Caring for a dog is not unlike caring for a baby. A dog owner can never be more careful as dogs are considered as the babies of the family. In spite of this kind of care, accidents and ailments that endanger the life of the pet happen. Dog ownership means responsibility with a capital letter R – a responsibility that includes having a working knowledge on what must be done in case the pet needs emergency care
24 hour emergency facilities for pets are found in most areas. A responsible dog owner would take time to know the location of these facilities. Dog owners would customarily take the pet wherever they go. No owner would want to have a sick or injured pet on his/her hand while travelling. This situation can be avoided by planning ahead. With the locations of the nearest veterinary hospitals and the knowledge that emergency care would be given to the pet, an owner’s anxiety will at least be lessened.
Aside from the knowledge of the location of these centers, a dog owner also has to know how to provide the pet basic medical care in times of emergency. First aid know how would go a long way in helping a dog in pain and even in saving the pet from death. As accidents and illnesses cannot be totally prevented, a dog owner has to be able to know the signs that all is not well with the pet.
So what are the telltale signs that the dog needs emergency care? Dog owner would certainly notice if the pet is bleeding. Other signs that the dog need emergency care would be pale gums, abnormal body temperature, rapid breathing and weak pulse. Seizure and loss of consciousness are signs that the dog needs immediate medical care.
Do you have what it takes to administer emergency care when the pet’s survival depends on you? A vet’s expert management of the situation will be necessary but first aid methods that will stabilize the condition of the pet will also be very important. Severe bleeding has to be stopped. Another situation that would need first aid is blockage in the airways. Emergency care would be very necessary in order to prevent an emergency situation from worsening however, the person administering the first aid must be competent for fear that the pet would sustain more serious injuries.
Want to know more about first aid kit as well as first aid for dogs. Visit Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jul 5th, 2011. Comment. 
Man’s best friends are tough. These animals were able to survive in the wild for thousands of years using only their own resources. Modern day dogs seem to lack the resilience and the strength of their ancestors. Dogs are one of the animals well taken care of but these animals still suffer from a lot of diseases. Dogs have survived in the wild hunting their own food thus can the frail constitution be the result of poor quality commercial food? One of the most common health concerns of dogs is diarrhea.
Pet owners would be heard saying “Rover’s butt is spurting again”. A pet with diarrhea is a messy and smelly situation as the dog’s rear end can spurt anytime and anywhere. .
Diarrhea is so common in dogs so that pet owners no longer worry about the pet. Dogs, apart from having big appetites are scavengers and indiscriminate eaters as well. It’s no wonder if these animals would suffer from an upset stomach every now and then. The diarrhea can as well result from eating foods the dog is allergic to. Diarrhea can be attributed to a change in the dog’s diet. Knowing that diarrhea is not really a serious illness, pet owners would just let the pet expel all the toxic substances from its digestive tract. Medications that will stop diarrhea are not given to the pet as the toxic substances are purposely purged from the stomach.
To deal with the dog’s diarrhea, an owner would simply withhold food and water to rest the stomach. Mature dogs are commonly fasted for 24 hours and 12 hours for younger dogs to empty the stomach of the toxic substances. Withholding food is not recommended for very young puppies. After the fasting small amounts of boiled chicken and rice can be given as these foods are easy to digest. A serious outcome of diarrhea is dehydration as this situation can result to the death of the dog if left untreated. Provide the dog with plenty of drinking water.
Chronic diarrhea is a different concern as this can result to the death of the dog if no treatment is administered. This type of diarrhea may not be due to eating indiscretion. Dogs with chronic diarrhea will be lethargic and feverish and pass bloody tinged stool. Pets with this kind of diarrhea will refuse to eat. Immediate treatment is necessary to save the life of the pet.
Want to know more about what to do if your dog has diarrhea and first aid for dogs? Visit Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jul 4th, 2011. Comment.
Dogs, pretty much the same as their human counterparts are susceptible to various infectious agents and suffer from illnesses too. Dogs are prone to injuries as well. A dog owner therefore has to have the competence to administer first aid to save the pet from suffering pain and also to save the life of the pet.
