PAWS OFF THE PETUNIAS!
Curb Your Dog’s Digging Habit
ELIMINATE PREY If your dog is chasing gophers, voles, chipmunks, or rats burrowing under your lawn, try cleaning up any food for those invaders, such as bird feeders, compost piles, fallen fruit, or grubs in the soil. An exterminator may be able to place traps to solve serious vermin infestations, but be wary of using rodenticides. These toxins are as poisonous to your pets as to the vermin you are trying to eliminate. Merely eating a rodent that has died from rodenticide may be enough to sicken or kill your pet. COMFORT AND CALM Some dogs dig into the soil to create a cooler or warmer place for themselves to escape extreme temperatures. Provide your pet with plenty of shade and cool water on hot days, and don’t leave them outside in hot or cold temperatures for too long. If you suspect your dog is digging to vent anxiety, try a calming vest — a soft garment that gently hugs your dog’s torso. For some dogs, the vests ease the anxiety or overexcitement that can trigger digging. Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for advice! Dogs with severe anxiety may require professional help, such as behavioral modification training or medication.
Seeing your beloved dog tearing up your carefully tended yard or garden can strain the patience of the most loving pet owner. While digging is normal for many dogs, it can wreak havoc with your landscaping. Some dogs dig out of boredom or anxiety, others to vent excess energy. Some breeds are hard-wired to unearth prey by digging, and others are just trying to create shelter from extreme temperatures. Here are four potential solutions. EXERCISE Some pets dig obsessively because they are bored. Try providing more physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. Rather than leaving your dog alone in the yard, accompany them on walks. Play vigorous games of fetch or tug-of-war, or give your pet engaging toys, such as a KONG stuffed with frozen peanut butter. Other canines may be stimulated by puzzles that squeak or dispense treats. A DIGGING ZONE Some pets develop a digging habit to get attention. If they are lonely or understimulated, negative attention is better than none! Try training your dog to confine its digging to a designated digging zone in your yard. Then, reward it for using it by giving it a treat or burying a few treats in the soil.
N ePwo lSi cCi eVs C
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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