The more you know, the
better prepared you will be to keep your dog healthy ... or maybe even
save his life.
Sometimes illness strikes without any warning
signs. But quite often there ARE signs along the way. If your dog has a
health problem and you know what to look for, you will be able to
recognize the symptoms and get help.
This is really important because the sooner you begin treatment the
better. An early diagnosis gives your dog a much better chance of
recovery.
There are certain symptoms that you should always be on
the lookout for - and they should never be ignored. If you were to
call your local emergency clinic and report these symptoms, they would
most likely tell you that it was an emergency situation and recommend
that you bring your dog in as soon as possible.
A symptom is a sign of a disease. It is not a disease in itself.
Oftentimes, the same symptom can be a sign of multiple illnesses. For
example, breathing difficulties. If your dog has trouble breathing that
is a very significant symptom. It can be a sign of heart failure, lung
diseases like pneumonia, bleeding into the chest cavity, trauma and
more.
I'd like to tell you about some of these symptoms today.
In fact, I think this information is so important that I've decided to
dedicate a few more emails to this topic. Make sure to read them all.
Here
are the first 5 symptoms you should never ignore:
1.
Pacing and restlessness. In
dogs, pacing and restlessness can indicate pain, discomfort or
distress. Restlessness can be associated with a life-threatening
condition call "bloat" in which the stomach becomes distended and
twisted. Left untreated, it results in death. Pacing and restless can
be an indicator of a serious problem, so be on the lookout.
2. Unproductive retching. Another
common sign of "bloat" is when a dog attempts to vomit but is unable to
bring anything up. If your dog does this you should call your
veterinarian immediately.
3.
Collapse or fainting. Acute
collapse is a sudden loss of strength that causes your dog to fall and
be unable to rise. Some dogs will actually lose consciousness (this is
called fainting or syncope). Some dogs recover very quickly and look
essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing, whereas
others stay in the collapsed state until they get assistance. There are
many reasons that a dog may collapse or faint, and all are serious. If
this happens to your dog, see your veterinarian immediately
4. Pale gums
. Paleness in the gums or mucous membranes can indicate blood
loss or "shock". The possible causes for blood loss or shock are life
threatening so you need to act quickly. Have your dog evaluated by a
veterinarian immediately.
5. Lethargy
or weakness
. Lethargy is a state of drowsiness, inactivity or indifference
in which the dog shows delayed responses to external stimuli like sound,
sight or touch. Lethargy is a nonspecific sign that can be associated
with many possible conditions. Sometimes it will have little to no
impact on the dog's health but sometimes it can be a sign of a severe or
life-threatening illness. There's no way to know without an exam.
Lethargy of more than a day's duration should not be ignored, especially
if it persists.
I hope this information will help keep your dog
healthy.
Should animal abusers be registered like sex offenders?
California may soon
place animal abusers on the same level as sex offenders by listing them in
an online
registry,
complete with their home addresses and places of employment.
On Friday, State
Senator Dean Florez (D) announced a bill for a statewide registry in California,
which follows in the footsteps of our state's newly passed protections for
chickens, pigs and cattle. Similar bills have already been introduced in Rhode
Island, Colorado and Tennessee, but, to date, have not passed.
The proposed bill,
drafted with help from the Animal Legal
Defense Fund (ALDF), would require any person convicted of a
felony involving animal cruelty to register with the police and provide a range
of personal information along with a current photograph. This information and
the person's specific offense would then be posted online. The
website Petabuse.com already offers a limited
type of online registry, with listings of animal offenders and their
crimes.
Last fall, California
became the first state to outlaw tail-docking of dairy cows, where the tail is
partly amputated to ease the milking process. In 2008, we also passed
Proposition 2, which gave hens, calves and pigs more room in their crates or
cages. (This controversial law made some agriculturally minded residents hot
enough under the collar to threaten to secede from the state.)
Meanwhile ALDF has
launched a new campaign, ExposeAnimalAbusers.org to help all states
establish public animal abuser registries. The ALDF hopes such registries would
protect animals, pet guardians and communities by preventing repeat offenses
from anyone with a known history of abusing animals. This could include violence
(torture, mutilation, intentional killings), sexual abuse and animal fighting as
well as neglect (such as hoarding).
