40 APRIL 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
A Multi-Discipline
Referral Hospital
1 Pine St.
Tinton Falls, NJ
gsvs.org
24 HOUR EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE 732-922-0011
No Appointment Needed For Emergency Care
24-Hour Emergency Care
State-of-the-Art Diagnostics
Veterinarian Always in Attendance
Hospitals Open 24 Hours/Day, 365 Days/Year
Appointments with Specialists Available:
24 HOUR EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE
643 Route 27
Iselin, NJ
gsvservices.org
732-283-3535
24 HOUR EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE
3135 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, NY
gsivetservices.org
917-830-1380
Thomas D. Scavelli, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, Director
Protecting Your Pet
From Birds of Prey
GARDEN STATE VETERINARY SPECIALISTS
Recently a patient came to our hospital with puncture wounds on
its side and around its head. The patient was a small dog that had
been in a pen in the owner’s backyard with its housemates. Believing
that her small dogs were safe and secure in the pen, the owner
thought this was a great way to give her dogs some fresh air and exercise.
To her horror, the owner was not that far away when she saw her
small dogs attacked by three birds of prey which she believed to be
hawks. Before she could react, one of her dogs was killed by the birds,
and another was severely injured.
Although this experience is not common, it is one that should it
occur, the consequences can be devastating. This incident did not take
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mouth County area. This is a reminder that small pets such as puppies,
cats, kittens or even small dogs are subject to attack by predators in our
area. You can protect your pet while outside by staying close by and being
visible; do not sit under an umbrella or other covering which would
hide you from the view of a bird of prey. If your pet is outside alone in
an enclosure, provide a covering so they cannot be seen from above.
If there are birds of prey commonly seen in your area, they may be attracted
to other smaller birds that they normally hunt. Removing bird
feeders that attract song birds and other smaller birds will remove their
normal source of food in the area. Also do not feed your pet outside;
birds of prey can learn the habits of your pet and wait for an opportunity
to present itself to attack.
A bird of prey cannot carry off a pet that weighs more than itself,
but they can attack its victim on the ground and eat it there. There is no
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ness regarding coyotes in their parks. Wildlife such as coyotes and foxes
can attack even larger dogs left unattended.
If your pet has had an encounter with wildlife, they should be
checked by a veterinarian even if they do not have any visible wounds.
If they have been picked up and dropped by a bird of prey, they may
have suffered internal injuries that require immediate attention. Puncture
wounds to their torso and head may also cause serious injuries
current on its vaccinations and that you have a record of the vaccination
history readily available in case of an emergency.
The information contained in this article is for informational
purposes only and is not intended to take the place of the advice of
your veterinarian.
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