MySetterSam: The Ruff Report: Dogs and Safety

Don't be in the dark about this pet threat

A natural phenomenon that happens each year puts your pet at a much higher risk of injury or even death, and dogs and cats need careful guidance to deal with it, an animal welfare agency warns.This marvel of Mother Nature that endangers the well-being of pets occurs in late autumn and winter, the period when daylight becomes scarce, nights are longer and the chances of your pet being hit by a vehicle skyrocket.

Story continues below
----------------------------------------------------------------------

A book about a rescue dog
that will touch your heart

THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, is a nonfiction book about Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog who the author adopts at age 2. This beautifully designed full-color deluxe book, by longtime newspaper journalist Joseph A. Reppucci, contains more than 60 vibrant color photos of dogs to help illustrate the compelling and uplifting story of Samantha - a pretty tricolor bird dog who uses her warm personality to win people over and build a new family after being put up for adoption by a hunter because she is gun-shy and afraid to hunt. Learn how she uses her special bonding abilities with people to help her eventually make a transition from the hunting fields to family life. While reading the The Hunt of Her Life, you will travel with Samantha and the author along a trail filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. The Hunt of Her Life is must reading. It will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Available at:

Createspace.com (an Amazon.com company)

Also find it on: Amazon.com

Like it on: Facebook/thehuntofherlife

Join us on: Goodreads.com

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Story continues here

During this period, road traffic accidents involving pets spike 8 percent, resulting in more broken bones, fractures and deaths, according to PDSA, a leading veterinary charity in Britain.

"It's essential to keep your dog on a lead when out walking and, as much as possible, only walk them in daylight," Elaine Pendlebury, a veterinarian for PDSA, states in a media release.

The injuries that occur from road traffic accidents during winter are also far more severe - or even fatal - than at other times of the year, Dr. Pendlebury said. Pets frequently get hit by vehicles moving at higher speeds because drivers brake late since they are unable to see a pet dashing into the road until the last moment.

"During the winter, victims of road traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of trauma we see at PDSA PetAid hospitals," Dr. Pendlebury said.

Young cats, like those age 7 months to 2 years, are particularly vulnerable because they often lack "street-wise" abilities.

Because of the darkness, pet owners many times fail to realize their dog or cat has been hit by a vehicle, Dr. Pendlebury said. "Often injuries are hidden or impossible to detect without a veterinary inspection; such as bruises buried beneath layers of fur or internal injuries."

According to PDSA, indications that a pet has been involved in road traffic accident include: Pale gums and lips, which could be a sign of internal bleeding; difficulty breathing; cuts, wounds and bruises; scuffed hind claws which could indicate a dug its claws into the road when hit; and limping or inability to stand.

Related reports about dogs and winter:

Winter is most deadly time of the year for pets
Don't let your pet get the winter blues

Reports about dogs, poison and safety:
Grapes, mushrooms, pot are leading pet poisons