Since the new year has arrived, we thought it would be a good idea to make up a check list of things that would help you get through the year and make sure your hound is safe, healthy, and happy.
_____Always be vigilant and look for signs that your hound is not feeling well. Consider a medical reason for sudden behavior changes first.
_____Use heartworm/flea and tick preventative; add a reminder to your calendar monthly so you don’t forget.
_____Check gate latches daily; place a sign on gates warning contractors or visitors to keep gates closed. Lock gates that are not used daily.
_____Check fence lines for holes and depressions where a hound can crawl or slip through. Make repairs.
_____Check all doors to make sure they close correctly or don’t fly open accidentally. Add a baby gate to doors where a hound can jump out accidentally (i.e., screened doors) when you come and go.
_____Check the yard often to make sure nothing harmful has been dropped or thrown in it that your hound could eat.
_____Make sure your hound does not get too cold or hot outdoors. Be watchful for signs of distress when you are outdoors with your hound.
_____Wash and change water in water bowls frequently and make sure there is always a fresh supply of clean water available.
_____When changing your hound’s food, make sure it’s done slowly and wait an entire month before changing his/her diet again.
_____Check vaccination records and make sure all are up to date; add the date the shots are due on your calendar so that you can make an appointment to see your vet.
_____Make sure that your hound’s teeth are clean; brush teeth often or have their teeth cleaned once a year; check for bad breath which might indicate dental problems.
_____Check collars monthly for wear and tear and loose hardware. Replace worn collars.
_____At all times, keep your own ID tag as well as the FFGR, Inc. ID tag on your hound(s).
_____Inspect leashes often and replace leashes that have slits in them or are fraying.
_____Make sure no tags are on the D-ring that tightens the collar. Use a tag collar or place tags elsewhere where they can’t tighten the collar if they get caught in anything.
_____Check weekly to ensure the collar is adjusted to fit snuggly. Test by bringing the collar up to behind the ears. Pull D-ring to tighten collar. You should be able to place two fingers inside the loop at the dog’s neck.
_____Inspect all toys often and throw away any that are torn. Keep fiberfill from beds and toys away from your hound so it can’t be ingested.
_____When repairing plush toys, use only upholstery or breakable thread; don’t use nylon or polyester thread that, when swallowed, can be caught in the digestive tract.
_____Throw away all rubber toys that can be easily chewed up into small pieces and swallowed.
_____Regularly inspect bones and rawhides; throw away all small and old pieces; replace with new ones.
_____Keep your hound’s nails clipped; don’t allow them to get so long that your hound has a hard time walking. Adhere to a schedule for nail clipping.
_____Check ears monthly to make sure they are clean; watch for scratching and pawing at the ears and head shaking (sign of infection).
_____Check constantly to make sure that any cleaning products, medications, etc. are high up on shelves and out of the way of your hound. Keep counters clear of same.
_____Put together a contingency plan NOW for boarding your hounds, etc. in case an emergency comes up and you have to leave your home immediately.
_____Consider NOW what would happen to your hound(s) in case you get sick, die, have an accident, lose your home, etc. Give the information to someone you trust.
_____Love your hounds as they love you!!!!!!
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