June 27, 2008

LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth

CAMP Paws

Get out! Words we have heard from our parents, partners, friends and even perhaps a bouncer or two back in the day. However, when we hear it from the news media or local weatherman, take heed.

The storm season is upon us and although there are no levees to break, the Atlantic Ocean packs a powerful punch! The National Weather service has come out with their hurricane predictions of about 9-13 named storms. Make sure you and your dog are prepared.

Plan to evacuate somewhere where you can take your pets. Place a “Rescue my Pets” sticker in several locations in case you can’t get to your pet in time. You should have this anyway in case of fire or emergency! Have your pet’s bag packed next to yours; it should include any meds, vet records, food and water for a week, extra collar with name tags. Include an emergency number, either a mobile number or a friend/family member not in your town in case of downed lines. It is also a good idea to have a picture of your pet with you in case you need to locate her.

For a more complete list go the ASPCA or Humane Society website. Keep those questions coming!

Q: Should I shave my husky during the summer? She gets so hot and miserable but I have heard mixed things about it.

Lisa Fore, Lewes

A. Great question, with a not so simple answer. Huskies have a double coat, so regular brushing or using a tool called the “Furminater,” will help immensely! Dogs with double coats truly shed their coats twice a year, although any owner would say it never stops! If you do shave her go to an experienced groomer who will only shave the top coat. She will probably be more comfortable, and it will be easier to find ticks and fleas. Exposing any of her undercoat and skin could expose her to sunburn and with a breed like that it is difficult to apply treatment.

Q: Could you please tell people to leave their dogs home during fireworks? They bark and freak out and ruin it for all of us.

Dog Lover, Rehoboth

A: Okay! Please leave your dog home during fireworks! They could have a flight/panic response and they could truly care less and won’t “Ooh and Ahh” with you!

Joy Freedman is a Dog Behaviorist who does the popular “Ask the trainer” column on radio and for Baltimore Dog magazine, and now for Letters! She has worked with Cesar Milan and will be doing monthly seminars in Rehoboth while working on her first book this summer! Her website is www. 4 Paws pet services.com. Submit Dog queries to Ask the [email protected].

LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 08 June 27, 2008