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All About

DOGS

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Currituck Animal Shelter on the benefits of spaying, neutering By Rachael Stone Currituck Animal Shelter

By spaying or neutering your pet, you’ll help control the pet homelessness crisis, which results in millions of healthy dogs and cats being euthanized in the United States each year simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. There are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying (female pets) and neutering (male pets) your animals. Some of the medical benefits are that your female pet will live a longer, healthier life. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. A few of the behavioral benefits are a spayed female pet won’t go into heat. Male dogs will be less likely to roam away from home. An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate, including finding creative ways escape from the house. Once he’s free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other male animals. Unneutered dogs are more likely to mark their territory, including in the house. Your dog might be less likely to mount other dogs, people and inanimate objects after he’s neutered. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering. Spaying/neutering your pets is also highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. Spaying or neutering will not cause your pet to become overweight. Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds — not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor her food intake. While the traditional age for neutering

Jean is the longest canine resident at the Currituck Animal Shelter. She is around 3 years old, spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and looking for a loving forever home.

is six to nine months, puppies as young as eight weeks old can be neutered as long as they’re healthy. Dogs can be neutered as adults as well, although there’s a slightly higher risk of post-operative complications in older dogs, dogs that

are overweight or dogs that have health problems. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. The Currituck Animal Shelter is located at 140 Aviation Parkway in Barco.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12 noon until 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Call 252-453-8682 or visit their website https://co.currituck. nc.us/animal-services-control/ for more information.

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Outer Banks SPCA: Protecting and caring for the animals of Dare By Audrey Blocker Outer Banks SPCA

Many people have heard about the Outer Banks SPCA. But do you know what SPCA means? It means “Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals!” We believe that all animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment from humans and must be protected by law. This is why your Outer Banks SPCA and Dare County Animal Services work hard to protect and care for the animals of Dare County. The OBX SPCA staff loves nothing more than showing off the resident cats and dogs in hopes of getting them adopted into their forever homes. Since July is “All About Dogs” in the Outer Banks, the OBX SPCA would like to boast that it has adopted out 163 dogs so far in 2019. When the shelter can get animals adopted into homes and free up kennel space is when we connect with other high kill shelters in the state to transfer in more dogs, thereby saving their lives and giving them a chance at life and love. Thus far, in 2019, the OBX SPCA has transferred in 71 dogs to give them a second chance. There are many brilliant dogs in the shelter waiting for this opportunity, including: • Puppies all the way up to senior dogs • Dogs that have had a horrid start in life but have survived • Dogs that are sick yet with a treatable disease • Dogs that were brought to the shelter due to no fault of their own • Dogs that have been stigmatized by society • Dogs that with basic positive training could and would thrive in a home Above are just a few examples of how and why dogs end up in a shelter and it is our role, here at the OBX SPCA, to keep them mentally

and physically stimulated, healthy and loved during their time with us. One of the most common issues we run into is the transition for dogs leaving the shelter and adjusting to their new environment and lifestyle. Below are some simple tips that we speak with all of our wonderful adopters about. • For a dog that is over 7 months old, it can take them up to 9-12 months to fully acclimate to their new home. This means that during this time frame you will always be learning new things about your dog’s personality and behavior. Is this a negative point of adopting? Absolutely not! It is just a guideline so us humans do not get frustrated and understand this prior to adopting. • Patience – enjoy learning and getting to know your new family member • Reach out! We are a community resource that will help you if any unwanted behaviors arise. You will be surprised how helpful and easy it is to communicate with us as most times the behavior is workable and your new dog can remain in their home. • Positive training If you or someone you know is in the market for adding a furry fido to the family, please consider adopting a shelter dog from the OBX SPCA, and saving a life. We hope you enjoy the information and tips above for transitioning a dog into your home if and when you do decide to adopt! The Outer Banks SPCA shelter is located at 1031 Driftwood Drive in Manteo. Adoption hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and open until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Office hours start at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Call them at 252-475-5620 or visit their website obxspca.org for more information.

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King is available for adoption from the Outer Banks SPCA.

