Signs of canine illness

How to tell if your dog is sick

Owners who observe and handle their healthy dogs have a head start on recognizing early signs of illness in their pets. Those who know what a healthy pet acts, feels, and smells like can spot differences in behavior and bodies and determine whether a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.

Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102บ F, a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. They have pink mucous membranes (gums, inside of lips, tongue, inside of eyelids) and rapid capillary refill action in these areas. They have clean-smelling ears and skin and a full haircoat. Their skin is pliant, an indication of proper hydration, and their eyes are clear and bright.

If your puppy or dog shows any of the following signs, be prepared to call your veterinarian.

• Eyes: swelling, discharge, redness, etc.


• Nose: running, crusting, discharge, etc.


• Ears: discharge, debris, odor, twitching, scratching, shaking, etc.


• oughing, gagging, sneezing, retching, or vomiting.


• Irregular breathing, shortness of breath, prolonged or heavy panting, etc.


• Intestinal activity :

Color and consistency of bowel movement
Frequency of defecation
Bloody stool
Evidence of parasites, etc Change in amout of food intake

• Change in body weight


• Change in water intake :

Color
Frequency
Amount
Straining
Dribbling, etc.

• Odor :

Mouth?
Skin?
Ears?
Other?

• Coat & skin :

Wounds
Tumors
Hair loss
Dander
Color change
Biting
Scratching
Bite marks
Evidence of parasites
Licking, etc.

• Behavior :

Depression
Anxiety,
Fatigue
Lethargy
Sleepiness
Trembling
Stumbling
Falling, etc.

Noticing signs is half the battle; keeping a record helps the veterinarian make a diagnosis. Be sure to note when the symptom first appeared, and whether it has been intermittent, continuous, increasing in frequency, getting better, or getting worse before calling the veterinarian.

Credit : Norma Bennett Woolf

A simple first aid kit

Basic supplies
Dog owners can treat minor injuries for their pets if they have the appropriate remedies, tools, and equipment available. The following items were included in a first aid kit that the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association gave to police dog handlers at a recent workshop. A home first aid kit needs many of the same items.

• Gauze sponges -- 50 four-by-four inch sponges, two per envelope
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Rubbing alcohol
• Ear syringe -- two ounce capacity
• Ace self-adhering athletic bandage -- three-inch width
• White petroleum jelly (Vaseline or similar)
• Eye wash
• Sterile, non-adherent pads
• Pepto Bismol tablets
• Generic Benadryl capsules -- 25mg, for allergies
• Hydrocortisone acetate -- one percent cream
• Sterile stretch gauze bandage -- three inches by four yards
• Buffered aspirin
• Dermicil hypoallergenic cloth tape one inch by 10 yards
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Kaopectate tablets maximum strength
• Bandage scissors
• Custom splints
• Vet Rap bandage

Other suggested items were:

• Blanket
• Tweezers
• Muzzle
• Hemostats
• Rectal thermometer
• Ziplock bags
• Paperwork, including the dog's health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers, and emergency clinic hours and telephone number.

Credit : Norma Bennett Woolf

Creative toys for dogs

Enjoy with your dogs

While there may be a wide variety of favorites in the toy box for your dog to play with, some toys and treats are best put away before you leave the house. Rawhides, for example, are sloppy fun, but require supervision. Likewise, older plush toys may open up after many rounds of tug, exposing the plastic squeaker inside. When deciding which toys to leave out, think safety first, considering those that are least likely to shred, splinter, or otherwise pose a risk to your pup.

Rubberized Toys like Kongs are made of puncture-resistant Ultra-flex to stand up to hours of safe chewing. They're uniquely designed to offer a variety of mouth grip sizes, and the way they bounce erratically will keep your pup guessing where to jump next.

Flavored Synthetic Nylabones borrow the shape dogs love, but won't splinter like real bones. Infused with real meat juices for great taste, they also prevent plaque build-up and massage the gums while helping relieve boredom. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, this may not be the best choice.

Interactive treat toys, made from high impact plastic, engage your dog's mind while you're away. The Buster Cube, for example, is designed so you can tuck treats inside that only come out when your dog nudges, paws, and noses them.

Safe toys keep his imagination active, discourage destructive behavior, promote dental health, and give you peace of mind. And with the variety and sizes available, it's easy to find a new favorite for that special place in the toy box.