Is High Rise Syndrome in Pets a real thing???
YES- In fact it is a very real and very dangerous thing. This is a term used by Veterinarians, it came from the number of injuries and deaths of pets (especially cats) that fall from balconies, windows, and fire escapes.
Pets often end up in these situations after having been startled. It also happens when pets jump or lose their balance on a ledge of a balcony, fire escape or window. Pets trying to catch bugs and not properly judging the dangers/height of their environment has been another leading cause of this condition.
Unfortunately, these pets suffer severe injuries or death and therefore prevention is key! A couple things you can do to prevent this from happening:
Did you know:
The Shih Tzu's name means "Little Lion". Shih Tzu's were a common companion of the Buddhist monks, they believed people in the community witnessed the Shih Tzu transform into a full-size lion. The exact lion dog is presumed an ancestor of the Shih Tzu.
Source: Shih Tzu Web
When it comes to plant toxicity in dogs, it is no joke! It is important to know which plants are toxic to dogs and the signs associated with toxicity. If you think that your dog has ingested one of these plants, be sure to contact your Veterinarian immediately, or the pet poison helpline: 855-764-7661
Source (Image): Dog Food Selector
Source (Image): Fix
Did you know:
The beloved Pit Bull Terrier was known as "nanny dogs" in the early 20th century. This is because they were and still are so trusted around children. For over 100 years, they were labeled as the number 1 family dog.
1. Be the pack leader - always walk in front of your dog to show them who is the leader of the pack. This should be practiced from the start to finish of your walk.
2. Use the right leash - keeping your dog on a shorter leash helps to ensure that you are in control. It is ok to let your dog wander sometimes but ultimately, you should be the one who leads the way.
3. Reward your dog during the walk - after your pup has proven to follow your lead, give him/her a minute to sniff around and explore.
4. Make sure your walk is long enough - the amount of time a dog needs to exercise is variable depending on size and energy level. That being said, make sure you set aside enough time to satisfy their needs.
5. Channel your energy - try to stay focused on the task, pay attention to what is around you on your walk, stay calm and positive so that your dog trusts your energy as a guide.
6. The right walking tools - if your dog pulls a lot, consider a proper walking harness so that you are not pulling on their neck. Typically walking harness' work in the owners favor as they tend to give you more control.