Nation’s Emergency Physicians Warn about Dangers of Dog Bites

With spring approaching, more people will be going outdoors to enjoy warmer weather. That also might mean more contact with dogs, either being walked by their owners or unaccompanied. Since 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) wants to warn Americans about the dangers of dog bites and help prevent them before they happen.

“Most dogs are friendly, with no intentions to cause harm to anyone,” said Dr. Nick Jouriles, president of ACEP. “But sometimes they act aggressively toward strangers for a variety of reasons. “Most dog bites are not fatal, but at least one in five requires medical attention, including a trip to the emergency department.”

How can dog bites be prevented?
Avoid unfamiliar dogs or any dogs acting strangely. Just stay away from them if you can.
· Don’t run from a dog, scream, startle them or make loud noises.
· Remain motionless if approached by an unfamiliar, possibly threatening dog.
· If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still, and cover your head if possible.
· Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
· Don’t bother a dog if it’s sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
· Don’t pet an unknown dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
· Talk to you kids about this information, make sure they understand the dangers before they go out and play.

What do you do if you are bitten?
· Tell children to immediately inform an adult and seek medical attention.
· If bleeding, put pressure on the wound and clean the area with running water.
· If you develop a fever or other signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, pain, a bad smell or fluid draining from the area, see a physician immediately.
· Call 911 if it is a severe attack, extensive bleeding or near the facial area.
· Most dogs that have owners are vaccinated against rabies. If you are not sure, contact your doctor, your local health department or animal control.
· Children or adults may need a tetanus shot.

For more information about dog bites and other medical related topics, go to www.emergencycareforyou.org.

ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 27,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.

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Eco-Friendly Pet Toys

With Earth Day just around the corner (April 22), the folks at petside.com have released its exclusive list of the Top 10 Eco-Friendly Pet Toys, to help owners reduce their pet's carbon paw print. If interested, you can check it out here: to see the complete list and get information on where to buy these environmentally responsible products.

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Minhas Filhotas Lindas...

Megan : 1 ano e 3 meses
Vanilla: 7 meses

Madonna: 5 meses

Essas fotos são de ontem. Fazia tempo que eu não colocava fotos das meninas aqui...Estão lindas crescendo e ficando muito peludas! rs

Prognatismo No Shih Tzu

Antes de mais nada:

O Shih-Tzu é uma raça prognata!

Prognatismo - hipertrofia da mandíbula para a frente, provocando o desencaixe da arcada superior com a inferior.
pro (grego) significa ‘movimento para a frente, e gnatismo, significa ‘queixo, ‘mandíbula.

Desde que seu prognatismo não seja aparente qdo a boca estivar fechada, o Prognatismo esta dentro do padrão.
O prognatismo sempre tende ao aumento. Até um ano de idade seu cão esta em formação, sendo assim vc notará q vai ter um aumento de prognatismo. Mas ñ se preocupe se o grau de prognatismo aos 60 dias for minimo é provavel q ele ficará lindo com seus dentinhos dentro da boca fechada (hehe). O estranho é alguem ou algum criador dizer q um shih tzu jamais será um cão prognata!!! Isso influencia muito pelo fato de ter o focinho muito curto... Todas as raças com focinho curto tem prognatismo.
Isso não vai afetar na saude do seu filhote (a não ser q seja muito prognata). o prognatismo normal é de menos de um dedo...

Já ouvi falar de pessoas que compraram um shih tzu e queriam devolver porque o cão veio com a "boca torta!" ou com "defeito"...peloamordedeus...Isso é absolutamente normal nas raças de focinho curto....

Antes de comprar saiba todos os detalhes do cão, estude bem para não pagar "mico".

O que realmente não pode no shih tzu é um prognatismo tão grande que apareça com a boca fechada ou a lingua chega a ficar pra fora....Isso realmente é genético e não é aceito nas exposições pq está completamente fora do padrão normal da raça....

Então curta ele ao maximo, pois não a nada melhor do q uma companhia de um cãozinho.

Wide Cat Eyes

Cat with black wide and beautiful eyes