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
24 HOUR EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE
64 OCTOBER 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
Safeguards for
Dog Walkers
GARDEN STATE VETERINARY SPECIALISTS
643 Route 27
Iselin, NJ
gsvservices.org
732-283-3535
3135 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, NY
gsivetservices.org
917-830-1380
Thomas D. Scavelli, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, Director
The rise in pet ownership during the lockdown phase of the pandemic
was unprecedented. Now that people are returning to the
workplace and their pets are remaining at home, dog walkers have
become popular. Whether a dog walker is a neighbor, a friend or a person
paid for their services, it is important that disease and injury risks
be addressed and measures be in place to prevent problems.
sure you are insured or covered legally for any unexpected events. Just
like people, pets can develop health problems requiring emergency
care. Pet caregivers should know the client’s preferred veterinarian and
contact information before an emergency arises. Getting to know the
pet’s general medical history is as important as becoming familiar with
their personality when taking on responsibility for them.
American Red Cross has a Pet First Aid app for your phone that can help
save a pet’s life in a crisis. The app provides some basic guidelines to
location should an emergency arise.
Every activity, even a simple walk down the street, can expose a
dog to inherent risks. The condition of the sidewalk, the presence of
other animals, weather conditions, even diseases passed from other
animals can pose a health risk. Walks should be limited to areas safe for
a dog’s paws – no hot or sharp surfaces. Harnesses and leashes should
-
sure that they cannot escape and are able to breathe properly. If during
a walk, a dog becomes disoriented, exhibits breathing problems or is
reluctant to walk, return the dog to their home and contact the family
regarding your observations and concerns.
A dog’s tolerance for heat and cold is based on their size, body
composition, hair coat, health and other factors. In general, if you feel
warm, a dog feels even warmer. A pet can suffer from heat stress which
can rapidly progress to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death if
they do not receive immediate veterinary care. Similarly, a dog can suffer
frostbite on their paws under frigid conditions. If a dog shows signs
of hypothermia such as muscle stiffness, shallow and slow breathing or
collapse, seek immediate veterinary care.
are just a few of the diseases that can be spread between dogs. All dogs
should be immunized against the deadliest of these viruses since they
are easily spread and potentially deadly. Avoiding stray dogs and wildlife
while walking a dog can prevent exposure to unvaccinated animals
and unwanted bites.
Caring for someone else’s pet may seem like an ideal job, but it
does bring with it responsibilities. Being properly prepared can make
it an enjoyable experience for all.
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