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First Aid Treatments for the Dog’s Lick Sores

22 Dec 2010

Dogs lick – a lot because like barking, scratching and chewing, licking is innate in dogs. Any of these behaviors would become a problem of the dog owner if it becomes excessive. Lick sores also known as lick granuloma, or acral lick dermatitis is one of the results of excessive licking.

The dog would start licking a spot on the ankle. The hair on the spot continuously licked by the dog will fall off and the skin will harden. Insensitive to the pressure created by the tongue, the dog will incessantly lick the spot until the skin breaks and become infected.

Lick sores usually develop on the wrist area of the front and hind legs as these spots can be easily licked by the dog. Due to the short hair, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Irish Setters are more prone to develop this skin condition. Lick sores usually start from fungal or bacterial infection or when a spot bitten by an insect or a flea is persistently licked by the dog. Lick granulomas are believed to have a psychogenic origin as pets that are usually left alone all day would develop this skin concern. Lick sores therefore are associated with boredom and inactivity.

Lick sores can arise from various causes thus no single method can effectively and totally resolve this concern. The lesions may be healed for a time but because of the dog’s licking, the sores will again resurface. To totally eliminate the problem, treatment must be focused on eliminating the causative factor before the skin lesions are treated.

Lick sores can be a headache because the lesions recur. Lick sores can be treated with laser surgery. But apart from the cost, the cured sore can recur because of the dog’s tendency to lick. The lesion can be treated with antibiotic and other topical ointments. The dog owner can modify the dog’s licking habit by using some effective methods. Self mutilation can be prevented by bandaging the affected leg. Bitter apple, Tabasco and other bad tasting substances can stop the dog’s self mutilating habit. Another method is to use Elizabethan collar.

As lick sores are hard to cure it would be best to prevent the development of the lesions. As soon as the owner noticed the pet developing an excessive licking habit, the preventive methods must be used at once.

Find out more about lick sores as well as first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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Dog First aid – Abrasions

22 Dec 2010

One time or another, a dog owner has to attend to the injuries of the pet. Dogs are known to be highly energetic animals. It is not uncommon therefore for dogs to get injured. Dogs get wounded fighting with other dogs. Dogs would not mind going into thorny thicket and to run at top speed to follow a prey. Dogs run very fast and a screeching sound can be practically heard when they try to break the momentum. Because of this, it is not uncommon for dogs to get serious and not so serious injuries. Thorns can get embedded on the paws. The dog can be impaled with a sharp tree branch. Minor scrape or abrasion is one of the injuries that can be sustained by the dog.

Abrasion is a superficial damage to the outer skin. Because the skin is protected by fur, abrasion does not commonly occur in dogs . As mentioned, dogs are very active animals and a scratch or an abrasion results when the skin is rubbed against a hard or rough surface. Abrasion happens when the skin is rubbed against rough surfaces such as a gravel road or a rocky surface so that the upper layer of the skin is scraped. Skin abrasion is one type of injuries a dog can sustain from being hit and dragged by a passing car. Tightly fitted collar that continuously rub against the dog’s neck can also cause abrasion. The dog can damage the outer layer of its skin by mutilating itself. A bored dog will persistently gnaw its body. The same thing will happen if the dog is infested with parasite. The gnawing and licking will result to abrasion.

Generally, abrasion is not a serious concern. Abraded skin normally does not bleed heavily as the subcutaneous layer of the skin is normally not damaged. As the tissues under the skin are not damaged, the wound would not result to scarring. First aid treatment for abrasion will be necessary to prevent the wound from getting infected. To save the dog from pain associated with abrasion the dog has to have first aid treatment.

The pet owner can administer first aid to the abrasion of the pet. The fur around the wound must be clipped. Dog’s fur on the wound would delay the healing process. Clean the abraded skin with a saline solution. A solution made from 2 cups of water and a teaspoon salt can also be used to irrigate the wound. Make sure that all the foreign materials are removed from the wound.

A topical antibiotic cream must be applied to the wound three times a day. No bandaging is necessary for small abrasions. A non-stick dressing is necessary if the abrasion is on the dog’s foot. Abrasions on the dog’s foot must be kept clean with bandage and non-stick dressing to prevent infection.

