Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dog bites happen every day, but most often when people approach them ineffectively or haphazardly. Just like people there is a way dogs should be approached and one should take caution and be tactful.

Here are 4 reasons why a dog would attack and how best to manage this type of situation.

• The dog is in pain and is defending itself by biting. If it is an open wound Qwick-AID Bandages for Animals can be applied to treat a wounded dog. Be very gentle and perhaps even wear gloves so that any snips from a sensitive dog can avoid injury to yourself. If there is no open wound, then a different condition may exist and you should seek veterinary help.
• A dog that senses fear is more inclined to bite. Even someone with whom the dog is familiar can be bitten if a dog is startled, but strange people unfamiliar with the dog are discouraged from running or showing fear to the dog. By running it can trigger the instinct to attack. The best thing to do is hold your ground, but avoid eye contact. If the situation allows it offer a treat to diffuse tension and gain the dog’s confidence.
• The dog may bite to protect its property. This is really avoided by proper training. It may be trying to protect food, toy, or even space. If you need to retrieve something the dog is protecting, then consider distracting the dog with something else such as a ball or another toy. Avoid getting into a competition or tug-of-war with the dog.
• Dogs will bite to protect their puppies. A friendly family dog can turn almost instantly if she is protecting her puppies. A rowdy environment can put a dog on edge, so a calm quiet place where the dog can feel safe is the best start when approaching her puppies.

Treating Dog Bites with Qwick-AID

Prevention is always the best approach to avoid dog bites, but sometimes it can happen anyway. A dog can come out of the blue while you are jogging or get loose from a leash. They can be unpredictable with each other and both dog and human can be bitten. In any case it is a good idea to be prepared for the worst. Qwick-AID Bandages are available for both people and animals and are easy to carry with you and apply at a moment’s notice. Keep Qwick-AID in your wallet or purse to care for yourself and your dog at a moment’s notice.

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Nutrition Nuggets featuring Dr. Jenifer Coates

Dog Nutrition Nuggets is the newest offshoot of petMD’s Nutrition Center, a joint venture made up of the talents behind Hill’s Pet Nutrition and the medical information authorities of petMD. One such authority is Jennifer Coates, DVM. Each week Dr. Coates will use her expertise and wisdom to blog about the intricacies of dog nutrition.

 

Most Recent Articles:

Fiber: It’s Not Filler (at least not always)

Fiber is an important part of a dog’s diet but does not get the recognition it deserves. The word “fiber” typically refers to “partially digestible or indigestible carbohydrates.” “Indigestibility” has negative connotations, but in reality,…  More. . .

Performance Diets for Detection Dogs

We’ve talked a lot on Nutrition Nuggets about how a properly balanced diet is essential to good canine health and how tweaking nutrient ratios can help with disease prevention and management. Well … here’s something new. A diet that is relatively low in protein and…More. . .

Don’t Think ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’ When It Comes to Fats: Part 1

You are probably familiar with the concept of “good” and “bad” fats as it applies to human food. Fats are described as being “bad” when their inclusion in the diet is associated with abnormally high blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of… More. . .

 
 
 
Read more about the BlogPaws Events and Speakers for 2013!

BlogPaws Conferences: (Making) History

 

Since hosting the first-ever pet blogging and social media conference in 2010, BlogPaws has quickly grown to the largest such event in North America! Along the way, we launched the Be the Change for Pets movement, survived wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane, and hosted the only live, red carpet awards ceremonies for pet social media achievements, the Nose-to-Nose Awards.

Our conferences bring together hundreds of pet parents eager to hone their online publishing skills, inspire and collaborate with each other on business projects and pet welfare causes, and connect with the companies who sponsor our events.

BlogPaws attracts expert and inspirational speakers, from TV personalities (Andrea Arden, Rescue Ink, even Tillman the Skateboarding Bulldog!), to social platform experts (Squidoo, StumbleUpon, Tout, BlogHer), to legal presenters on copyright and ecommmerce concerns (FTC and private counsel), and dozens more. Check out our speaker lists from past events (2012, 2011, 2010 West, and 2010 East).

For more info, visit our general Blogpaws Events FAQ page or the BlogPaws 2013 Conference pages.

 

Barn of the Month – JL Dixon Stable

Posted on April 11, 2013 by SmartPak

“JL Dixon Stable has been at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton CA since 1996. Specializing in Amateur and Juvenile riders, Dixon Stable has guided many horses to World and National titles both at the Kentucky State Fair and the Morgan Grand National. American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and Morgans have been the main stay of the training stable. Growing up in CO Jennifer had a lot of hands on at an early age as her horses were kept at home. Working with Martin Cockriel and his daughter Mary she gained a lot of knowledge on how to operate a large program. Organization is key, and SmartPak makes it easier than ever to be organized in your feeding program! Jennifer started riding at age 6 on a grade pony and 42 years later still can’t wait to get to the barn and make a difference in a horse and rider’s training.”

“My passion is to cultivate a dynamic relationship between rider and horse; to strengthen the best qualities in both; and to create a winning team. It’s exciting when my students advance to the next level of competition. It’s also rewarding to hear how the self-confidence mastered in the ring translates to other areas of their lives including school and work”

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Spring into Action! Exercise ideas for your dog

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Jenifer Vickery

Finally—the glorious season of longer days and warm sunshine has arrived, which means more time for you, your horse, and your dog to jump into spring activities. But hold on one second! While our brains may be more than ready to gallop into the fun and sun, our bodies (and those of our animals) may not be. See your dog basking in the warmth streaming through the kitchen window? He may not be ready (or willing!) to take off on any new spring adventures just yet! While he’s still snoozing, let’s take a few minutes to consider how you can get him into shape in no time!

The doctor will see you now

Before starting any canine exercise program, it’s important to take your dog to your veterinarian for his annual wellness exam. Knowing where he’s at now will give you a marker that you can compare to later as you begin his exercise regimen. Take advantage of this visit to discuss any limitations your dog has. Ask if you should look into any prescription medication (yes, arthritic dogs get Adequan® and Legend® injections, too!) and any supplements that would be most beneficial for his unique needs
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