Monday, June 21, 2010
How to Stop a Dog From Biting Its Tail
Dog From Biting Its Tail
Dogs bite their tails for one of two reasons: either medical or behavioral. Medical reasons for itching can include fleas, a skin disorder or irritation, or impacted anal glands. A skin condition can cause a dog to bite until the flesh is raw, increasing the chance of infection and sometimes requiring antibiotics. Behavioral issues usually stem from boredom or obsessive tendencies. A long wagging tail is a temptation within easy reach. Restless dogs who get bored need the stimulation of exercise or other activity to distract them. Before you treat your dog, determine why he bites his tail.
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- Toys or balls A leash
Step 1
Examine your dog's tail carefully for signs of fleas, hot spots, or redness. If a skin issue is involved, see your veterinarian for advice.
Step 2
If the biting has medical origins, the vet might give you a topical antibiotic for the tail. To make sure your dog leaves his tail alone so the sore can heal, bandage it with medical tape or spray it with bitter apple to make the spot less appealing.
Step 3
If you treat the problem without veterinary help, be sure whatever substance you put on the tail is nontoxic, since the dog will probably gnaw at it. Try aloe or a lukewarm bag of green tea to soothe the spot or dusting powder to dry it.
Step 4
If you see no physical reason for him to bite his tail, it's a behavioral issue. Make sure he has plenty of toys to occupy him when you aren't with him.
Step 5
When he bites, do not offer rewards or treats to divert his attention. Instead offer him a toy or walk away from him. Keep a variety of toys near spots where he spends time.
Step 6
Distract him from biting by taking him for a walk. Make it a routine that he learns to looks forward to. If possible, exercise him in a large fenced area where it's safe to run, or let him play with other dogs.
Step 7
If he continues to bite his tail, the problem might require the services of a pet-behavior specialist. Your veterinarian should also be consulted regarding the next step.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
How to Deal With Dog Bites
Many dogs are aggressive around strangers, and bites are common among some breeds. Knowing how to deal with a dog bite until it happens is something that most of us don't tend to know. In actual fact there are several things which should always be remembered when dealing with dog bites.
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- Dog Bite
- Name of dogs owner
- Antiseptic cream
- Water
- Bandages
- Phone
Step 1
Initial Cleaning
The first thing to do after being bitten by a dog is obviously to get inside and away from the offending dog. Initially you should also wash the wound with soap and water in order to keep it clean. If the wound is particularly deep then you might need to tie a tourniquet around the affected area to slow the bleeding first.
Step 2
Wrapping the Wound
After the wound is clean and the bleeding has stopped, the next thing to do is to wrap the wound. Firstly apply antiseptic cream to the wound in order to prevent infection, and then apply a sterile dressing. On top of this wrap around a bandage to keep the dressing in place.
Step 3
Seeking Medical Treatment
If the dog that bit you is a stray and you don't know where it has come from, then seeking medical attention in case of rabies us essential. Although the chances are low of being bitten by a rabid dog, the effects are fatal if not treated.
Similarly if the dog bite is very deep or wont stop bleeding them medical treatment should be sought.
Step 4
Report the Incident
If the dog is known to you, then the next step should be to report the situation to the local municipalities. This is sometimes done in conjunction with the doctor who treats the wounds if they are significant, but if not then you should do it.
Step 5
Going from There
Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you may have cause to sue the owner of the dog, and may also legally be allowed to request that the dog be put down. The particulars of the incident will affect this, but if you were not on the owners land and the dog was loose, then you can generally have the dog destroyed if you have been seriously injured by it.
Teach them while they're young to avoid problems in the future
For young puppies, nipping, biting and "mouthing" are normal behaviors and rarely cause serious harm. But it's important to stop these behaviors before your dog reaches adulthood, when a bite could inflict serious injury.
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Dog Leashes
Rope Dog Toys
Vinyl Dog Toys
Fleece Dog Toys
Canvas Dog Toys
Puppy Treats
Frisbees
Step 1 :- Begin your training early - when your puppy is 6 weeks old, if possible.
Step 2 :- Teach your puppy that biting hurts you. When he bites, give a sharp "no!" or "ouch!" - or even a yelp like a dog would make. This is the same reaction that your puppy would get from another puppy if he bit too hard during play. It teaches him that he's been too rough, and the odds are that he'll be more gentle next time.
Step 3 :- Remove your hand slowly - don't jerk it away - and give your puppy a toy that he can chew on without damage.
Step 4 :- If your puppy ignores your reaction and bites again, repeat your "no!," "ouch!" or yelp, and leave the room for a few minutes. Let your puppy know that when he bites, he will lose his playmate. This, too, mirrors the reaction he would get from another puppy if he played too roughly.
Step 5 :- Be persistent in your training. As your puppy's behavior improves and his bites are softer, continue to yelp or give a sharp "no!" or "ouch!" whenever he puts his teeth on you. Make it clear that all bites are painful and unacceptable to humans.
Step 6 :- Reinforce your puppy's good behavior. Whenever he licks you without using his teeth and whenever he plays nicely and appropriately, give him plenty of praise.
Step 7 :- Begin teaching the "off" command after your puppy has stopped biting with any pressure. Hold a handful of the puppy's dry food, close your hand and say "off." After a few seconds, if the puppy has not touched your hand, say "take it" and give him a piece of food. You are teaching him that "off" means not to touch.
Step 8 :- Continue to give a sharp yelp, "no!" or "ouch!" any time your puppy bites you unexpectedly. If you see the bite coming, give the "off" command.
Step 9 :- Enroll your puppy in an obedience class where he can socialize with other dogs when he is about 6 months old. Their interaction will help to reinforce what you teach him, since rough play with other dogs will likely cause them to yelp and cut off play. At the same time, your puppy will learn the difference between people's limits and other dogs' limits - dogs will allow rougher play than people will.
