo and NBC stations have partnered with animal shelters across the United States to find ideal homes for pets. Clear the Shelters 2022 features both a pet adoption and donation campaign, so pets can find their forever home and local shelters can receive the funds they need to provide services for their communities. The event will run from August 1st through August 31st of 2022 and offer ways to adopt virtually or support participating rescues and shelters.

How Did the Event Begin?

According to NBC 7 San Diego, The Clear the Shelters campaign was inspired by a 2014 joint Telemundo and NBC pet adoption campaign in North Texas. The campaign was so successful that it resulted in the most adopted pets over a single 24 hour timeframe in the area. The following year, Telemundo and NBCUniversal worked together to broaden the scope of the adoption campaign to a national scale. Thus Clear the Shelters was born, resulting in more than a half-million adoptions since the campaign was first launched.

Are Any Organizations Near Me Participating in Clear the Shelters?

The official Clear the Shelters website has an interactive map of all the shelters and rescues participating in this year’s campaign. Simply put your zip code into the search tab underneath the map and you’ll be shown all the participating organizations nearby, complete with business hours and contact details.

You can also use the WeRescue app to browse nearby adoptable pets by size, breed, gender, and other factors on your phone. You’re able to submit an adoption application directly through the app. If you have any questions for the shelter employees, you can contact them through the app as well.

Why Should I Adopt From a Local Shelter?

Adopting your canine companion from a local shelter can be a fulfilling, life-changing experience. We’re always thrilled when someone adopts locally because:

  • You’re giving an unwanted, abandoned, or mistreated animal a second chance at a good life
  • You’re helping to combat the unethical practices of commercial pet-breeding facilities, which exist to profit at the expense of the animals in their care
  • Depending on your desires, you can adopt an adult dog that may already be partially or fully trained
  • The trainers, adoption specialists, and other staff members at the shelter will be great resources to help you and your pet live a healthy, comfortable life together
  • Local shelters have a wide range of animals up for adoption, meaning that you’ll almost certainly find the perfect companion for you and your loved ones
  • The pet you’re adopting has likely been treated well by trained staff members that prioritize the health and comfort of the canines in their care
  • You support the work of your local shelter or rescue, which helps them stay in business and protect other vulnerable animals in your community
  • Adoption fees are usually substantially smaller than the cost of a purebred puppy sold for profit

It’s important to remember that no matter where you receive your pet from, owning a dog is a huge commitment. Canines require considerable attention, care, and training to keep them healthy and happy. According to the team at Freedman Law, a poorly trained or mistreated dog may bite and cause serious harm, from life-threatening infections to permanent scarring.

Things to Think About Before Adopting a Dog

With this year’s Clear the Shelters event quickly approaching, there’s no better time to expand your family by rescuing a dog from your local shelter. At the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that taking care of a dog can be a challenge. To ensure your canine companion has the best possible life, remember that:

  • Dogs need time and attention, from daily exercise and play time to regular bathroom breaks
  • Some landlords and complexes either do not allow dogs or restrict certain breed ownership, which can make it a challenge to find a place to live
  • Dogs are expensive pets; everything from the food they eat to any medical care they may need over the course of their life quickly adds up
  • It may take your new dog several weeks or even months to warm up to you and your family members
  • Depending on your dog’s breed and temperament, they may not be suitable around loud or unruly children, since provoked or startled dogs may bite

Support Your Local Rescue During Clear the Shelters

If you’re ready to add a dog to your family, there’s no better time to do so than during the 2022 Clear the Shelters campaign. You can verify which shelters near you are participating through your local NBC affiliate or the Clear the Shelters official website.

Dog Friendly Restaurants: What Are The Risks? 

Many of us love our dogs so much that we naturally want to take them to dinner with us! In fact, there are entire databases like BringFido that are dedicated to helping you find an eatery near you that accommodates pets. Although dog-friendly restaurants are popping up all over the country, it is important to understand the risks of bringing your dog to a food establishment beforehand. 

Health Risks

Most of these restaurants make an extra effort to help the dogs of diners feel at home. Oftentimes, this includes communal water bowls for all of the patrons’ dogs. The risk here is that many canine-illnesses can be transmitted through communal dog bowls, and any kind of direct contact with an infected dog. While some of these illnesses are pretty mild, others like Leptospirosis can be life threatening in certain cases. Also, Leptospirosis can be spread to humans. If you opt to bring your dog to a pet friendly restaurant, keep them and the other pets at the safe by avoiding the communal dog bowl. 

 

Dog Fights

Watching your dog socialize with other dogs is part of the fun of bringing them to a pet-friendly restaurant! Although most dog encounters are peaceful, any time dogs get together it poses the risk of dog fights. Often moments before a dog fight there are physical symptoms that both pets display. The American Kennel Club has a complete guide to breaking up dog fights, but here are some characteristics of stress to keep an eye out for:

  • Vocalizing. Your dog might growl, whine, or bark.
  • Tucking the tail.
  • Flattening the ears back against the head.
  • Showing whale eye. This is when you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes.
  • Lip licking and/or panting.
  • Yawning.
  • Excessive sniffing. This can be a displacement behavior to avoid confronting the source of the stress.
  • Pacing
  • A “hard stare” towards the other dog, which is a sign of aggression.

 

A Dog Attacking A Patron 

Unfortunately, bringing dogs around public areas such as restaurants can lead to dogs biting humans. The severity of the injuries depends greatly on the specific factors of the incident, the breed of dog, and its level of aggression at the time. These dog bite incidents can range from minor scrapes and bruises to fatal injuries, and each situation is different. 

When you get bit by a dog, it is important to act quickly. The personal injury team at Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP cite the importance of seeking medical attention after a dog bite incident. This can be due to medical concerns from the bite itself, or potential rabies exposure due to improper vaccination. 

There are many opinions on why dogs attack humans, but it is impossible to know the exact reasoning every time. Even dogs that do not have a history of aggressive behavior have still reportedly attacked humans. 

Ultimately, dog friendly restaurants are meant to be a fun addition to the dining experience. And most of the time, bringing your dog works out well for both the owner and the pet. However, it is important to keep the potential risks in mind before deciding whether bringing your pup with you is the best choice.