Find out more about abrasions and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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Dog First Aid – CPR

15 Dec 2010

An invasion of foreign substances will trigger a reaction from the dog’s body. The immune system serves as protectors against foreign substance that will invade the body. Once the presence of antigens is detected, the immune system will send out antibodies that will protect the body from infection. Bacteria, virus, fungus and parasites are infection causing agents. The immune system has a very important function of protecting the dog’s body from infectious agents

However, the immune system can also overreact to harmless substances. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system erroneously fights off pollens, dust and other harmless allergens by sending out an influx of antibodies. Fortunately, not all dogs will show an allergic reaction. But what if your pet is hypersensitive to these substances – can you help the pet by administering first aid?

Common signs of allergic reaction are sneezing, coughing and wheezing as well as immense itching. A swollen face, vomiting and diarrhea are other symptoms of allergic reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when a dog has inhaled pollen and dust. The allergic reaction could have been triggered by an insect bite or by an ingredient in the dog’s food. These reactions though are non-life threatening. It is even possible for the symptoms to fade even without treatment. Nonetheless, emergency treatments would be necessary to save the pet from the immense discomfort. Severe cases of allergies can result to the death of the pet. Anaphylaxis is an acute hypersensitivity reaction. This allergic reaction that is commonly caused by an insect bite causes the dog’s airways to swell so that the pet would suffer breathing difficulties. This type of allergic reaction cannot be treated at home.

Swelling and itching associated with an allergic reaction can be easily treated with first aid. Due to an inquisitive nature, dogs have the tendency to suffer from allergic reactions thus Benadryl and antihistamines are a must in the dog’s first aid kits. An application of herbal medication to the affected area will relieve the itching. Bathing the dog with cold water and using oatmeal shampoo will ease the itching of the dog’s skin. Vinegar compress, baking soda paste and ice packs relieves the pain resulting from insect stings. These home remedies are known to reduce swelling and pain.

Allergic reactions can be prevented if the pet is not exposed to the causative allergens but it is difficult to pinpoint what triggers the pet’s hypersensitivity. Since dogs cannot tell us what ails them the only way a pet owner can administer first aid is to be constantly aware of the changes in the dog’s appearance and behavior.

Sarah’s Dogs has more information about first aid for dogs and CPR.

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Emergency care for dogs with allergic reaction

15 Dec 2010

Dogs, like humans would at times react to the invasion of foreign substances. The body is protected by the immune system from the invasion of harmful foreign bodies. Once the presence of antigens is detected, the immune system will send out antibodies that will protect the body from infection. Bacteria, fungus, virus and parasites are harmful antigens that cause infection. The immune system has a very important function of protecting the dog’s body from infectious agents

However, the immune system can also overreact to harmless substances. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system sends out antibodies to fight harmless substances like pollens, dust, and ingredients in food and medications. The good news is that not all dogs will be affected by these allergens. But what if your pet is hypersensitive to these substances – can you help the pet by administering first aid?

Common signs of allergic reaction are sneezing, coughing and wheezing as well as immense itching. Vomiting, diarrhea and the swelling of the face are some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These symptoms would surface after the dog has inhaled allergens like pollens and dust. Insect bite or a new diet can be the cause of the allergic reaction. These reactions though are non-life threatening. Mild cases of allergic reaction would not need treatment as the condition normally resolves itself. Allergic reaction will cause the dog immense discomfort because of the itching thus first aid treatments would be necessary. Severe cases of allergies can result to the death of the pet. Anaphylaxis is an acute hypersensitivity reaction. This allergic reaction that is commonly caused by an insect bite causes the dog’s airways to swell so that the pet would suffer breathing difficulties. This type of allergic reaction cannot be treated at home.

Swelling and itching associated with an allergic reaction can be easily treated with first aid. The dog’s first aid kits must have Benadryl , antihistamines and other anti-allergy medications because these animals are prone to allergic reaction. Herbal medication is a proven effective first aid method that relieves the itching of the dog’s skin. Oatmeal shampoo and cold water are proven remedies for itchy skin. For insect stings vinegar compress, ice packs and paste made from baking soda and water are proven effective first aid treatments. These home remedies are commonly used by pet owner as first aid treatments to relive allergic symptoms.

Allergic reaction in dogs is hard to prevent given that it would be a tall order to know what substances the pet is hypersensitive to. Since dogs cannot tell us what ails them the only way a pet owner can administer first aid is to be constantly aware of the changes in the dog’s appearance and behavior.

Sarah’s Dogs has more information about first aid for dogs as well as.allergic reactions.

