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PE T C O R N E R | D r. R i c h a r d H e n d e r s o n
ET Corner
Pet Care Advice From Richard D. Henderson, DVM
PET CORNER | Dr. Richard Henderson
Coronavirus Chaos:
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uring the Coronavirus outbreak so many people are staying home with their pets. Our dogs think it’s great, “More pets, more treats and more quality time with my master.” Life is good. Our cats are wondering why the “two-legged servants “ are interrupting their naps and causing disruption of their schedules. I always knew my cats were narcissistic. Our pets are a very important part of our lives and daily routines. They provide comfort to us and can help us cope during times of crisis. Although we have been asked to keep a safe distance from other members of our own species there is no reason we can’t safely get outdoors with our dogs to de-stress and get some valuable exercise. I don’t think the dog park, though, would be a smart choice as this puts us in close quarters with fellow dog owners. However, there are miles of mostly
Therapy with a Fur Coat
deserted Galveston beaches that we can take our pooches to without having to bump into other people. Ultraviolet light is very effective at destroying bacteria and viruses and saltwater is unlikely to allow the Big C virus to survive. It is so easy to drive out west and find a secluded turn out to have a relaxing beach getaway with two and four-legged family members. Remember, keep the leash handy and stay away from the sand dunes. April is a prime time for rattlesnake activity in the dunes as the weather warms. Avoid allowing your dog to contact others. Excitement levels are high at the beach causing some
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to behave badly and start fights. It is our responsibility to control our pet’s behavior around other animals and people. Keeping distance is even more important today. A couple of other outing options with your dog would be Carbide Park in La Marque and Jack Brooks Park in Santa Fe. Carbide Park offers wide-open grassy areas while Jack Brooks has paths with trees and shade. These parks have leashing requirements that should be followed for safety reasons. Both places allow you to get outdoors for a little fun and emotional distancing from the news media’s dire reports. Before heading out check before-