4 Paws Academy - Dog Training, Obedience, Agility, Daycare, Day School and Boarding in Rutland, VT

Over the past few weeks we have had dozens of people and crews in and out renovating our new day care facility. Just this afternoon, while a gentleman was working at the new building, we received a call from Rutland Veterinary Clinic regarding a dog that had been found.

Someone had picked the dog up in the middle of Grove Street and brought it to Rutland Vet. The first things Vets do when a lost dog is delivered is scan for a microchip. The dog that had been brought to Rutland Vet did have a microchip implanted. Within the first five minutes of the dog being dropped off at the vet, the staff were in contact with the man’s daughter. The daughter told the her father was working at 4 Paws today and the Vet called us. We relayed the message to our carpenter, who happened to be riding up and down the busy street knocking on doors frantically looking for his lost dog. The lost dog was reunited with his owner in a half hour.

Microchipping your dog is a quick and easy safety mechanism should they ever become lost. The chip contains all the owner’s contact information and doesn’t have the chance of falling off or becoming lost as regular tags can and often do. The implant is painless, small, and takes only a second. The actual chip is about the size of a single grain of rice and feels like a regular vaccination to the dog. The one time fee and easy procedure could potentially save your four-legged friend’s life and have him or her reunited with you easily.

•  “The microchip is implanted between the dog’s shoulder blades under the skin with a needle and special syringe. The process is similar to getting a shot. Little to no pain is experienced – most dogs do not seem to even feel it being implanted. Once in place, the microchip can be detected immediately with a handheld device that uses radio waves to read the chip. This device scans the microchip, and then displays a unique alphanumeric code. Once the microchip is placed, the dog must be registered with the microchip company, usually for a one-time fee. Then, the dog can be traced back to the owner if found.” ( Jenna Stregowski, RVT)

We highly suggest to all our clients that you research and undergo the quick and easy procedure of microchipping your dogs. Microchipping provides peace of mind and security should your dog ever become lost – which is likely at some point over his or her years of life. As our experience today has shown us, microchipping is a fantastic reinforcement to tags to find owners’ contact information. No more printing posters and frantically spreading them around town while merely hoping you can get your dog back.

A canine first aid kit is essential for any active dog/handler team. Whether you keep it in the car, bring it with you camping or on hikes, or leave it in the medicine cabinet at home, it is always a great idea to be prepared. Hopefully this article will bring some items to light that the average dog owner may not think of when putting together a first aid kit. Bundle items into a durable, waterproof or water resistant container. A rubber or durable plastic bag would also work as a first aid kit.

• Hydrogen Peroxide – If your dog ingests something that could cause he or she harm, forcing your dog to drink peroxide will induce vomiting and keep dangerous substances out of the stomach before they can cause a blockage or any other sort of damage.
• Activated Charcoal – In case of poisoning or suspected poisoning, activated charcoal tablets are effective in absorption of many toxic poisons.
• Benadryl or Similar Antihistamine – Excellent to have on hand for bee stings
• Muzzle – When a dog is injured and scared, they are much more likely to bite out of fear. Scared dogs will even go after their owners when their owners are trying to remedy an injury. A muzzle will allow you to treat the wound just in case your dog tries to bite.
• Bandages – We suggest carrying both narrow and wide first aid tape as well as Vet wrap (Try to find the ‘No-Chew’ variety) and several sizes of Ace Bandages and butterflies. Vet wrap will not stick to wounds and serves as an excellent source of protection to a wound before you can get to a vet’s office.
• Antibacterial Ointment such as Neosporin
• Styptic powder - To stop bleeding, most commonly of toe nail quicks
• Tick Twister – A safe, effective, and painless means of removing ticks. Used commonly in Veterinary offices as well as hospitals.
• Instant Ice Pack – For sprangs, bruises, swelling, and strains
• Disposable Safety Razor – For shaving areas around wounds in extreme cases
•  Q-Tips, Cotton Balls, Rubbing Alcohol, Nail Clippers, Scissors

Real life happens and there may be times unexpected emergencies occur. When you are on the road it is and may be critical to have these items on hand. Keep them up-to-date.

• Phone numbers or business cards from your veterinarian
• A number for the closest emergency animal hospital
  Poison control hot lines 888-426-4435 ASPCA
  List personal information: name, address and emergency phone numbers.
• Animal information: name, age, breed, sex, identification (microchipping information), and any health issue to include types of medicines and when to administer.
• A medical bracelet for a pet can provide valuable feedback should they get lost or need to give information to caregivers.
• A copy of your pet vaccination records as well as a photo of each pet in case it is needed for ID or other purposes.