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First Aid Management For A Dehydrated Dog

15 Dec 2010

Losing excessive amounts of body fluid is dangerous as it can lead to dehydration. Dogs are prone to get dehydrated because they have a poor cooling system given that their sweat glands are only found on the nose and on the foot pads. The sweat glands cannot effectively dispel heat thus the dog would pant excessively but panting can result to dehydration as the essential body fluids are lost.

To regulate body temperature, the dog would pant but in doing so, more body fluid will be lost. Dogs can get dehydrated by running or doing strenuous exercises in very hot weather. Dehydration is a health concern that can develop when the dog have had recurring diarrhea, bouts of vomiting and high fever. Another cause of dehydration is insufficient food and water intake. Dehydration commonly occur in dogs with health concerns that turn away from food and water.

Urgent medical attention is necessary for dog dehydration cases as left untreated this condition can snuff the life of the pet. Left untreated, dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalance. The body’s electrolyte imbalance can be a life threatening concern as the condition can cause severe damage to the vital organs of the dog. The dog’s dehydration concern has to be immediately addressed either with first aid or with professional medical care. As dogs are prone to dehydration, an owner has to have the ability to recognize the symptoms of this serious condition.

A dehydrated dog would pass either very little or too much amount of urine. The dog would have a delayed capillary refill time. If the dog’s gums is compressed the normal color of the gums should return in seconds but if the dog is dehydrated, it would take a while before the normal color returns. A dehydrated dog would be lethargic, have sticky gums and sunken eyes. The skin of a dehydrated dog losses its elasticity so that when it is pulled up it would take a while before it would spring back to its normal position.

A severely dehydrated dog would need more aggressive rehydration procedures thus the dog has to be rushed to a veterinary facility as no home treatment can efficiently rehydrate the pet. Severe dehydration is corrected with intravenous fluids and some other medical management. This is a more efficient rehydration management as most dehydrated dog would refuse to drink and to eat. A dog owner has to administer first aid treatments if for some reasons the pet cannot have professional medical attention. One first aid method is to give the pet Pedialyt, a drink given to infants to replace electrolyte. Although it would be necessary to replenish body fluids, the dog must not be allowed to drink lots of water as it could lead to vomiting that will worsen the dog’s dehydration.

Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on dehydration and first aid for dogs.

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DogPedic Bed

15 Dec 2010

You have the convenience of slumbering in a comfy bed at night after a long day, however your puppy most likely is not as fortunate. This is really the key reason why a firm released a special dog bed named the DogPedic. It lets pets to possess a soft and comfortable bed for sleeping too.

What is unique regarding the DogPedic Sleep System is it is formed from memory foam which is especially made for pet dogs. The product will conform to a dog’s body shape and will support their entire weight so it could help your pet sleep better at night.

This doggy is designed using two unique layers. The comfortable memory foam is at the top while support foam is used on the bottom. The memory foam contours to the exact body shape of the pet meanwhile the bottom helps evenly sustain the entire weight.

This doggy bed is particularly effective for senior dogs. It should help relieve the pain and discomfort that is attributed to hip dysplasia and muscle and joint stiffness.

A ton of doggy beds that are available get lumpy and will begin to lose their shape eventually. But the memory foam in the DogPedic Sleep System. will not lose its shape and could provide years of comfort for your pet.

Every DogPedic Sleep System also comes with a Soft Suede Cover that is washable. It’s used for protecting the memory foam from standard wear and tear. The cover has a non slip bottom, therefore you are able to place it on virtually any kind of flooring.The list includes hardwood,tile,vinyl and more.

Furthermore a Waterproof Liner is also included with the bed. It will protect the bed from odors and stains in addition to preventing the growth of allergens. It will also stop liquids from getting into the bed. Thus even if your pet dog accidentally uses it for a bathroom, it won’t damage the mattress.

The DogPedic comes in three different sizes in order fit dogs of various sizes. The smallest one is sold for around 2 payments of $19.99 along with shipping and handling.

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Dog First Aid – Broken Toenail

15 Dec 2010

When the dog’s nails go “click, clicking” on the floor as the pet walks, it is the dog owner’s cue to bring out the nail clipper. Trimming the dog’s nails should be made a part of the grooming routine. Long toenails would have an effect on the stride of the dog. Long toenails commonly get broken and cause the dog immense pain and discomfort. Nail trimming though can be a challenge especially if the pet is not accustomed to having its paws touched. Nail trimming can be a challenge especially if the pet shows resistance as the quick is often cut and results to profuse bleeding.

