Attack on Allie the lab cross

We first met 14-year-old Labrador Cross Allie in January this year, when she was brought into our Kopu clinic after being viciously attacked by other dogs. The bites she had suffered caused large wounds around her face and ear. The wounds were quite infected- a common occurrence with dog fight wounds - and a lot of tissue had broken down around her ear.

She was taken to surgery that afternoon to clean up the wounds and remove all of the non-viable tissue, which ended up being most of her left ear. Allie stayed at the clinic for the rest of the week recuperating with the Kopu team.

It took weeks of dedicated care and bandage changes from Alli’es owners, but we are pleased to say Allie is doing well and back to her lovely self.

Allie’s case is a good reminder to be aware that dog aggression is a real problem with some very serious consequences. Be aware of your own dog’s behaviour and that of the dogs around them. Of course, not all fights can be predicted or avoided, but do your best to keep your pet safe, whether walking on the street or playing with others.

Socialising your dog well as a puppy so they learn how to play nicely with others is very important. We run puppy classes at our Karaka, Beachlands, Pukekohe, Paeroa, and Waihi clinics where the pups can meet to play, and you will be given practical tools to use when training your pup. It's also a chance for owners to identify normal behaviours and the physical needs of their dogs. We use positive reinforcement to make training fun for you and your puppy. Enquire in the clinic for dates and to sign up. Note – your pup needs to be under 11 weeks old at the start of the course and to have had its first vaccination.

Dr Gemma Withers - BVSc, Pet Vet at Franklin Vets Kopu