Baark! On- Guard dog wanted.

Dear Baark!

I want my new pit-bull puppy to protect me. I was told to pinch it a lot, feed it pepper, tease it with food, kick it and yell at it. Will this make my dog protect me once it knows to be angry?

Signed- family guard dog wanted

Dear Family guard dog wanted

We are so glad you asked, asking the right questions gets you started as a responsible pet owner. Sadly you have been given the wrong information. Kicking at a dog is abusive and is not tolerated. Pinching and teasing a dog will not make it more protective of you; it will make it more afraid of you.  A good guard dog will protect because he is loyal to his caring owners, not bark and bite at anyone who happens to come near.

A guard dog should be able to alert you to things around you that are potential threats, but a good guard dog will also be able to stop its reaction by your command. You want a confident, highly socialized dog that can interact in a friendly way with many people but when they sense danger or a threat can turn on the guard dog attitude. Learning the basics skills of obedience will be your first step in helping create a smart, confident guard dog. We recommend trying out some of the dog training courses offered around Bahamas and getting their opinion if your dog would be suited to being a guard dog.

Thanks for asking!

Baark!

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Signs and Treatment for Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

Heat Exhaustion is a serious issue for dogs and if not treated can lead to death. We at Baark! are serious about animal care and want you to be informed.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

 1. Vigorous panting

 2. Dark red, dry gums

 3. Stumbling and lack of coordination

 4. Laying down and unwilling to get up

 5. Collapse and/or loss of consciousness

 6. Thick saliva
 7.  Dizziness or disorientation

 8. Diarrhea or vomiting

If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, you must take immediate action.

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

1. Move the dog out of the sun and heat; ideally, the dog should be moved to an indoor, air conditioned location.

2.  Fill a tub with a few inches of cool water.

3.  Pour room temperature water over the dog's entire body.

4. Aim a fan at the dog (if a fan is unavailable, fan the dog manually with a magazine or similar item

5. Offer a bowl of cold water for drinking.

6.Seek the advice of a veterinarian

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On... Hot Weather Tips for Dogs

Hot weather tips for Dogs

Hot weather can be dangerous for our dogs. Dogs lack the ability to cool off as effectively as is often required. Since we live in the Bahamas, known for our often soaring 

temperatures we dedicate this column to helping our canine friends stay safe in the heat.

    1. Water, water and more water.  Dogs can dehydrate very quickly. In the hot weather dogs need access to plenty of water. Be sure to check the bowls a few times a day to ensure a constant supply of fresh water.

    2. Shade, shade and more shade. Think about it, if you get hot while in the sun what do you do? Chances are you seek shade and feel the instant difference. Dogs require the same thing and need access to a shaded and ventilated area if they are kept outside.

    3. Limit your dog’s exercise to cooler portions of the day.

  4. Remember dogs are much closer to the ground than we are, standing on the hot asphalt street will heat up the dog faster than it does us. Be mindful and if choose grassy areas over the pavement to stop during your walk.

   5. Groom your dog regularly. This not only helps prevent flea and tick problems but it helps thin out the dogs hair which can trap heat. Dogs can get sunburn so avoid shaving off their hair; instead keep their coat shorter in the hotter months.

   6. Bring your dog inside your home during the hottest hours of the day.

Please spay and neuter your animals.

By ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.  Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)

Baark! On- A new weekly format for Baark!

You really must excuse the lengthy lapse of time between our last blog post in April. 

We have been busy brainstorming a new and creative ways to get our message of animal welfare in the Bahamas out to the public. Starting tomorrow one of those ways will make an appearance.

Starting tomorrow Baark!s blog will be posting a weekly column, called 

 Baark! On

We will be using guest columnists and tackling many different issues we face here in the Bahamas about pet care and animal welfare.

Be sure to come by tomorrow to see our first column posting! And please be sure to let us know your thoughts!