Cutting the quick would cause profuse bleeding because of the number of capillaries present on the nail bed. The broken toenail may bleed a lot but it is not a serious condition. Styptic powder can easily stop the bleeding. Cornstarch or flour are other home remedies that will control the bleeding of the toenails if styptic powder is not available.

Most dog owners would panic if the pet would come home one day trailing bloody footprints. Because dogs are very energetic animals, dog owners have to get use to dealing with injuries that the pet sustain from accidents. Broken toenail is a common injury of dogs.

A broken toenail would hamper the dog’s normal gait more so if a part of the torn nail is still attached. A piece of the torn nail that remains attached would bleed every time it gets caught on the carpet or on the dog’s long fur. In spite of the bleeding, a broken toenail is not a life threatening condition. Bringing the pet to the vet’s may not even be necessary. Panicking pet owners would bring the dog to the vet but oftentimes the bleeding would have been controlled before arriving at the vet’s.

First aid would still be necessary for a dog that has a broken toenail to ease the discomfort of the pet and also to ward off infection. To ease the pet’s pain, the broken toenail has to be detached. A nail clipper can remove the broken toenail that is still attached. Toenails that are barely attached would be easy to remove. Clean the paw and the toes after the toenail was removed. If the torn nail bleeds again, use gauze to apply pressure to nail to control bleeding. A vet’s attention would be necessary if the large portion of the nail was broken. A course of antibiotics will be necessary to ward off infection.

Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on broken toenails as well as first aid for dogs.

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Detox Your Pets in 5 Steps

06 Dec 2010

It’s scary how much we rely on our pets. They’re our protectors, our reason to smile, our work out buddy, and much more frequently than not the way numerous let out pent up anger. They turn out to be a component of the family nearly as rapidly as a child does, and keeping them safe and healthy is a major priority.

Sadly though, in 2009 alone, there had been much more than 195,000 instances managed by Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Even if you are an attentive and environmentally friendly individual, there are harmful chemicals in issues that appear innocent to us that might be deadly to your furry friend.

Here are 5 ways to Detox your living region not just for you, but for your four-legged companion:

Keep an eye out for certain plants

There are certain plants that are very dangerous for the well-being of your pets. Now, we can’t control what our neighbors plant, but planting the proper plants in your personal garden (and sharing this article together with your neighbors) may assist your pets live healthier. Here is a list of plants to stay away from:

Lilies – Cause serious liver damage in cats

Sago palm – trigger vomiting, diarrhea and liver failure

Tulips – trigger gastrointestinal irritation, nervous system problems and cardiac abnormalities

Azaleas/rhododendron – vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and in severe instances, coma and death.

Oleander – abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death

Chrysanthemum – Depression and loss of coordination

Watch for holiday hazards in the forms of decorations and food

Holiday decorations, especially in the upcoming winter months, add a lot of decorations and food being cooked that’s not component of the regular schedule of your household. A lot of decorations are hazardous to pets, including, but not limited to, tinsel, lights, and candle-burning menorahs. There are also certain holiday foods that can be toxic for pets. Here are some items to look out for:

Onions

Garlic

Avocados

Coffee grounds

Alcohol

Grapes/raisins

Rising bread dough

Keep the medicine cabinet contained

If medicine falls into the paws of your pet, the consequences might be deathly severe. Keep medications, shampoo, make-up and lotions on higher shelves and/or in cabinets with latches. If your pet is prescribed medication, ask the doctor about any side effects you may encounter together with your pet and clarify and storage requirements or procedure requirements.

Purchase green cleaning supplies

Like with medicines, keeping cleaning supplies stored properly will keep your pet safe and healthy. Selecting green cleaning supplies will further guarantee the green living possibilities for your pet and keep them safe from harm.

Purify pet toys and personal items

Keep an eye out for who manufactures your pet’s toys and where they come from. Do not bleach your pet’s toys unless you make sure to dilute the bleach prior to hand and air out the toy and dry after cleaning. It makes much more sense for safety reasons to clean using a mild dish soap and water instead. Use dye-free detergent when washing all bedding or blankets, especially I they chew on them.

Melissa Rubin is a senior copywriter and Web developer at OTO Networks, a digital marketing business located in Baltimore, Maryland. Her primary responsibilities consist of SEO, link building and creating content for multiple websites. This article came from one of the websites she works on: http://www.agreenretirement.com. To learn much more about green living, keeping your family and pet environmentally safe, go to http://www.agreenretirement.com now!Some other subjects are to be found the following: motorcycle body and victory motorcycle ref

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Dog Drooling Excessively

06 Dec 2010

All dogs drool, some are heavy droolers, others are not.. Even professed dog lovers don’t like drool. Some owners would always need to carry towels to wipe the slobber of the dog; some pet owners would not need to because they are lucky to have dry dogs.

