Within a two- to three-minute time frame on any given day, I encounter wildlife right in my own backyard. I have a rule: The
wildlife has its habitat in the back of the yard, but I do not welcome wildlife in my space. Unfortunately, the wildlife does
not seem to respect this concept and I have, on several occasions, relocated snakes. When I see my dog sunbathing on the deck
and three feet away is a sun-seeking snake, the latter has to go.
Wildlife vs. companion pet encounters are on the rise. A recent study from Veterinary Pet Insurance stated that based on its
claims, the company has processed injuries to companion animals from a multitude of furry, scaly, and creepy-crawler critters.
The top 10 offenders are snakes, coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, scorpions, javelinas (also known as peccaries), porcupines,
groundhogs, skunks, and rats. (Personally, I find the groundhog reference hard to believe.) A smaller number of reports list
jellyfish, hawks, mountain lions, bears, goats, sea urchins, and beavers as the cause of injury.
Be aware of the wildlife in your area. While human habitat continues to encroach into wildlife areas, and as we travel to
and exercise our pets in more open spaces, the reports of wildlife-related injuries will increase. Knowledge is power. When
you move to a new area, contact your local department of natural resources or state extension office to learn about the habits
and dangers of local wildlife. Do the same if you plan to vacation in an area where your pet is welcomed. Should you have a wildlife encounter with your pet, take the pet to a veterinarian for an immediate exam or necessary care.
Since many encounters happen over weekends or while you are away from home, know the phone numbers of veterinary hospitals
that cover weekend and evening hours and the locations of those practices. Keep in mind that many cities and towns are now
depending on emergency veterinary hospitals to take all after-hours calls.
Enjoy outdoor activities with your pet. Take the appropriate precautions and keep an eye out for those groundhogs!
Modern Medicine Network
TOOLS
Assignments in rural settings can offer a different perspective and open up a plethora of professional opportunities. If
you're taking your pet on a rural assignment, heed Kim Kilmer's aforementioned guidance, then go to http://healthcaretraveler.com/rural to learn more about off-the-beaten-path assignments.
COMMUNITY
Thinking about taking your canine friend to an assignment near the beach? There are beaches from California to Maine and
from Illinois to Texas that will welcome visitors with well-behaved dogs. Read Kim Kilmer's advice on taking your four-legged
friend along at http://healthcaretraveler.com/water.
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Into the wild- Check your yard for wildlife before letting a pet outside.
- Keep your pet indoors during times that local wildlife might be present.
- Know when local, wild carnivores will feed and when snakes and insects are most active.
- Keep your yard free of anything that may draw wildlife or dangerous insects.
- Install appropriate barriers between your pets and bodies of water.
- Keep your pet on a leash when away from home and be aware of your surroundings.
- Carry with you a whistle, animal-deterrent spray, cell phone, and first aid kit when out with your pet. Train your pet to
come to the whistle, which can be heard when your voice cannot, have the animal-deterrent spray ready if needed, preprogram
your vet's emergency contacts into your phone, and know how to administer basic first aid to your pet.
- Walk pets on a properly fitted, escape-proof harness or collar. I like Premier Pet Products' martingale collar for dogs.
- Teach your dog three lifesaving commands: "leave it," "down/stay," and "come." Practice so your pet will understand how to
respond to those commands when distracted.
- Seek out snake-proofing training if you're a dog owner who lives in the same area as poisonous snakes. Most classes use aversion
therapy, of which I am not in favor, but if the dog sees the snake and you do not, this type of training can save their lives.
- Consider safety attire such as vests that cover the vital organs and booties when and if appropriate for dogs that swim and
run in wildlife areas.
- Consider using herbal products that might repel insects and some wildlife.
- Avoid wildlife areas during mating or migration times, and know what time of year jellyfish and other water-dwelling creatures
are prevalent.
- Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccines—especially state-mandated rabies protocols—and carry your pet's vaccine and
general health history with you.
»Attention travelers! Do you have a question for Kim? Send it to mkuhar@advanstar.com
and it could appear in the next edition of Paws for Thought.
