Frequently Asked Questions – DOGS

Dear Labby!

My dog has all her shots, why does she need to go to the vet?

Many pets arrive at the shelter with fleas, ear mites, worms and other parasites. Despite our best efforts, treatments for these problems are not always completely effective. When you take her home, your dog may still have some of the parasites she arrived with at the shelter. Ask your veterinarian about the best treatment and prevention for these or other problems. A veterinary exam is FREE with your certificate from MHS (but expires one week after adoption). The vet will check your dog's spay or neuter incision and remove his/her stitches if there are any.

Do dogs have to go to the vet every year?

Yes, your dog will need to see the vet at least once a year for the rest of her life. Annual vaccinations protect your pet from viral diseases like Canine Distemper and Parvovirus. Rabies vaccinations are required by law to protect people and pets (many states have 2 or 3 year rabies vaccines). All dogs need a heartworm test in the spring, and heartworm preventative from April through October. Worms, ear mites, fleas and other parasites are best prevented by keeping your dog away from stray or roaming animals who may be carrying parasites. If your dog ever acts strangely or appears to be sick, call your vet immediately.

Where do I get a license for my dog?

Your town clerk sells dog licenses, which are required by law. Take your dog's rabies certificate with you (the tag is not proof enough). Licensing costs less for spayed or neutered pets, so bring your spay/neuter certificate or adoption paperwork with you, too.

Why does my dog chew on my things when she has her own toys?

She probably wants your attention, and when she chews on something that's yours, you look at her, talk to her and touch her (even if you are angry, these are rewards to her). Spend time playing with your dog and her toys. Make them fun and interesting to her. Pay attention and praise her when she's playing with her toys. It's important to find a safe, sturdy chew toy that your dog likes, since chewing is a way that many dogs relieve stress, boredom and discomfort from teething.

Why does my dog bark, dig and carry on while she's outside on her run?

She needs more exercise and companionship from her family. Dogs that don't get enough playtime with their families make up their own "games" (and that usually ends up causing trouble). Dogs that are kept in the yard all the time feel removed from their pack — a very unnatural thing for a pack animal.

If your dog is outside because they misbehave in the house, chances are she¹s not getting enough exercise (this is often the case with herding and sporting dogs like border collies, huskies, hounds, and terriers). Dogs that get enough exercise are better behaved, healthier, and deal with stress better (just like us humans!). If your dog is getting into trouble a lot, try teaching her to fetch a ball, play frisbee, go jogging or hiking with you...and then take her! You will see a big difference in her behavior on the days you really play with her.
Remember...a tired dog is a good dog!

Why doesn't my dog listen to me when I give her a command?

Dogs do not understand english, but they can learn to do certain things on command. Training your dog will take time and patience, but going to a training class can help you and your dog in a few ways:

• You will learn to understand and handle your dog.
• Your dog will learn good manners and maybe even some cool tricks.
• Your dog will get to interact with all kinds of people and other dogs and the end result will be you having a canine companion that is a pleasure to be around.

Learning can (and should) be fun for you and your dog and nearly everything you need to teach your dog can be done using positive reinforcement. You should never have to inflict pain on your dog, although some trainers will tell you to. Positive (and fun) training classes are held regularly at MHS — and you'll get a discount with your special shelter dog! If you¹d like help choosing or finding a class, please call your shelter for ideas. Look for a trainer who has good communication skills and handles dogs with respect.