A dog with urinary blockage must have urgent treatment as this condition is life threatening. Inability to pass urine can result to the death of the pet as the condition would cause electrolyte imbalance and the malfunctioning of some of the vital organs. A bladder that is not emptied can rupture so that urine will leak into the abdominal cavity and give rise to a life threatening condition known as chemical peritonitis.
A dog with urinary blockage would strain to urinate. A dog with urinary obstruction would be in pain as the repeated attempt to empty the bladder may not be successful. Another sign of urinary blockage is cloudy or blood tinged urine. Because the bladder is not fully empties, the dog will suffer from abdominal pains. The pet may dribble urine so that the owner may think that the dog has developed an unwanted behavior or has forgotten its housebreaking training.
The dog’s inability to empty the bladder can be a sign that the dog has a urinary disease. Urinary tract infection is most common in female dogs and urinary blockage in male dogs can be due to prostate problems. This condition can also be caused by the accumulation of minerals that caused the formation of crystals or stones in the urinary tract. Blockage in the urinary tract can be caused by tumors, lesions and scar tissues.
Herbal remedies or first aid treatments would not really do well for the dog’s urinary blockage especially if the renal failure is already acute. A pet with urinary blockage needs immediate medical attention thus it has to be rushed to the hospital. The vet may initiate a urethral massage or use a catheter to flush the stones to the bladder. The catheter is not removed for 24 hours while the condition of the dog is closely monitored. The dog may have to undergo an emergency surgical procedure to remove the stones if the procedures to unblock the urethra failed. After the stones are removed medical care in the form of IV fluids, antibiotic and analgesic will be given to the pet.
Learn more about dog first aid and urinary blockage at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jul 2nd, 2011. Comment.
Does the breath of your pooch make you gag? Dogs are not only viewed as pets but most are considered as family members. A dog lover can’t resist touching a dog whenever one is seen. Dogs are probably the most hugged and kissed pets. Owners make sure that these pets are regularly groomed because not only do they live inside the home; they also sleep with the family.
Unfortunately, while dog owners would take so much pleasure in bathing and brushing the dog’s coat, a lot would baulk at cleaning the dog’s teeth. Dental care is as important as any other grooming routine but this task is often neglected. Most dogs have adapted to bathing, to nail clipping and even to the tickly ear cleaning. Of course, dogs love having their coats brushed. Dogs though would draw the line at tooth brushing given that these animals would not appreciate having the mouth and teeth violated.
Not many dog owners are aware that dental care is vitally important to dogs than to humans as their saliva does not produce the enzyme that prevents food from sticking into the teeth. This condition promotes the buildup of plaque and tartar when the dog’s teeth are not brushed. Although dogs do not get cavities, these four legged friends can have bad breath because of the tartar and plaque. Dogs unlike humans cannot use dentures thus ensuring that the pet receives proper dental care is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner.
Dental health concerns that would require canine dentist visits can be avoided if the dog teeth is cleaned at least twice a week. Regular grooming of the dog’s teeth would not only remove the dog’s bad breath but most importantly, periodontal diseases that can lead to heart concerns can be prevented. Although dog owners are aware of the health benefits dogs can get from regular dental care, most would not dare do the grooming routine lest the hands would get nipped by the dog’s teeth.
However, dogs are intelligent animals that are known to adapt to training easily. With the right motivations, the dog can be trained to like tooth brushing. Training can be started by getting the dog accustomed to being touched in the mouth. Dogs have the reputation of being food motivated. The dog will surely be interested to lick the toothbrush with a dab of peanut butter. This will accustom the dog to the feel of the toothbrush on its mouth. The peanut butter can be substituted with flavored doggie toothpaste. The owner can now start gently brushing the dog’s teeth.
Find out more about dog grooming as well as information on dog dental care at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jul 2nd, 2011. Comment.
Dogs are noted for their hearty appetites. A dog owner would be aware that the pet have the tendency to eat revolting things. Dogs that are provided enough high quality foods would still raid trash cans and eat spoiled food. Dogs eat their own feces. Dogs find water in the toilet bowls very refreshing. Dogs, humans most valued pets have a partiality for vomit.
