Dog Safety - Not in Hybrids

Dogs and Infants - I just want everyone who has babies, young children or even older infirmed individuals to please be aware that unfortunate events can occur with our pets (especially if they are wolf/coyote hybrids) in our homes. The incident here in Central Kentucky this past week is an example of this possibility.The Native American Indian Dog that carried a 3 day old infant from his crib and out to the woods behind the owners home could have been a much uglier outcome. Even with the skull fractures, broken ribs and collapsing lungs the child has improved to serious from critical. We pray for his continued healing. This could have been a predator/prey behavior or could have been a mothering instinct. No way to know for sure.

BUT let's think about what to do to prevent this from even happening.

First - don't have a "dog" that is a wolf hybrid, coyote hybrid or any other type of wild stock. These types of animals may prove to be unpredictable due to their wild heritage. There is NO approved rabies vaccine for them to afford protection for them or their owners. Select a breed that has a breed personality that is suited to your attitude and ability to train effectively.

Second - Be sure an extended introduction period of the dog or cat and the newborn is undertaken. This introduction period is not just a few days and could be over a period of years as the pet grows and the child grows.

Third - Obedience training helps to establish a dominance and pack order in which dogs are secure. By training you establish yourself as the alpha individual and places the dog in the subordinate position.

Vaccine Reactions

Just a reminder for everyone, vaccine reactions can occur after any vaccine is given. Unfortunately, the smaller the dog the more likely we are to have a vaccine if multiple vaccines injections are given at the same time. This risk can be reduced if you will spread the injections apart by 2 or 3 weeks.
Reactions can be as mild as a being a bit lethargic or as severe as an acute anaphylaxis. Delayed onset reactions like AutoImmune Hemolytic Anemia has also been associated as a vaccine reaction.
If you do a blood titer you may be able to reduce the number of vaccines you will be giving your pet and thereby reduce the risk of reaction.

Be sure to talk to you veterinarian or ask us at the clinic if you would like more information.