Jada is available for adoption from the Outer Banks SPCA. JULY 2019 • THE COA S TL A ND TIME S • A LL A BOUT DOGS - 5

ALL ABOUT DOGS Most Popular Dog Breeds Here are 36 of the most popular dog breeds in 2018 according to American Kennel Club registrations. 1. Labrador retrievers 2. German shepherds 3. Golden retrievers 4. French bulldogs 5. Bulldogs 6. Beagles 7. Poodles 8. Rottweilers 9. German shorthaired pointers 10. Yorkshire terriers 11. Boxers 12. Dachshunds 13. Pembroke Welsh Corgis 14. Siberian huskies 15. Australian shepherds 16. Great Danes 17. Doberman pinschers 18. Cavalier King Charles spaniels 19. Miniature schnauzer 20. Shih tzu 21. Boston terriers 22. Bernese mountain dogs 23. Pomeranians 24. Havanese 25. Shetland sheepdogs 26. Brittanys 27. English springer spaniels 28. Pugs 29. Mastiffs 30. Cocker spaniels 31. Vizslas 32. Cane corsos 33. Chihuahuas 34. Miniature American shepherds 35. Border collies 36. Weimaraners

Fun Dog Facts Here are some fun dog facts from the American Kennel Club. 1. Boop! A dog’s nose print is unique, just like your fingerprint. 2. Forty-five percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owners’ bed. 3. The Labrador retriever has been on the AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds list for 25 straight years. Longer than any other breed. 4. All dogs dream, but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than adult dogs. 5. Seventy percent of people sign their dog’s name on holiday cards. 6. Rin Tin Tin was nominated for an

Academy Award. 7. The name collie means black, as collies once tended black-faced sheeped. 8. Yawning is also contagious to dogs. The sound of a human yawn can trigger one for your dog, and is more likely to when it’s a person she knows. 9. Dogs curl up to sleep to protect their vital organs. 10. Human and dogs both have lower blood pressure when a human pets a dog. 11. There are more than 75 million pet dogs in the U.S. 12. All puppies are born deaf. 13. Dogs aren’t colorblind. They can see blue and yellow. 14. Dalmatians are born completely white and develop their spots as they age. 15. The Australian shepherd is an American breed. 16. The Norwegian lundehund has six fully developed toes on each foot. 17. George Washington lent a hand

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to the development of the American foxhound, starting with a pack of hounds given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. 18. The toy fox terrier was a popular circus trick dog. 19. The Norwegian elkhound once sailed with the Vikings. 20. The black Russian terrier was bred to patrol fences along Russia’s border (and prisons).

Choosing Pet Insurance Pet insurance, like your own health insurance, helps reimburse you for some medical expenses your dog can rack up. Also like people insurance, pet policies vary widely. Plans vary widely on exclusions, payout limits, waiting periods, vaccinations, wellness coverage and extras.

Restrictions Your dog’s age, breed or location may affect what kind of insurance you can get. Most plans start at 8 weeks and cover dogs as long as they are enrolled before a certain age, usually nine to 14, say the experts at Chewy.com say. Senior dogs may be able to get accident coverage but not illness. Breeds may be limited based on conditions they are prone to, such as hip dysplasia. You may be able to get optional coverage, though, or be covered after a waiting period.

Requirements Your insurer may require a vet exam before coverage can start. Even if it is not required, Chewy recommends you get a wellness check as soon as coverage starts because your insurer will use the first exam after enrollment to determine overall health and pre-existing conditions. The insurer may also require your

dog to be spayed or neutered if they are not already. If your pup wasn’t fixed before the age of 1, some coverage may be limited.

he. Also, going for a walk or a jog can build his confidence by introducing him to new people and situations.

Talk To Your Vet Premiums and Deductibles The premium is how much you’ll pay per month of coverage. A deductible is how much you must pay out of pocket before deductibles kick in. Two types of deductibles are lifetime per incident and annual. If your dog has a chronic condition, a lifetime per incident could be the way to go. Usually, the higher the deductible is, the lower your premium.

Extras Some plans offer extra coverage, such as boarding fees and payments in case of loss or death. Some plans may also include alternative therapies, physical therapy or acupuncture. Read the fine print to see what your plan covers. Reducing Stress Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to be balanced, centered and calm, our stressful lives get the best of us. And while spending most of the day laying around on the couch seems like Easy Street to us, our dogs can get stressed out, too. Here are some ways to reduce your pup’s stress.

