Bucky is a survivor of a big dog / little dog attack this past spring. While out for a leash walk, his mom was shocked when a German Shepherd ran over to attack him, grabbing his back.
With nothing other than the hard-handled Flexi leash, his mom was able to beat the attacking dog in the head making the attacker release Bucky.
After weeks of treatments, Bucky was pronounced healed by his veterinarian.
We see 3-5 incidence of big dog / little dog each year. Most of the time the little dog was on leash and the big got away from his owner.
Occasionally the little dog is 50 pounds and the big dog a giant breed. In one instance, the big dog tossed the 50 pound little dog in the air as if he were a toy causing rips in the skin.
Injuries from dog attacks vary from skin and muscle tears to loss of life due to the lungs being punctured.
Prevention is not always straight forward since in Bucky's case the aggressor got away from his owner and came from behind. For Bucky's mom, the Flexi leash saved him.
The company acknowledges potential problems with the leash such as, cuts and burns, finger injuries, eye and head injuries and bystander injuries.
For all the times I've been wrapped up in the cord, I forgive the Flexi leash since it saved Bucky.
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Reducing Cat Stress for Traveling
Dr. Karen La Vetter offers some great ideas about reducing stress before the veterinary visit. The most important is allowing your kitty to become accustomed to the cat carrier. Keep it indoors and use it as cat furniture and toy holder year round.
Keep the carrier in a room that your cat spends time in. Place a favorite blanket, bed or towel in the carrier. You may even find your cat sleeping in the carrier!
Use treats, catnip or toys to encourage kitty to enter the carrier.
A synthetic pheromone spray called Feliway sprayed on the bedding in the carrier at least 30 minutes prior to departure may also help.
You want the carrier to be a safe familiar place that has all the good odors and memories associated with it.
One big don't.... Don't keep the carrier in the garage and only bring it in on vet visit day. It is a sure way to get kitty to hind under the bed.
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