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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.

Category: Miscellaneous Dog Info Tags: dog, dog bed, dogpedic, dogpedic bed, dogs, pet, pet products, pets Comments off

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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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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What to do if your dog has worms

06 Dec 2010

Dogs have always been considered as man’s best friends. Dogs have made a lot of difference to human’s way of life because of the limitless supply of unconditional love they give to their human family. It is therefore not surprising for pet owners to do everything necessary to ensure the health of the pets. Responsible owners not only make sure that the dog is provided with enough food because the pet is also regularly groomed and provided with opportunities to meet its exercise requirements. A dog owner concerned for the health of the pet would take time to bring the pet to the vet for its vaccinations. Unfortunately, dogs, in spite of these measures still get sick.

Worms are one of the most common enemies of dog owners. The life style of the dog makes these animals more prone to internal parasite infestation. Any dog owner will be exposed to the scavenging habit of the pet. Given the chance, dogs would raid trash cans, eat not only rotten food but their own and other dog’s feces as well. Would an owner be surprised to know that the pet has free loaders inside its intestines?

Although worm infestation can be easily treated, knowing if the pet is infested would be another matter. Some worms are vomited or excreted with the feces. However, other types of worm cannot be seen by the naked eye and a pet owner has to be aware of the other signs of infestation. Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and poor appetite are the common symptoms of worm infestation. Lethargy, pot bellied and a scurffy coat are telltale signs of worm infestation. Treatment is imperative as severe infestation can result to the death of the dog. Treatment is necessary as worms can be transmitted to the dog’s human family.

Blood test and fecal exam are necessary to administer the right worming medication that will wipe out the infestation. OTC worming medications can be purchased from any pet supply stores. OTC medications would certainly have an effect but a cautious pet owner would always consult a vet.

Because dosage of animal medications are commonly based on body weight, errors with the dosage is possible so that instead of killing worms, the treatment would have dangerous effects on the pet. Also, you may be giving the pet the wrong medication. You can save on the vet’s PF if you administer OTC medications but what would be a few bucks if you can be sure that the life of the pet will be saved.

Still wonder what to do if your dog has worms? Find out more about this and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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How to help a dog that is giving birth

06 Dec 2010

The thought of holding adorable puppies would certainly be exciting more so if the puppies would come out from the beloved pooch. Family members will excitedly wait for the D-day. Pregnancy is a normal episode in a dog’s life and dogs will be their usual active and spirited self even when the time to give birth comes. 98% of dogs deliver their puppies without difficulties and without needing human assistance.

However, this does not mean that birthing would be totally free of complications. The pooch may not be able to expel the puppies – pup can get stuck in the birth canal. Worst, a dog that is having a difficult birthing can die.

A pet parent can do nothing much to alleviate the labor pains the dog is feeling thus the best thing to do is to make sure that the dog is comfortable. Dogs have different personalities thus it is expected that while some dogs would appreciate the presence and the comforting touch of the owner, others would choose to stay in a dark corner to weather the labor pains alone. An owner can comfort the pet while she is going through the labor pains but the dog must be allowed to do her thing when it is time to give birth. However, dog owner has to make sure that the newborn pups are OK.

Dogs normally do not need help from humans after the puppy is born as by using its teeth and tongue, the dam can clean the newborn. Licking is done not only to clean the pup but also to stimulate respiration. After the pup is cleaned, it can be placed in a separate box to prevent it from being crushed by the mother dog that is straining to expel the next pup.

Although dogs normally deliver puppies without a hitch, there are instances when difficult pregnancies would require dogs to have human assistance. Complications in delivering the puppies can get the mother dog too exhausted. Immediate human intervention is necessary to save both the puppy and the mother dog. Help the mother dog to expel the puppy by gently pulling the exposed body part until the pup is totally expelled. Cleaning the puppy will be your job too. Tear the sac immediately to prevent the pup from suffocating. Suction the fluid from the nose and mouth and briskly rub the puppy with a towel. Clean the whelping box and return to puppies to the mother dog.

Want to know more about what to do when your dog is in labor as well as first aid for dogs. Visit Sarah’s Dogs.

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Tag-Archive for » pet «

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

Dog Drooling Excessively

Helping a choking dog

What to do if your dog has worms

How to help a dog that is giving birth

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