Rowan Veterinary Centre

“where pets come first”

Hillock Lane Freckleton

Preston Lancashire

PR4 1TP 01772 639800

The Old Bank

369 Whitegate Drive Blackpool FY3 9PH

01253 766352

www.rowanvets.co.uk

Consulting Times

Freckleton Surgery

Monday to Wednesday 8.30am to 7pm

Thursday

8.30am to 6.30pm

Friday 8.30am to 7pm

Saturday

8.30am to 1pm

Blackpool Surgery

Monday to Friday

8.30am to 6pm

Saturday 8.30am to 11am

Be Dog Smart

1 B—A growling dog means an uncomfortable

dog

2 C—Lip licking when not near food is a sign

of stress

3 A—Cowering with ears back means a dog is

NOT comfortable

4 A/C—He doesn’t want to interact so leave

him be

TOP TIPS FOR KIDS If a dog is chasing you it may be because they are interested in what you’re holding. Throw whatever you are holding to the ground. If the dog is not distracted by what you may be holding stand still and upright, look away and tuck your fingers and thumbs in and cross your arms over your chest. If a dog knocks you over, make like a hedgehog and curl into a tight ball covering your face and head with your arms and stay like this until an adult arrives or the dog goes away.

Owning a dog should be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do in your life, but along with the fun, loyalty and companionship comes a great responsibility. The purpose of this leaflet is to offer advice and guidance on how to stay safe around dogs for anyone who has a responsibility for children. No matter how well we think we know our dogs, there is always a risk that someone will misinterpret their signals and as a result end in a nip or at worst, a full-on bite. A Dogs Trust survey has shown that 44% of parents would leave a child under 11 alone with a dog, while 12% would leave a pre-schooler (under 5) alone with a dog. 32% of parents would let their child approach or pet a dog they didn’t know. The problem comes when the person doesn’t understand when the dog is trying to say “leave me alone” For example a human wouldn’t instantly tell you to back off because they don’t care for a hug from a person that they don’t know well. You couldn’t tell by looking at them but they would be able to stop you before you did, so no harm done. Now think about this from a dog’s point of view. He may be telling you with every part of his body, pulling facial expressions, but if you’re unaware of what a dog looks like when he is trying to say “back off” you’ll probably end up with a bite. Learning how to understand what a dog is telling you is SO important. Nothing complicated, just basic, every day signs that a dog will display when they feel worried, scared or has simply had enough! This information is provided by The Dog’s Trust

Test your dog-reading knowledge How good are you at understanding dogs? Test your dog-reading knowledge and try it out with your friends and children. Answers are at the back of the leaflet—NO PEEKING!

1. Is this dog A. Happy to see you. B. Angry. C. Excited.

2. Is this dog A. Wanting to play. B. Hungry. C. Feeling stressed.

3. Is this dog A. Feeling frightened. B. Feeling confident. C. Asking for you to tickle his head.

4. Is this dog A. Telling you to leave him alone. B. Asking you to play. C. Feeling unsure.

B Beware of disturbing dogs that are eating or sleeping

E Even if only meant as fun, don’t EVER tease a dog

D Don’t approach a dog with no owner around

O Only stroke a dog when the own-ers says you can

G Get the dog to sniff your hand first, then stroke gently

S Strange dog approaching? Stand still, look away, cross your arms.

M Move calmly and quietly around any dog

A All that hugging and kissing; you might like it but dogs don’t

R Remember, all dogs have teeth

T Treat dogs with respect and they will respect you

The simple principles of

BE DOG SMART