3 minute read
Dog Safety in the woods
BY KATHY REILLY
Being out in the forest makes us all feel free. Dogs love the freedom too. However, there are a great many hazards in the woods. Most of us are familiar with the tick hazard. Protect your dog with a flea and a tick prevention product. And check them from ear to tail when you come home from a walk, even if they only venture into tall grass. Use a proper tick removal tool available at any pet store. Otherwise, you may break the tick in half and the head stays in requiring a vet visit.
Please do not allow your dog to run free unless he returns instantly to you when called every time and will walk calmly by your side when necessary. Bear in mind that a rabbit or squirrel may just allow prey drive to overrule your recall.
There are many prey animals in our surrounding forests and even in our urban neighbourhoods. Eagles are everywhere and don’t know the difference between your little Yorkie and a rabbit. It is not a silly rumour that eagles will swoop down and take a dog or cat. I have four clients who witnessed this and were helpless to prevent or rescue the little one. A tree in Nanoose held an eagles’ nest and when it fell, there were numerous dog and cat collars in it.
So please don’t let your little dogs run free in a field where they can become victims of eagles, hawks, owls and even ravens. Keep them on leash and scope out the sky and tree tops. A 20 foot leash gives your dog some freedom.
The other hazard that many people may not think about is the danger of sharp branches in the brush. A friend’s large breed dog was dashing into the bush when he suddenly let out a sharp yelp. He had been impaled on a pointed branch sticking out of a downed tree. It luckily missed vital organs but required surgery to remove it.
And of course, we have bears and cougars. Check out the BC Government Ministry of the Environment Safety Guide for Cougars and the Parks Canada Safe Travel in Bear Country.
Some of the recommendations that apply to both are to travel in groups of 4 or more and make lots of noise. Carry a sturdy walking stick. Watch for tracks or scat. Stick to marked trails and carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Lastly, be careful around still water if your dog is a swimmer. Sometimes the water has parasites that get into your dog’s skin and cause in flammation and itch. One of my dogs got it from the river at Bowen Park when the water level was very low and shallow ponds were created. Great fun until the itch started. Have a wonderful, safe summer with your fur buddies.
