Before Bringing the Dog Home
Depending upon the
age and size of the dog, you might need to remember to bring a collar and leash
to transport the dog safely home. Other
items you will need to have on hand at home are a high-quality food, food and
water bowls, toys, chew-toys or bones, training aids as explained in Section
III, and a properly-sized crate. While
you’re picking out these items, you might as well pick up grooming supplies,
including shampoo, a comb and brush, nail-clippers, and a styptic pencil,
unless you budget the extra expense to send the dog regularly for commercial
grooming. The dog’s shampoo should be
formulated especially for dogs: human
soaps, shampoos, and detergents are much too harsh and probably the wrong Ph
for the dog’s skin and coat.
Purchase or make
yourself a doggy first-aid kit, or perhaps two (one for the home and one for
the car). Ask your veterinarian to
advise you regarding its contents or check online. The commercial ones often come with a useful
booklet so you can read up and be prepared for emergencies. Remember that some human medications are
dangerous to dogs: Tylenol or Advil
(ibuprofen) can kill them, for example. Also
know the signs of when a dog is in danger.
According to an online article published by the College of Veterinary
Medicine at the University of Illinois, “Common emergency conditions include
ingestion of non-food items, accidental trauma, bloat, urinary obstruction, and
seizures” (http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=144). “The signs of these conditions are highly
variable,” the site continues, so reading up about the symptoms and having a
plan to react to each of them is probably a good idea. If your dog seems sick or injured, and you
are in doubt about whether or not it’s an emergency, err on the side of caution
and call your veterinarian.
Common Signs of Illness
Fever Diarrhea
for longer than 24 hrs.
Swelling or lumps Excessive Shedding or Drooling
Stiffness Abnormal Breathing
Problems with Teeth or Eyes Coughing
Sore Gums Changes in Appetite or Weight
Itching Scooting Bottom along the Ground
Pain Problems Eating
Shaking the head, rubbing the ears, or scratching excessively
Incontinence or increased urination
Excessive drinking for longer than 24 hrs.
Gradual unexplained weight loss:
you should not be able to see the dog’s ribs!
Symptoms of Emergencies: Seek Veterinary Care Immediately!
- Bleeding anytime you can’t control
- Bone fractures
- Breathing difficulties (gasping; blue gums or tongue)
- Heatstroke (weak, panting heavily, body temperature over 103 degrees F)
- Injury due to wounds, fights, or accidents
- Lameness that last beyond 24 hours, or any severe, continuous pain
- Penetrating or puncture wounds, especially of the chest or belly
- Seizure, loss of balance, or unconsciousness
- Shock (cold skin, fast but weak pulse, rapid breathing and pale gums)
- Straining to urinate or defecate but cannot
- Suspected Poisoning
- Swollen, distended, or bloated abdomen[1]
- Vomiting four or more times or bloody/dark vomit
- Bloody diarrhea or urine
Final Tip:
NEVER leave your dog unattended in a car, especially in warm
weather. Even with the windows open, the
car will overheat quickly and may kill the dog!
[1] Bloat is often accompanied by unproductive retching
and lots of panting and is most common in large, deep-chested dogs like St.
Bernards or Great Danes.
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