ExposeAnimalAbusers.org
enables the public to contact their state lawmakers and urge them to propose
legislation for the creation of state registries. Visitors to the website can
also watch a short video (above) that outlines the benefits of such registries
(i.e. preventing new cases of animal abuse and creating safer communities). At
10:30 a.m. (PST) this morning, Senator Florez's live press conference will be
available for viewing here.
ALDF is promoting the
registry not only as a way to notify the public but also as a possible early
warning system for other crimes. "We know there's a link between those who abuse
animals and those who perform other forms of violence," says Stephan Otto, the
group's director of legislative affairs.
In addition to sex
offenders, California currently lists arsonists in an online registry. Animal
abusers would be listed on a similar site. Supporters say that such a registry
could also be valuable in tracking people who run puppy mills and
animal-fighting rings.
"A lot of times these
people will just pick up and move to another jurisdiction or another state if
they get caught," says Gillian Deegan, an attorney who has written on animal
welfare laws. "It would definitely help on those types of cases where people
jump around."
Senator Florez says he
is confident that he has the votes needed to move the measure forward and
estimates that the registry would cost less than $1 million to
establish.
[cross-posted from Dr. Jon's Dog Crazy Newsletter]
Emergencies
happen all the time. Some are preventable and some are not. There are
some common household dangers that send dogs to the emergency room
quite often. Do you know what they are?
I'd
like to tell you so we can keep your dog healthy and avoid an emergency
situation! Here is an article with some common problems that occur and
what you can do to prevent them. Go to
http://www.petplace.com/household-dangers-for-pets
Did
you also know that some common human foods can be toxic to dogs?
Knowing which foods can harm your pet is very important, so I want to
share this information with you too. Go to:
Dangerous Foods - What NOT to give your dog
[cross-posted from Dr. Jon's Dog Crazy Newsletter]
If your dog had an accident or life-threatening injury, would you know what to do?
Often,
the right preventive measures can save a dog's life. You never know
when something can happen. No one ever "expects" an accident or
injury. That's why it's so important to be prepared.
First aid is important. So, what are the things you should know
that could one day save your dog's life? This is my Top 10 List of
things you should know in an emergency medical situation.
Here they are.
1. How an injured dog behaves - You need to know what to expect from an injured pet to prevent injury to yourself.
2. Vet phone numbers and address
- You quickly need to know who to call and where to go. Make sure you
also have numbers on hand for 24-hour emergency clinics that provide
after-hours emergency care.
3.
Phone number of a friend - In
some situations when a pet is lost or when you are trying to transport
an injured pet, you can't do it alone. You need a friend's help. Always
be prepared by having the phone number of an animal-loving friend you
can call for help.
4. CPR
5. Heimlich maneuver
6. How to bandage a wound
- This can be easy to do and it is important to protect a wound.
Bandaging helps to control bleeding and helps keep the wound clean.
7.
How to stop bleeding - Gentle pressure is the best way to stop bleeding.
8. Towel or blankets - They can be used to cover the wound or to help you pick up an injured pet.
9. Strong blanket - This can help you transport an injured pet.
10. Finances
- It is important to be financially prepared. You need to be able to
take care of your pet's medical needs. Many clinics do not allow
payment plans but do accept credit cards. One good way to protect your
pet is to consider a pet insurance policy.
posted Feb 16, 2010 9:56 AM by Angela Grujicic
[
updated Feb 16, 2010 9:56 AM
]
[cross-posted from Dr. Jon's Dog Crazy Newsletter]
Do you dread giving your dog a bath? Is it a big soapy mess? Do you let your dog go without a bath for weeks because it is simply too much of a hassle?
Well, you're not alone.
My friend, Margie, has a little black and white Terrier named Chips who just HATES baths. Every time she mentions the word "BATH," he runs away and hides under the sofa. It takes the entire family to catch and bathe him. Margie even tried SPELLING the word. "It's time to give Chips a B-A-T-H," she would say. But Chips soon caught on and began running for cover at the very spelling of the word "BATH." (Who said dogs aren't smart?)
There are other challenges to washing your dog.
Big dogs can be more of a handful just because of their size. Dogs with thick coats are always more difficult to bathe because it's hard to clean through the fur, down to the skin.
In some climates, it can be too cold to wash your dog outdoors during winter months. This year is so cold, even South Florida is getting freezing temperatures! For some dogs the job is just too messy to be done indoors, but it must be done regardless. (Any time your dog starts to SMELL like a dog, it is time for a good bath.) Professional groomers are always a good option ... provided it's in your budget (which is not always the case -- especially these days). Regardless of HOW you do it, your dog still needs to be bathed regularly during cold winter months - and for most of us, that means bathing him indoors.
