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Pawsitive Dog Training: Sit, Stay & Succeed
- Pawsitive Dog Training
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
July 2026
Happy July! As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, many communities will be hosting festivities that include fireworks displays. While these celebrations can be fun for people, they can be stressful and even dangerous for our canine companions. Please consider keeping your dog at home during holiday events, especially firework demonstrations. They will be much happier—and safer.
One topic I would like to discuss this month is the New World screwworm. As of this writing, there are no reported active cases in Arizona. However, it is important to stay informed and educate ourselves about these flying parasites and what a potential infection looks like.
The screwworm has been kept at bay for the last sixty years but has recently made a resurgence in Texas, where infected livestock have been reported, and in New Mexico, where a pet dog was diagnosed with an infection. It is recommended that pet owners keep an eye on their animals and report any wildlife with active infections to local authorities.
The life cycle of this pest is approximately 21 to 30 days. The female fly lays her eggs in an animal's open wound (sometimes as small as a tick bite) or other body openings, such as the eyes, mouth, or genitalia. According to the CDC, a female screwworm fly can lay as many as 200 to 300 eggs at a time and may lay as many as 3,000 eggs during her short lifespan. The eggs typically hatch within 24 hours and burrow into the living flesh of their host. The larvae feed for five to seven days before leaving the host to pupate in the soil. They remain in the pupal stage for seven to ten days before emerging as adult flies and beginning the cycle anew. Female flies die soon after laying their eggs, while males live a little longer.
These parasitic flies lay their eggs only on living tissue, and the larvae consume only living flesh. They can infect mammals and birds—any warm-blooded creature. Infected wounds may become larger and deeper and often develop a foul odor and discharge. Egg masses may also be visible. The infected animal's behavior may change and include head shaking, rubbing, seeking isolation, irritability, weight loss, and loss of appetite. If you suspect an infection, contact your veterinarian immediately. All confirmed infections must be reported.
The adult screwworm fly bears a striking resemblance to a housefly. It has bright orange eyes, a metallic greenish-blue body, and three dark stripes along its back.
Through awareness and preparedness, we can help prevent the spread of the New World screwworm and keep both ourselves and our beloved pets safe. For more information please visit this USDA website about the screwworm.
Meet the Amercan Foxhound
This hunting hound's history is linked to heroes of the Revolutionary War and early American history. George Washington is credited with helping create this breed from English Foxhound stock and French hunting hounds. He owned 36 of these American dogs, with names such as Sweet Lips, Drunkard, Searcher, Tipsy, Chloe, and Tipler. The Jefferson, Lee, and Custis families also played important roles in developing the breed. This unique hound was one of the first dog breeds developed in the United States.
Bred to track foxes while working closely alongside horses, this hound differs from its English cousin in several ways. It can be identified by its longer legs and slightly arched hindquarters. Known for its endurance and keen sense of smell, the breed's loud howls and barks can be heard for miles.
Student Spotlight
Mocha is one smart cookie! I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her. Although she can be a bit shy when meeting new people, she learns new behaviors quickly and is always eager to participate. She is also an absolutely beautiful dog.
This sweet girl was adopted through Rescue Pals and is settling into her new home wonderfully. I look forward to our continued training sessions and can't wait to see all the amazing things she will accomplish!
🐾 Dog Days of July 🐾
Lost Pet Prevention Month and National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
July 1 - National ID Your Pet Day
July 4 - Independance Day (Please keep pets at home and do not bring them to firework displays)
July 11 - All-American Pet Photo Day
July 15 - National Pet Fire Safety Day
July 31 - National Mutt Day
Caption Contest!
Juno is thinking - I do believe you're in the kitchen. I, too, am a bit peckish.