
April is Active Dog Month
The month of April is Active Dog Month. This month-long…
January is known as Unchain a Dog Month, and it is a time to come to the rescue of chained up “backyard” dogs. It is also a time to spread awareness about the damaging physical and psychological effects that chaining has on dogs.
“Chaining” and “tethering” both refer to tying a dog to a stationary object, thereby restricting the dog’s movement and leaving the dog unattended.
Chaining, as the term implies, usually involves attaching the dog to a heavy chain. Tethering consists of restraining the dog with a light chain or rope. Both chaining and tethering refer to unsupervised, long-term confinement. Over the past decade, several states have enacted anti-tethering laws to protect animals from these harmful practices.
Dogs may not speak our language, but they absolutely communicate, which is one of the reasons they have long made such perfect companion animals. They can sense humans’ emotions, and they bond with their humans. As most pet-parents know, all their canine companions truly want is approval and love. Well, that and a comfy dog bed or a warm spot on the couch to snuggle. They won’t turn down a few treats, toys, or belly rubs either. Dogs thrive in the company of their loving humans. Sadly, for a variety of reasons, many dogs spend their lives in backyards tethered to chains. It’s hard for animal lovers to understand how someone can do this to Man’s Best Friend. However, to help chained dogs, we must be willing to approach owners with information, ideas, and resources.
Here are a few reasons owners may tether their dogs:
If you see dogs left chained up outside, speak up. You might not change the owners’ opinion, but you can certainly educate them as to why their pups are better off inside. Many owners who leave their dogs chained fail to consider the weather conditions. Some dogs remain out in the heat for hours. Others face brutally cold winters outdoors. Remember, if you are too hot or too cold, it is too hot or cold to leave a dog outdoors.
Not only is chaining a dog outside inhumane, but some communities have also learned the hard way that it is a public safety hazard. According to The Humane Society of The United States, a dog that is chained up is three times more likely to bite an approaching human than an unchained dog. Chained dogs have less interaction with people, and tend to become less social and more territorial. Chained dogs are also more likely to be stolen. They are also at higher risk of being attacked by wild animals or wandering pets because their inability to move makes them unable to defend themselves.
You can help backyard dogs by being a voice for them. If you see an animal being abused, neglected, or mistreated, call your local police department or animal control officer immediately. If local authorities do not respond, you can call PETA at 757-622-7382 or report animal cruelty directly through the link on their website.
Here are some additional ways you can help dogs this month and throughout the year:
Here at PetFirst1, we know accidents and illnesses can happen to all pets – even during playtime. PetFirst Pet Insurance1 can help cover unexpected vet visits2 and can provide peace of mind. PetFirst Pet Insurance1 has cat and dog insurance policies2 to fit every budget.
Consider getting pet insurance for your furry friend today.
1PetFirst Healthcare, LLC (“PetFirst Pet Insurance” or “PetFirst”) is the program administrator authorized to offer and administer pet health insurance policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company, with its main office at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, or New Hampshire Insurance Company or The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, each with its main administrative office at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60661. For costs, complete details of coverage, and a listing of approved states, please contact PetFirst Healthcare, LLC.
2Like most insurance policies, insurance policies offered by PetFirst Healthcare, LLC contain certain exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force.