Dogs have always been man’s best friends. Dogs have been the most loved pets of man for thousands and thousands of years but in spite of this, dogs would exhibit some behaviors that are puzzling to man. Humans find feces, spoiled food and vomit repulsive but these items make a dog salivate.
Studies conducted on canine behavior have failed to come up with the exact reason for the dog’s repulsive eating habits. The habit to eat vomit is believed to have been passed on by the dog’s ancestors. Dogs eat the vomit to cover up their presence from predators. Feces and vomitus would give away the presence of dogs thus they are eaten. In this case the habit to eat feces and vomit is done for self preservation.
Modern day dogs have descended from wolves. It is the custom of wolves to hunt together and to help in caring for the pups. After hunting and feeding on the prey the wolves would regurgitate the partially digested food to feed the young. Vomit will be viewed by a dog as regurgitated food. After years of domestication, dogs would still manifest the habit of eating regurgitated food.
Dogs have big appetites. Vomit is partially digested food that would have an obnoxious smell for humans but would be very interesting for the dog. Dogs have the disconcerting habit of eating rotten foods so why would they pass up the chance to devour the still warm and lip-smacking goodness of the vomit.
Eating vomit is one of the less dangerous habits of the dog. Eating vomit would not have dangerous consequences unless the dog that has vomited is poisoned. An owner may not be too concerned with the disgusting habit of the pet. However, consider that fact that dogs are very affectionate animals that also has the habit of giving their human friends sloppy kisses. Preventing the dog from vomiting would be rather hard but a pet parent can always stop the dog’s repulsive habit by removing the vomit as soon as it is expelled.
Learn more about why dogs eat vomit and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jun 30th, 2011. Comment.
We are a race of dog lovers. Dogs are the most popular choices for a pet and these animals form strong ties with their owners . Not all people though are dog lovers. Mean and cruel people would not think twice to hurt a dog. Despite long years of domestication, dogs still have unwanted behaviors that cause them to be punished by less tolerant owners and by mean people. A dog can be shot for trespassing. Gunshot wounds are common injuries hunting and non-hunting dogs sustain during hunting season. Dogs can be mistaken by hunters as wild animals because dogs can easily blend in with the landscape. The gunshot wound may have come for the dog owner’s own gun.
Gunshot wounds can be life threatening injuries and the dog’s well being will be entirely dependent on the help that will be extended by the owner. Gunshot wounds are emergency situations that would need urgent treatment and the life of the pet is oftentimes saved by first aid treatments. Gunshot wounds are one of the most serious injuries that can happen to dogs because the pet usually suffers from three types of traumas. The bullet will puncture the skin, the shock waves resulting from the entry of the bullet will cause cavitations and the pieces of projectile and shattered bones will damage the tissues and cause severe bleeding.
A gunshot wound is a serious injury thus urgent medical care must be given to the dog but first aid measures will still be important to stabilize the dog’s condition. Airway, breathing and circulation are the basic life support that must be checked.
Rescue breathing is a basic first aid method given to a pet that has stopped breathing. Close the mouth of the dog and breathe into the nostrils. Give large dogs 5 to 10 breaths per minute and 10 to 20 breaths for smaller dogs. Rescue breathing should make the dog’s chest rise slightly and must be continued until the dog is breathing on its own. Begin CPR if no heartbeat is felt.
To control bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound. Use cloth, towel or gauze to control bleeding. If the towel is soaked through, add another one. Don’t remove the blood soaked towel as it will remove the clotting agents and make the wound resume bleeding. Place a plastic bag over gunshot wound in the chest to prevent air from being sucked into the wound. To prevent any exposed organ from drying out, it must be covered with a wet towel .
Read all about Gunshot Wounds and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jun 30th, 2011. Comment.