Signs of Stress First, it’s important to recognize the signs of stress in our canine friends. According to VCA Hospitals, these include: • Pacing or shaking • Whining or barking • Yawning, drooling and licking • Cowering or a tucked tail • Shedding • Avoidance behavior

What To Do If you notice signs of stress, remove your dog from the stressor immediately and take him to a quiet place. Don’t overly comfort him; you could sabotage him by making him feel his fear is justified and make him less confident. You can try giving him simple commands he knows and giving him a treat to take his mind off things.

Get Some Exercise If your dog is stressed a lot, try getting him more exercise. Just like you feel better when you get up and move, so will

Your veterinarian can also help diagnose causes of stress and help you formulate a treatment plan that may or may not include medication.

Tech Goes to the Dogs Like seemingly everything else in life, dog accessories have gone high tech. Here’s just a sampling of some high-tech gadgets and goodies you can get for your pup.

Toys and Cameras There are a variety of cameras that will allow you to say hey to your dog while you’re out and about. Some allow for two-way audio and even tossing a treat. PlayDate ($249) is a new smart ball that will allow you to see your dog and roll a ball around for them to play with from anywhere you can get wifi. Pebby ($189) is another smart ball, while Wickedbone ($99-$129) is an interactive bone game that allows you to drive or uses interactive mode to attract your dog’s attention.

Activity Trackers We’re tracking every bit of our own lives — steps, resting, standing, sleeping — and now you can do it for Fido, too. Many of the trackers fit on your dog’s collar and some, like FitBark ($69.95 for the top of the line) can even help you catch disease or illness early. The Whistle 3 ($99.95 plus plan) also tracks your pet’s location in case they get lost. It also compares your dog’s activity to similar dogs.

Feeders Worry no more about getting home in time to feed the dog. It can be as easy as swiping an app. Wagz ($249) has a built-in scale to weigh out exactly how much food your dog gets and has eaten and can order food when you’re running low. It also connects with your phone to let you feed at will. The Petnet SmartFeeder ($179) lets you dole out precise portions based on your dog’s weight all from your phone and works with home assistants.

Training a Confident Dog Socialization is the key to a well-behaved, confident dog, says Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola’s Healthy Pets. That means that, as a young puppy, you can’t leave your dog alone in the house or backyard. They need plenty of positive interactions with other dogs and humans.

Local Puppy Classes A great way to socialize a young dog is through an obedience class. Not only will your dog be exposed to new people and animals, they’ll learn lots of helpful commands to help you and them navigate life. Talk to your veterinarian or a local pet store about classes that can help you and your dog.

Positive Reinforcement A great way to socialize a dog of any age is through positive reinforcement. This means you reward good behavior (usually with a food reward, but also lots of praise and affection) and ignore poor behavior. As soon as your dog performs a desired behavior, reward him, and do it every time he responds positively to a command. You want him to connect the good behavior with the reward.

lots of praise. Remember, reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Use another dog: If your dog is comfortable around other dogs, try using that dog to model good behavior. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your pup catches on.

Finding the Right Vet The right veterinarian will help you give your dog a happy, healthy life. The American Veterinary Association says to use the same criteria you would to choose a doctor for yourself. Consider location, office hours, payment plans and services offered. You also need to choose a vet that you’re comfortable with and trust. Here are some tips for doing just that.

Ask Around Talk to friends and family. You can also turn to breed clubs, the AVMA says. Also talk to local pet stores or local dog groups. If you’re in a new area, ask your previous veterinarian if they know anyone practicing in your new city. While we’re talking about your current vet, make sure to get copies of all your pet’s medical records to bring with you.

