ASK AN EXPERT(Submit pet questions to abraly@timesfreepress.com or khill@timesfreepress.com.)Q: I have seen rabies clinics advertised in the community. Why is it so important for me to get my dog or cat a rabies vaccination?A: Humans bitten by rabid animals have little chance of survival once the virus has reached the nervous system and the victim is showing neurological signs. Therefore, it is crucial that we all vaccinate our pets in order to keep the rabies virus from gaining a foothold. It is Tennessee law that all puppies and kittens should be vaccinated at 3 months of age and their rabies vaccinations must be kept up to date. Call the health department, your veterinarian or your local animal shelter for the dates and locations.– Karen S. Walsh, LVMT, McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center
Persistently barking dogs can land their masters in court these days — a location no loving dog owner wants to be.
Chattanoogan Laura McNutt, a Times Free Press employee, found the answer with a Citronella Bark Collar. One of her two dogs, Murray, a rescued mixed breed, was barking at birds, squirrels, bikers, walkers and, most notably, the UPS man, Mrs. McNutt said.
Not wanting to leave her dog inside all day, she consulted with animal experts about a safe method to tone down Murray’s barking. The folks at Play Dog Excellent in Red Bank suggested the Citronella Bark Collar.
According to barkcollarsdirect.com, the collar sprays a light mist of citronella scent in front of the dog’s nose when he or she barks. The collar emits a hissing noise that startles them, and dogs seem to dislike the smell.
Bev Eitner, a managing partner at Play Dog Excellent, said the collar is not the answer to everyone’s problems.
“Nothing is 100 percent in terms of a dog barking because there’s a billion reasons why a dog barks,” she said.
The collar is available in most pet stores and at Play Dog Excellent, where the initial investment, including collar, batteries and citronella cartridge, costs about $100.
(Submit pet-interest stories to abraly@timesfreepress.com or khill@timesfreepress.com.)
PERFECT PET
Voting continues through Thursday in the April Perfect Pet Photo contest at Chattapets.com. A winner will be announced next Monday in the Life section.