When it comes to the care needed, dogs are not so different from children thus as it is necessary to have the contact number of the pediatrician it would also be necessary to have the numbers of the vet. Dogs are highly energetic and no matter how a dog owner tries, accidents can never be prevented. Dog owners would not be surprised if the pet that has been wandering would come home with an injury. Abrasions, deep gashes, cuts and lacerations are common injuries of dogs. Apart from the tendency to fight with other dogs, these four legged friends also have the inclination to rummage trash cans. Although the fur offers some protection, a sharp metal, a broken glass or the jagged lid of a tin can would still injure the dog. Dogs love tormenting cats and one that is chasing a cat may rush into a glassed off window.
Laceration is one of the most common injuries dogs get. A laceration is the irregular or jagged tearing of the dog’s tissues. The severity of lacerations vary but these kind of injuries are usually deep because the object that has managed to cut the skin would also damage the tissues. Lacerations commonly tear the muscles and cut tendons and blood vessels. This kind of laceration is oftentimes life threatening.
the dog owner would naturally examine the injury of the dog. Dogs in pain may become aggressive thus the pet has to be approached with caution. The dog must be muzzled or restrained by another person. Finding the site of the injury would be easy because lacerations are bleeders.
Minor laceration can be treated at home especially if the dog owner is competent in administering first aid. Dogs with serious lacerations has to be taken to a veterinary facility as suturing the laceration and other treatments may be necessary. Serious lacerations would bleed heavily thus measures that will stop the bleeding must be administered lest the dog go into shock because of blood loss. Stem the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or towel.
Superficial lacerations can be treated at home using the contents of the first aid kit. After the bleeding was controlled, the laceration must be flushed with lukewarm water to remove any debris. With this first aid method, the risk of infection will be minimized and the owner can evaluate the extent of the dog’s injuries. The laceration must be covered with sterile bandage to keep the wound free of dirt.
Find out more about lacerations as well as first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jun 30th, 2011. Comment.
Seeing the dog collapse would be a traumatic experience for an owner especially if he/she believes that the pet is perfectly healthy. A very active and healthy pet can suddenly fall to the ground. Collapse is a medical condition that occurs when the dog suddenly losses strength. A dog that collapses may not only be able to stand but also lose consciousness. While some dogs can recover in seconds after collapsing, others would remain in the state of collapse for longer periods and can only recover if first aid measures are administered. Some dogs would recover from the state of collapse as if nothing happened. Some dogs though would be very weak and be disoriented after regaining consciousness.
Dog collapse can be a life threatening condition especially if the collapsing episode is recurring. A vet consultation would be very necessary to get the true state of the dog’s health. Dog collapse can be an indication of a nervous system, respiratory or a musculoskeletal system disorder. It is also possible that the dog was born with a heart disorder that had worsened as the dog matures. The dog’s condition may not be due to an illness but to a blockage in the airway.
Dogs form a strong attachment with the owner thus it would be understandable for a pet parent to panic at the sight of the unconscious pet. A dog that is unable to stand or one that is unconscious would need the help of the master and to be able to give first aid the owner has to be calm. To be able to help the pet, a dog owner has to consider the possible reasons for the pet’s condition. One of the reasons why a dog would collapse is a blocked airway thus a dog owner has to administer first aid methods that will remove the blockage. Removing the blockage would be easy if it has not progressed far into the trachea. A Heimlich maneuver would have to be performed to dislodged a foreign object far back in the dog’s throat.
Immediate veterinary care would be very necessary for a dog that has collapsed but the unconscious dog would benefit from the first aid methods that the pet owner would administer. Check the pet’s pulse, the breathing and the temperature. The pet must be kept comfortable and covered with a blanket to maintain body temperature.
Mouth to nose resuscitation has to be administered if the dog has stopped breathing. Hold the dog’s mouth close and breathe on the pet’s nose. This rescue breathing has to be repeated about 6 times per minute. Heart massage is given to a collapsed if the heartbeat is no longer heard. Compression must be done over the dog’s heart area. Heart massage must be done 70 times per minute.
Learn about collapsing and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jun 30th, 2011. Comment.
