Be careful at events with large numbers of dogs

[Karin]

I just wanted to write with a warning to those who go to dog-related events where there are lots and lots of dogs.

We took Heidi to Bark in the Park in San Jose on Saturday. She went last year and had a blast. This year, she had a lot of fun too--until she got bit, out of the blue, by a Borzoi dog that she apparently got too close to.

We were in very close quarters because people and their dogs were lined up for something. I could tell Heidi felt uncomfortable being so close to these strange dogs, so we tried to hurry her by. That's when the Borzoi growled and lunged at her. We didn't realize that she had gotten bit until we looked down and saw that her ear was covered in blood. We rushed around, looking for the first aid station that was supposedly there, but couldn't find it. And the people at the information booths pointed us in different directions, and we never did find it.

Long story short, Heidi will now probably have to have a good portion of her ear removed. Here's her thread in the Health forum:

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...=1#Post1204052

I know it could have been worse though, and it makes me think about all the little dogs that are just wandering around at the end of their long retractable leashes. They could be killed in an instant by an aggressive larger dog.

So, I just wanted to share our experience to make people aware of what can happen at these events if you're not super vigilant. First, find out exactly where the dog first aid station is, and more importantly, keep a close eye on your dog and the dogs around him/her. Don't get to the point where your dog has no escape route if another dog tries to attack them.

And if your dog is one of those dogs that other dogs seem to go after for no reason, you might not want to attend these kind of events, or if you do, stay far away from the crowds. We're never going to go to another event like this again. It's just not worth the risk to us.

Please be careful. This incident cost us hundreds of dollars (and more if she needs to go through with the amputation), and more importantly, it has really affected her emotionally. Heidi has become much more clingy and fearful. It's going to take a lot to get her over this, but we are determined that we're going to make sure it doesn't leave a mental and emotional scar on her.

[HeidiW]

Poor Heidi, I avoid those busy to many dog events already, my dogs don't like to get to close to other dogs. Glad you warned us all.

I hope it heals well, keep us posted.

[FredD]

That's the main reason I hate dog parks. Not the dogs, the owners!! To many un-leashed dogs, big problems!!!! Hope Heidi heals well. Has it changed her attitude towards other dogs?

[Metalsmith]

I'm sorry about your poor sweet Heidi girl. How terrible to lose part of her ear! I hope she heals swiftly and she doesn't suffer any long term emotional issues from this.

Thanks for the good advice, though. I've been a bit leery of these kind of events, where there are so many dogs and people that personal space is almost non-existant. I just think dogs need a out if they're really crowded and get stressed out because of it. Your story just cemented my suspicions.(sometimes I think I'm being too cautious!)

[BowWowMeow]

I am very sorry that this happened to Heidi and also that the e-vet made things worse. I understand how traumatic something like this can be when you love your dog so much! I know all of us would be upset if we felt we had unknowingly exposed our dog to harm.

We cannot protect our dogs from everything but I think a first aid kit with a coagulant, bandages, etc. is a good thing to have with you at all times and I think knowing how to bandage wounds, etc. is also a very handy skill.

Many animal shelters and even vets are starting to offer animal first aid classes. PetCo has an on-line class now: http://www.petco.com/product/100690/...id-Course.aspx

Knowing how to stop a wound from bleeding is especially important as it isn't always possible to get immediately into a vet.

[Karin]

Thanks, Ruth. That is VERY good advice! We talked about getting first aid kits for both of our cars, but that online class is also a great idea that I'm going to look into.

[Brightelf]

Karin, big HUGS to you, to Dave and sweet precious Miss heidi!! I am so very sorry that this happened to you. Not all dogs belong in such a crowded situation, and many good dogs do not.. it can be too stressful, too close. You give great advice-- I will remember this! Wishing good healing both physically and emotionally to sweetie-girl Heidi! Again I am so sorry, but so grateful for the advice from you.

[Karin]

Thanks, Patti! I felt like I needed to share my experience so maybe someone else could avoid their dog getting hurt. We relaxed our guard too much and Heidi suffered as a result.

I think that in the future maybe we could go to a smaller dog event, but keep Heidi on the outskirts, away from crowded situations, but Dave won't hear of it now. So..... it's probably for the best, but I'm still kind of sad about it since she seemed to be enjoying it so much at first.

[SunCzarina]

I'm sorry that happened to your girl. Hope it heals up well. You're right though, we don't often think about the behavior of OTHER dogs before subjecting ours to a crowd.

[littledmc17]

exactly!!
some people need to keep their dogs home if they aren't socialble!!
hope your baby is ok