The glands inside the dog’s mouth produce the enzyme-rich saliva necessary to facilitate the chewing and digestion of food. Dogs normally drool when food is seen. Some breeds though, like the Saint Bernard, Boxers and bloodhounds are noted to be droolers because of the skin folds on the mouth that traps and prevents the saliva from being contained in the mouth. Heavy droolers or not, dogs will remain man’s well loved, affectionate and loyal companions. A remedy to keep the fur of the dog slobber free is to tie a bandana around the neck.

Excessive drooling, especially on breeds that do not drool heavily should be a cause for concern as it can result to dehydration. What would be more alarming is that the dog’s hyper salivation can be a symptom of a life threatening disease. A foreign object inside the mouth, a gum or dental disease can trigger an undue secretion of the dog’s salivary gland. A dog owner has to be aware of the underlying causes of excessive drooling. A dog that drools abnormally would be lethargic and have breathing difficulties. Pawing at the mouth and head shaking are other symptoms.

Excessive drooling can be attributed to several factors. A sliver of wood, a bone fragment, a piece of string that is stuck between the teeth would stimulate the secretion of the salivary gland. Removal of these foreign objects is imperative. Caution must be exercised in removing these foreign objects lest it cause the dog more injuries.

Excessive drooling can be associated with dental and gum problems. The dog may be suffering from gum infection, abscessed tooth or from mouth tumor. Eating difficulties; bad breath and pain are other symptoms of gum and dental health issues.

Motion sickness that causes the dog to drool is not life threatening. Life threatening issues associated with excessive drooling are heatstroke, bloat, rabies and poisoning. These life threatening concerns must be addressed immediately to save the life of the pet.

Want to know more about why dogs drool and first aid for dogs? Visit Sarah’s Dogs.

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Helping a choking dog

06 Dec 2010

Putting objects in their mouths is the dogs’ way of familiarizing with their environment and satisfying their curiosities. Therefore it is common for dogs to choke on large chunks of food, on bones, plastic toys, stones and on pieces of wood. Choking is one of the most common reasons why dogs are rushed to veterinary clinics. The swallowed object can create a blockage that will obstruct the airways. Choking is an emergency situation that when not given the necessary first aid treatment can result to the death of the dog.

It is therefore necessary for a pet parent to have a fair knowledge on what must be done to help the pet. No doubt, veterinarians can administer the right procedures to help a choking pet but first aid would certainly save the life of the pet.

Choking and coughing have very similar symptoms. A pet owner must carefully ascertain if the dog is really choking and not simply coughing. Chocking first aid on a coughing dog would have disastrous results. The swallowed object that gets lodged in the throat can result to partial of total obstruction of the airways. A dog can die if the swallowed object is not removed immediately.

A dog with a blocked airway would gag and try to vomit. A choking dog would continuously paw at the mouth and salivate excessively. It is very obvious that the dog finds it hard to breathe. Naturally, a panicking owner that wants to help the pet would do so by opening the mouth. Dogs in this kind of situation though are highly stressed and can manifest an aggressive temperament. Be careful in opening the dog’s mouth. To prevent the dog from biting your fingers, make sure that the lips of the pet is between the teeth and your fingers. It would be a good idea to ask another person’s help in restraining the dog. Once the mouth is open, you can sweep the inside of the mouth with a finger. If it is possible to remove the stuck object with tweezers or a long nosed pliers, do so but be very careful not to cause the dog more harm.

To help a chocking pet, the Heimlich maneuver is commonly used to remove a blockage far down the dog’s throat. Have the dog in the wheel borrow position where the raised hind legs is near you. After the dog has assumed the wheel borrow position use a fist on the last rib to push the abdomen until the blockage is removed.

Sarah’s Dogs has more information about what to do if your dog is choking and first aid for dogs.

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Archive for » 2010 «

First Aid Treatments for the Dog’s Lick Sores

Dog First aid – Abrasions

Dog First Aid – CPR

Emergency care for dogs with allergic reaction

First Aid Management For A Dehydrated Dog

DogPedic Bed

Dog First Aid – Broken Toenail

Detox Your Pets in 5 Steps

Dog Drooling Excessively

Helping a choking dog

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