Ticks are one of the common parasites of dogs. Ticks are parasitic arthropods that cause the dog mild irritation but dog owners dread tick infestation as ticks that feed on the dog’s blood can cause anemia. Moreover, these small parasites can carry diseases that would not only affect the dog but also pose a dangerous threat to humans. Once a tick has latched into the skin of the dog to feed, there is a possibility that the dog can get Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis.
After the transmission of the tick borne disease, the dog will be lethargic, have fever and show signs of weakness. Temporary paralysis is another symptom of these tick borne diseases. The good news is that after the tick is removed from the dog’s body, these signs would gradually be resolved
Due to a high prey drive dogs are often seen wandering in grassland and woodland trails as these animals would be happiest if they are trailing prey. Unfortunately, instead of snaring a prey, the dog may come home one day with ticks latched on its body. Ticks are parasites that would patiently wait in grassland for potential hosts. Ticks are equipped with sensitive sensors that can recognize the approach of a potential host. Once a victim is sensed it would jump not unlike a flea into the victim’s body, burrow its head into the skin and begin its blood meal.
After sucking blood, a tick the size of a pencil point can grow as big as a raisin. Tick borne disease will not be transmitted to the dog immediately even though the ticks would start feeding on the dog’s blood. Grooming a dog that had been playing in woodlands and in grassy areas is very important. The grooming routine will prevent tick borne diseases from affecting the pet.
Careful inspection of the dog after it has been out in grassy and wooded areas is important especially if tick infestation is common in the area. After brushing the coat feel for any bumps in the dog’s body. Ticks are not really hard to remove. Unlike fleas that are hard to remove by hand, ticks remain stationary. To remove ticks, position the tweezers as close as possible to the skin and pull the parasite in one steady motion but squeezing the tick must be avoided so that bacteria carried by the tick is not injected to the dog. Use the tweezers again if the head of the tick was left embedded into the skin. Clean the bite area with antiseptic solution.
Find out more about dog grooming as well as ticks at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jun 27th, 2011. Comment.
Every home has to have a well stocked medicine chest especially if there are children and senior family members. Due to the boisterous nature, kids are always injured and it is common for senior members of the family to have health concerns. A medicine chest at home will ensure that any member of the family will receive immediate first aid care when needed. Dogs and other pets will benefit from a first aid kit too. Due to the inquisitive and energetic nature it is not surprising for these pets to sustain injuries from accidents. Giving first aid to the pet would not be a problem as long as right equipments and medications are at hand. First aid kit ensures that the owner can administer measures that will stabilize the pet’s condition before it is transported to a veterinary facility.
It pays to be prepared for any emergency. Even the most caring owner can never prevent accidents thus a dog owner has to have a first aid kit to deal with the pet’s injuries. A first aid kit is still a must even if the neighbor is a vet. Running to the every now and then would be a costly habit. Moreover, the vet may not be around.
A dog owner equipped with a first aid kit can give the pet emergency care anywhere and anytime of the day. Dogs are great companions thus these animals are taken by the master almost everywhere. In the wild or in far flung places where no veterinary facility is nearby, a well stocked medicine kit in the car can save the life of an injured pet.
A dog owner can either buy a commercially made kit or create one that would be suited to the needs of the pet. For instance, the first aid kit of a pet owner that lives in the city where animal clinics are nearby would have different contents from the kit of a pet parent that customarily takes the dog hunting or camping in the wilderness.
Scissors, rectal thermometer, swabs and cotton balls, leash and muzzle are necessary equipments that a first aid kit should have. Various sizes of bandaging materials will also be necessary. The kit should contain antibiotics ointments for the skin and for the eyes, wound disinfectants, antidiarrhea and antihistamines. First aid kit for dogs must have activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide as these animals are very curious about their surrounding and because they use their mouth to investigate they often end up ingesting poisonous substances. First aid methods can stabilize the condition of the pet but veterinary attention would still be necessary. The phone numbers of the vet written on the cover of the first aid box makes it easier for the anxious pet owner to contact the vet.
Find out more about first aid kit as well as information on first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
Filed under Dogs by on Jun 26th, 2011. Comment.