While we get busy this holiday season, the Grey Bruce Veterinary Association wants to remind us that our pets can get stressed out too.
Doctor Sally Parks of the Rabies Committee says they see an increase in dog bites at this time of year.
She says the holidays are busy with more people coming and going, and changes to routines, and this could agitate your dog.
Doctor Parks says they usually see more family dogs and adult dogs, 2 to 5 years old, biting people — usually children between 5 and 9 years old.
Doctor Parks says it’s important to know your dog, and keep an eye on its behaviour.
She says some telling signs include yawning, licking lips, closing mouth, turning away, and shaking people off.
She says it’s extra important that we don’t leave small children alone with dogs at this time of year, even if it’s a dog you trust.
She says the best thing to do is give dogs their own space and “escape routes” from busy rooms of the house.
If a bite does occur, Doctor Parks says you must report it to the Grey-Bruce Health Unit.
She says this also applies to cats, as they tend to get overwhelmed and bite or scratch as well.