Here are some tips to help you bathe your dog indoors during cold winter months.
1. Never wash your dog outside if the weather is cold. This is particularly true for puppies - they have trouble regulating their body temperatures. Puppies should be at least four weeks old before they receive their first bath.
2. Before starting an indoor bath, make sure the house is warm. Turn up the thermostat a few degrees. Do your prep work. Have everything ready ahead of time - shampoo, towels, the works.
3. Start by combing and brushing out all mats. Otherwise, the water will turn the mats into solid masses, which will require clippers to remove. If your dog's hair is matted with paint, tar or some other sticky material, trim with clippers or soak the area with vegetable or mineral oil for 24 hours. (Consult a professional groomer for especially difficult tangles.)
4. Prep your dog. Put a drop of mineral oil in the eyes to protect them from suds. Some people use cotton balls in the ears. If you use cotton balls, make sure they're the right size for your dog's ears; if they're too small, they may slip down the ear canal.
5. Bathe your dog as quickly as possible. Be thorough and do a good cleaning, but whether you're using the tub or the shower get him in and out as soon as possible. Dry your dog immediately and as quickly as possible. Use a good pet shammy, lots of big soft towels, or a hair dryer set to a low setting. NEVER allow a wet dog to go outdoors in the winter.
I hope this will help make bathing your dog a lot easier this winter. Your dog will be happier and he will smell nice and clean. With a little preparation and the right tools it can actually be fun for both of you.
[cross-posted from Dr. Jon's Dog Crazy Newsletter]
How kissable is your dog? Does he have bad breath? Are his teeth stained?
Well,
if you do not brush your dog's teeth it is very likely that your dog
has "doggy" breath, stained yellow teeth and/or swollen gums.
If you brush you dog's teeth, I congratulate you. You are in the top 20% of pet owners in the country.
However, if you do not brush your dog's teeth, you are making a big mistake...
Healthy
teeth and gums are important for biting and chewing, and even more
important for your dog's overall good health. Tooth and gum disease can
lead to serious health problems, including infection, kidney problems
and heart disease!
Brushing your dog's teeth makes a world of difference. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association says
brushing your dog's teeth could add as much as five years to his life.
So
if that's not something you are already doing, you really must start.
You should brush your dog's teeth at least three times a week.
We make our kids brush their teeth every night so they have healthy teeth and gums. Our dogs are no different.
Many of you have told me that you do kiss your dogs ... and that it would be a lot more fun without the "doggy breath."
I hope this helps you.
Until next time,
Dr. Jon
P.S.
February is Doggy Dental Month and we are trying to increase the number
of people that properly care for their dog's teeth. This is truly a
small investment in your dog's health.
[cross-posted from Dr. Jon's Dog Crazy Newsletter]
Since the current financial situation isn't expected to
resolve itself in the near future, we thought we would give dog owners
some easy and effective ways to save money.
Here are some tips...
1. Get Healthy
. Pet health should be taken seriously. Your dog needs exercise
to stay fit, just like you do. There isn't a 'magic pill' that can
replace preventive medicine, but you can provide healthy exercise for
your pets just by playing with them. Go outside and take your favorite
4-legged friend for a walk. This will help both you and your dog, and
it doesn't cost a thing.
2. Brush
. Get a doggy toothbrush and brush your dog's teeth. This is a
simple and effective way to keep your dog's overall health on the up
and up. It also helps prevent tartar build up and gum disease, such as
gingivitis.
3. Wash, Wash, Wash.
Bathing your dog at home will save you money. Bathe your dog with pet
shampoo and make sure you rinse thoroughly. You want to make sure you
use a pet approved shampoo because it will lessen the chance of
developing an allergic reaction. It is also very important to rinse
your dog thoroughly because if you don't, the suds left behind can
cause itchy irritating dry skin.
4. Get a Short Doo
. If you take your dog to the groomer ask them to cut your dog's
hair shorter. This will decrease the number of times you need to get
your dog groomed, and it will help keep your pet cooler during the
summer months. You can also trim your dog's nails at home instead of
going to the vet or groomer. We recommend the using a nail grinder.
It's a fast and easy way to trim your dog's nail safely and effectively.
