The Not-Ok Corral: how to stay safe at the dog park

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I don’t like dog parks. I don’t mean big open green spaces – Kali and I explore these on a daily basis.That’s her in the picture at one such park, sharing a stick and a goofy grin with her handsome friend Buffett. I’m referring to the fenced-in-designated-off-leash-zones or ‘corrals’ that are popular in this city and many others. In theory they might sound great – a meeting place for dogs to all frolic together – but the reality isn’t always so idyllic. Off… Read More

Learning from the Denver Anchor Dog Bite Incident

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Last week a Denver news anchor was bitten in the face by a dog during a live interview with a firefighter who had recently rescued the dog from icy waters. The injury required reconstructive surgery and our hearts go out to her as we wish her a smooth and speedy recovery. Watching the news clip I was reminded of a similar incident last year in which a reporter was also bitten in the face during an interview with a police officer and his… Read More

Tricks, not treats – Top 5 tips for a safe Halloween

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In addition to being fun for kids (and kids at heart), Halloween means a special treat to zoo residents around the world where pumpkins are used for environmental enrichment.      These animals might be having fun but Halloween can be a stressful time for our pets at home. Here are the top 5 tips to make sure everyone has a fun and safe holiday!!    The hazards of chocolate are well known but other dangers lurking in those sweet treats include raisins and anything with… Read More

How Cool is Your Dog? Top 5 Tips for Summer Safety

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  1. Never leave Rover in a parked car. Not even with the windows open. On a mild summer day (22˚C), the interior of your car can reach almost 40˚C in just 10 minutes. Dogs can suffer brain damage, organ failure and death at body temperatures of 40˚C or higher. Be a responsible citizen; if you see a dog in a parked car, call 911. 2. Exercise Rover early or late in the day. Dogs aren’t able to cool down as efficiently as… Read More