Dog Health Blog

Knowing your dog and interacting with him on a regular basis will help you determine the early signs of illness. Observing differences in normal behavior and detecting sickness early will help you save money and time.

When a dog is healthy, his temperature is about 102 degrees F, his heart beats 80 to 120 times per minute, and he takes 15 to 20 breaths every minute. His mucous membranes, such as his gums and tongue, are pink and have a fast rate of capillary refill. He has bright, vivid eyes, clean skin and lots of hair.

You should call your veterinarian if you observe any of the following signs of illness in your dog: shortness of breath or extensive labored breathing; gagging or vomiting; red, swollen eyes; runny or encrusted nose, or a discharge from the nose; twitching ears, or a discharge or odor from the ears; and strange or foul odors from the ears, nose or mouth.

Become familiar with the normal bowel movements of your dog, so you will be able to detect any abnormalities in the appearance or frequency of his digestive activity. Also, observe your dog for any signs that he is having trouble urinating.

Check your dog’s coat frequently for any bumps, scratches, bites, parasites or hair loss. You should also make a note of any strange behaviors, such as lethargy, balance problems or excessive nervousness.

Observing the early signs of sickness goes a long way toward helping your veterinarian effective treat your dog. Keep a record of symptoms, when they first developed and if they have been intermittent or ongoing.

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At some point, you will need to administer medication to your dog. The easiest way to accomplish this is through the dog’s mouth, and the sooner you can master this fundamental technique, the better.

Put your dog in a sitting position and, with your left hand over the bridge of the nose with fingers on either side, apply pressure to your dog’s cheeks so the insides push against the upper teeth. While you maintain this pressure, use the middle finger of your right hand (the hand that is holding the pill) to gently open your dog’s mouth. Your dog will likely not try to close his mouth, because that would cause him to bite down on his own cheeks. Once his mouth is open, quickly put the pill as far back in his mouth as possible. Allow his mouth to close, and he will swallow the pill. You can encourage swallowing by lightly tickling his throat after his mouth is closed.

If you have to administer liquid medication, place the vial or bottle in the buccal pouch — the pocket of loose skin between the teeth and lips — once the dog’s mouth is open. Pour the medicine slowly and make sure your dog’s head isn’t up too high. Your veterinarian can help explain this procedure if you have questions.

It’s best to let your vet administer any medication that isn’t given orally.

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A few years ago, one of the most common medical claims for dogs was for ear infections. That’s astounding, considering that ear infections in dogs are preventable. All you need to do is invest a little time each week in your dog’s ears.

When you clean your dog’s ears, you need to make sure you’re doing it the right way. The sense of hearing is very important to dogs, and they can’t do it if their ears are damaged! Dog’s ears are very delicate, both the inner and outer parts, so it’s important to follow proper cleaning procedures. The following tips will help you keep your dog’s ears clean without causing damage:

Provide regular protection against getting water in your dog’s ears by putting cotton balls in his ears during baths.

Clean your dog’s ears once every four weeks. The ideal method is to use a cotton swab soaked in a mild cleansing agent, such as mineral oil or diluted peroxide. Your vet may also make product recommendations. Using tender strokes, carefully swab both the outer and inner parts of the dog’s ear, taking care not to push any wax further into the ear. Clean only the parts of the ear that you can clearly see, and don’t remove all the wax. Dogs need a little bit of wax to protect their ear canals.

Remove any small debris from the fur surrounding the dog’s ears. It’s important as well to clean under the ear flaps, especially if your dog enjoys running through tall weeds or grass. Foreign objects can get into the ear, causing infections or irritation, so be sure to remove anything  foreign immediately.

If you have a Poodle or an English Spaniel, you should routinely trim the hair around their ears. Excessive hair growth in or around the ears can promote infection. Trimming the hair will improve air circulation and lessen the chance for infection.

Check your dog’s ear flaps regularly for any cuts, scratches or wounds, particularly following a skirmish with another animal. Cuts in these sensitive areas can become easily infected, so keep an eye out for injuries and call your vet if necessary.
Veterinary Secrets Revealed. Treat Your Pet At Home With Over 1000 At-home Pet Health Remedies: Keep Your Dog Or Cat Healthy, Extend Their Life And Save Money At The Vet!