5. Feed Right
. Next, check how much food you feed against what is
recommended by the manufacture and your veterinarian. You could be
feeding your dog too much, which could create problems - you could be
creating an overweight dog and your food will not last as long as it
could by just feeding the recommended amount. Also remember to
comparison shop. Just because you have bought your dog's food at the
same store for years doesn't mean they have the best price. Check the
food manufactures and pet stores websites often because they will often
email you special promotions and coupons if you sign up for their free
newsletter. In addition to their discounts, you can usually find
coupons in your local paper for many pet food brands.
6. Yearly Exam
. This is an important one. Take your dog in for a yearly
physical exam. The earlier you can catch any sign of disease the
better. The vet will also be able to inform you about your dog's
overall health and give the appropriate vaccinations. Before choosing
a vet, call around your area and ask different offices how much they
charge. You may be surprised at how much different offices charge for
the same services. Some offices even offer special discounts to new
clients, and clients that are in a difficult financial situation. You
can also ask your friends for veterinarians that they recommend.
Remember to be on the lookout for discount vaccination days with your
local county office and pet stores. At these discount days you can get
your yearly vaccinations and rabies shots for a fraction of the normal
cost.
7. Multi-use Toys.
Finally, look for good quality multi-use pet toys. Look for toys that
are long lasting so you don't need to replace them often.
Hopefully these ideas will spark some thinking about how
you can improve your dog's health and stay on a realistic budget. I
hope this was helpful.
[cross-posted from Dr. Jon's Dog Crazy Newsletter]
Black lights help you find urine spots in your home is this true or false?
TRUE! Believe it or not, black lights actually CAN help you find dog urine spots in your home!
Your dog may have an "accident" and urinate somewhere inside the
house without you even realizing it. It happens all the time. The next
thing you know, there's a strong, lingering urine odor that you just
CAN'T seem to locate, because at that point the "accident" is virtually
invisible. Black lights make these areas visible so you can treat
them!
Here's what happens: Black lights are fluorescent lights with a
special coating called phosphor. The black glass in a black light
blocks all visible light so that only the light hitting the phosphor
coating can be seen. Many things in nature contain phosphor, including
dog urine. So when a black light hits an area where a dog has urinated
the phosphor content in the urine glows in the dark. With a black
light, a urine spot that is invisible to the naked eye suddenly becomes
visible.
My staff and I feel strongly that black lights are one of the best
ways to find invisible urine spots in your home. But once you find
them, you must clean and treat the area to get rid of the smell.
Urine
spots require a special kind of treatment to get rid of the nasty odor.
And most products on the market today just don't work - trust me, I've
tried them all. Here's why. Urine is made up of several components, one
of which is urine salts. These urine salts are invisible, but no matter
how much you clean the spot they will never go away. These urine salts
cause the odor, and since they can't be removed they must be
"deactivated".
[cross-posted from Dr. Jon's Dog Crazy Newsletter]
We
get a lot of questions about pet recipes. People want to know what
homemade dog food is good for a certain problem or they just want a
good basic dog food recipe. To be honest, over the years I've seen
health problems in some dogs that are fed a homemade dog food. It can
be difficult to properly balance a dog's nutritional needs in a
homemade food, and a poor diet can cause problems. Generally, we
recommend that dogs be fed a good quality premium dog food that is
properly balanced to meet all nutritional requirements.
But some owners still insist on making their own food. So in my
opinion, if you are going to do it, you should do it right. Also, if
your dog is sick and you are trying to get him to eat, a homemade food
recipe might come in handy.
If you decide to feed any of these
recipes to your dog, print the recipe and take it to your vet to
discuss it based on your particular dog's needs.
You may even want to print one or two of these recipes
and keep them around in case you run out of food or if your dog will
not eat and you are trying to entice him to eat with something new.
posted Jan 8, 2010 8:27 AM by Angela Grujicic
[
updated Jan 8, 2010 8:28 AM
]
Hi Everyone:
We pulled Angel the six month old
Pit puppy on New Years Eve from Tiger GA. We cross posted to find an
adopter for Clyde, the male black pit still there and it looks as though we
have a home for him to.
However Angel broke with Parvo today and has been
rushed to the Seneca, Vet Hospital and is now under treatment for this. We also
already have an application for adoption on Angel to.
As most of you know we are a no,
kill, non profit, working solely off of donations.
So anyone who would like to help
offset Angel's vet care can donate three different ways, but please indicate it
is for Angel.