Get a Vet Before You Need a Vet

Ways to Help Older Dogs Socialization works better when it happens with a younger dog, but older dogs can be socialized, too. It just takes a lot more work and patience. Keep a sharp eye out for fear behaviors during your training, like excessive panting, crouching or even aggression, and back off if your dog needs a break. Once you and your dog are ready, try the following tips from Chewy.com. Obedience and agility training: Both of these are great for older dogs, too. Work with your vet or a local pet store to find a trainer that can help your adult dog learn some new tricks. Exposure: If your dog is scared of a certain thing, like the vacuum cleaner, try exposing them to it in small doses and with lots of praise and treats. First, introduce the stationary, off vacuum and give the dog a treat. Once the dog takes the treat without hesitation and fear, try moving the vacuum before you give the treat. Work your way up to a running, moving vacuum. You want to change the dog’s position from fear to, at the very least, nonchalance. Go slow: Introduce your older dog to new people and places slowly and with

An emergency situation is not when you want to establish a relationship with a new veterinarian. If you’re getting a new dog, you need to find a vet first. They can help you pick a pet that fits in with your family and lifestyle. If you’re new to the area, establish care as soon as you can. Your vet can help your pet get settled in their new place and tell you about any risks specific to your area.

Questions to Consider The AVMA recommends thinking about these questions as you pick a new vet. What are the regular office hours? Do they work with your schedule? Do they have after-hours emergency coverage? What is the average wait time for a non-emergency appointment? Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian? Do the staff act professionally? Does your pet seem comfortable with the staff? What payments or insurance does the practice take? Is financial assistance available?

JULY 2019 • THE COA S TL A ND TIME S • A LL A BOUT DOGS - 7

REDUCING STRESS

CHOOSING PET INSURANCE Pet insurance, like your own health insurance, helps reimburse you for some medical expenses your dog can rack up. Also like people insurance, pet policies vary widely. Plans vary widely on exclusions, payout limits, waiting periods, vaccinations, wellness coverage and extras.

not required, Chewy recommends you get a wellness check as soon as coverage starts because your insurer will use the first exam after enrollment to determine overall health and pre-existing conditions. The insurer may also require your dog to be spayed or neutered if they are not already. If your pup wasn’t fixed before the age of 1, some coverage may be limited.

Restrictions Premiums and Deductibles Your dog’s age, breed or location may affect what kind of insurance you can get. Most plans start at 8 weeks and cover dogs as long as they are enrolled before a certain age, usually nine to 14, say the experts at Chewy.com say. Senior dogs may be able to get accident coverage but not illness. Breeds may be limited based on conditions they are prone to, such as hip dysplasia. You may be able to get optional coverage, though, or be covered after a waiting period.

Requirements Your insurer may require a vet exam before coverage can start. Even if it is

The premium is how much you’ll pay per month of coverage. A deductible is how much you must pay out of pocket before deductibles kick in. Two types of deductibles are lifetime per incident and annual. If your dog has a chronic condition, a lifetime per incident could be the way to go. Usually, the higher the deductible is, the lower your premium.

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Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to be balanced, centered and calm, our stressful lives get the best of us. And while spending most of the day laying around on the couch seems like Easy Street to us, our dogs can get stressed out, too. Here are some ways to reduce your pup’s stress. Signs of Stress First, it’s important to recognize the signs of stress in our canine friends. According to VCA Hospitals, these include: • Pacing or shaking • Whining or barking • Yawning, drooling and licking • Cowering or a tucked tail • Shedding • Avoidance behavior

What To Do If you notice signs of stress, remove your dog from the stressor immediately

and take him to a quiet place. Don’t overly comfort him; you could sabotage him by making him feel his fear is justified and make him less confident. You can try giving him simple commands he knows and giving him a treat to take his mind off things.

Get Some Exercise If your dog is stressed a lot, try getting him more exercise. Just like you feel better when you get up and move, so will he. Also, going for a walk or a jog can build his confidence by introducing him to new people and situations.

Talk To Your Vet Your veterinarian can also help diagnose causes of stress and help you formulate a treatment plan that may or may not include medication.

TECH GOES TO THE DOGS Like seemingly everything else in life, dog accessories have gone high tech. Here’s just a sampling of some high-tech gadgets and goodies you can get for your pup.

Toys and Cameras There are a variety of cameras that will allow you to say hey to your dog while you’re out and about. Some allow for two-way audio and even tossing a treat. PlayDate ($249) is a new smart ball that will allow you to see your dog and roll a ball around for them to play with from anywhere you can get wi-fi. Pebby ($189) is another smart ball, while Wickedbone ($99-$129) is an interactive bone game that allows you to drive or uses interactive mode to attract your dog’s attention.

