Dogs should wear orange vest in hunting season

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Pets
Sheila MacGowan

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The fall is always a beautiful season here in the Maritimes and a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. But there are a few things should consider to keep your pet safe and enjoy the fall.
If you are able to walk your dog without a leash in the woods and fields there are potential dangers lurking for your pet. It is important to remember that the fall is hunting and trapping season. For safety’s sake both you and your pet should be wearing a hunter orange vest and avoid going into areas that are popular with hunters. Some people even use orange paint on horses that are pastured close to areas that people hunt. It is important to remember that it is illegal for dogs to chase deer so keep a close eye on your dog.
Traps poise a greater risk for dogs running at large or off leash. Traps can be placed closer to homes and known footpaths than a hunter can discharge a weapon. Some of these traps can be deadly to a dog. Trappers are not required to indicate that there are traps in the area. It is important to know where an off-leash dog is at all times and it maybe advisable to carry a walking stick to assist in opening a trap. You should also always have a cellphone with you for emergency purposes for both you and your dog.
With the increased movement of deer and the migration of birds there is a greater incidence of ticks in the fall. Be sure to give your dog a tick check at the end of a day when they have been out in the woods or fields. The ticks will most likely be located on the front end of your pet, especially around the head and the armpit area. They can be located by rubbing your fingers through the fur, feeling for a small raised skin tag. You can easily remove the tick with a set of tweezers. Hold them close to the skin, twisting the tick slightly and pull straight out.
It is also important to step up your schedule of routine brushing of your pet. This is shedding season for many dogs and cats as they are preparing to grow their undercoat and/or thicker coat for the winter months. The fall is also a time when burdocks are exposed and animals can easily pick a bunch up on their fur coat. The burdocks are not dangerous to the animal on the coat but they can cause problems if the pet is chewing at them to remove them. This is not life threatening but can be irritating to the tissue of the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. Removing burdocks and other sticky plant material will help avoid discomfort for your pet.
Enjoy the beautiful fall season with your pet but stay safe and happy.

Dr. Sheila MacGowan, co-owner of the Hampton Veterinary Clinic, lives in Rothesay. Her pets column runs bi-weekly in KV Style. If you have questions of comments, email her at hvcpetdoc@gmail.com.