TRAINING A CONFIDENT DOG Socialization is the key to a well-behaved, confident dog, says Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola’s Healthy Pets. That means that, as a young puppy, you can’t leave your dog alone in the house or backyard. They need plenty of positive interactions with other dogs and humans.

Positive Reinforcement A great way to socialize a dog of any age is through positive reinforcement. This means you reward good behavior

(usually with a food reward, but also lots of praise and affection) and ignore poor behavior. As soon as your dog performs a desired behavior, reward him, and do it every time he responds positively to a command. You want him to connect the good behavior with the reward.

Ways to Help Older Dogs Socialization works better when it

happens with a younger dog, but older dogs can be socialized, too. It just takes a lot more work and patience. Keep a sharp eye out for fear behaviors during your training, like excessive panting, crouching or even aggression, and back off if your dog needs a break. Once you and your dog are ready, try the following tips from Chewy.com. Obedience and agility training: Both of these are great for older dogs, too.

Work with your vet or a local pet store to find a trainer that can help your adult dog learn some new tricks. Exposure: If your dog is scared of a certain thing, like the vacuum cleaner, try exposing them to it in small doses and with lots of praise and treats. First, introduce the stationary, off vacuum and give the dog a treat. Once the dog takes the treat without hesitation and fear, try moving the vacuum before you give the treat. Work your way up to a running, moving vacuum. You want to change the dog’s position from fear to, at the very least, nonchalance. Go slow: Introduce your older dog to new people and places slowly and with lots of praise. Remember, reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Use another dog: If your dog is comfortable around other dogs, try using that dog to model good behavior. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your pup catches on.

JULY 2019 • THE COA S TL A ND TIME S • A LL A BOUT DOGS - 9

MOST POPULAR DOG BREEDS Here are 36 of the most popular dog breeds in 2018 according to American Kennel Club registrations. 1. Labrador retrievers 2. German shepherds 3. Golden retrievers 4. French bulldogs 5. Bulldogs 6. Beagles 7. Poodles 8. Rottweilers 9. German shorthaired pointers 10. Yorkshire terriers 11. Boxers 12. Dachshunds 13. Pembroke Welsh Corgis 14. Siberian huskies 15. Australian shepherds 16. Great Danes 17. Doberman pinschers

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18. Cavalier King Charles spaniels 19. Miniature schnauzer 20. Shih tzu 21. Boston terriers 22. Bernese mountain dogs 23. Pomeranians 24. Havanese 25. Shetland sheepdogs 26. Brittanys 27. English springer spaniels 28. Pugs 29. Mastiffs 30. Cocker spaniels 31. Vizslas 32. Cane corsos 33. Chihuahuas 34. Miniature American shepherds 35. Border collies 36. Weimaraners

FUN DOG FACTS Here are some fun dog facts from the American Kennel Club. 1. Boop! A dog’s nose print is unique, just like your fingerprint. 2. Forty-five percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owners’ bed. 3. The Labrador retriever has been on the AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds list for 25 straight years. Longer than any other breed. 4. All dogs dream, but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than adult dogs. 5. Seventy percent of people sign their dog’s name on holiday cards. 6. Rin Tin Tin was nominated for an Academy Award. 7. The name collie means black, as collies once tended black-faced sheeped. 8. Yawning is also contagious to dogs. The sound of a human yawn can trigger one for your dog, and is more likely to when it’s a person she knows. 9. Dogs curl up to sleep to protect their vital organs. 10. Human and dogs both have lower blood pressure when a human pets a dog. 11. There are more than 75 million pet dogs in the U.S. 12. All puppies are born deaf. 13. Dogs aren’t colorblind. They can see blue and yellow. 14. Dalmatians are born completely white and develop their spots as they age. 15. The Australian shepherd is an American breed. 16. The Norwegian lundehund has six fully developed toes on each foot. 17. George Washington lent a hand to the development of the American foxhound, starting with a pack of hounds given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. 18. The toy fox terrier was a popular circus trick dog. 19. The Norwegian elkhound once sailed with the Vikings. 20. The black Russian terrier was bred to patrol fences along Russia’s border (and prisons).

JULY 2019 • THE COA S TL A ND TIME S • A LL A BOUT DOGS - 11

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