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Dog & cat tips
Banish Bad Doggy Breath!
The most common cause of bad breath in otherwise healthy dogs is the build-up of tartar and plaque on their teeth. In order to correct this problem, there are a few things that you can do:
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Take your canine to an annual veterinary exam that includes a dental checkup.
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Feed your dog dry pet food that will help slow down the build-up of plaque and tartar.
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Give your dog a rawhide chew or nylon bone to help get rid of plaque and tartar.
- Don't neglect to brush your dog's teeth. He should have them brushed at least once a week.
Smelly Dogs
Does your dog smell? There may be a variety reasons, so before you dump them in the bath, consider the following:
Sometimes your dog gets stinky because she loves to roll in stinky things. Regular brushing, grooming and bathing will help clean your dog up.
Sprayed by a skunk? Try tomato juice. If the worst occurs, bring your pooch into the bath and dump on the juice.
Some dog breeds have an oily hair coat that can become rancid and cause a bad odor. Basset hounds and spaniels both have this characteristic. If this type of dog breed is not groomed and cared for regularly, it can develop into a skin condition, so look out.
Bacterial skin diseases are a common problem with some breeds and can cause odor.
You need an anti-bacterial dog shampoo to keep bacteria off sensitive skin. You should also consult with a vet if you feel there is a bacterial cause.
Ear infections can cause odor, especially in dogs with drop ears. Look for redness, irritation and itching. Frequent grooming and cleaning can help with issues like this.
Anal glands can also cause pet odors. Anal glands should be expressed by your veterinarian, but some qualified dog groomers can do this as well.
Summer Heat
When the temperature rises in the summer, don't forget to help keep your dog cool. Make sure your canine companion has access to plenty of fresh water and a shaded area to lie. Avoid taking her for long walks or exercising her during midday, when temperatures are the hottest. And always be careful of hot asphalt and cement, which could burn feet quickly.
Short nosed breeds such as Pekingese or Pugs are especially susceptible to overheating. Also watch out for older dogs.
If your pooch is overheating, keep her in a breezy spot, apply cold water with towels or put her in a chilled water bath. Hydrate her as soon as she is responsive to it.
Your Dog's Skin
Although your dog may be covered in fur, she may still have sensitive skin. Some canines develop skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema, and rashes caused by skin allergies.
Skin problems can cause extreme itching, fur fall-out, and even painful skin sores unless treated. On a short haired dog, you can often spot these problems developing early whereas on a long haired dog, the problems may be hidden for some time.
If your pet seems to be scratching the same area a great deal, check her skin under her fur. Make sure you also check beneath her undercoat. If the problem appears to be caused by a poorly trimmed undercoat or fur matting, you can approach a professional groomer.
In the case of fur matting, don't bathe your dog right away and don't treat with a medicated dog shampoo if you canine has a longer coat and an undercoat. You may actually cause more harm than good because water will actually increase matting in an undercoat instead of cleaning it.
Additionally, you can experiment with diet, a main cause of skin problems. Check the nutritional labels of the food you are giving the dog, and try to transition her into a different diet or add a dog nutritional supplement.
Finally, you should approach your veterinarian if the problems persist
Identification Records
It's always a good idea to keep identification records of your dog in the event you should ever need them. Your dog should have a harness or collar with an identification tag with your name, your dog's name, and your contact information. You should also microchip your pet or give her an identification tattoo. Both options are a permanent means of identifying your pet should she ever get lost. Next, keep a current record of your dog's height, weight, coloring, and any identifying marks. Keep a current photo of your dog that you can use on flyers. Being prepared can make the difference in being able to find your pet.
First Aid Kit
It's always a good idea to have a pet first aid kit handy in case you ever need it. There are commercial kits for canines available, but with a just a bit of work, you can put together your own. Here's what you need:
Phone numbers to your veterinarian during office hours and during emergency hours
Phone number to an animal poison control center
Copy of your dog's medical records
Sterile non-stick bandages for open wounds
Roll of gauze bandages and gauze pads to place over a wound
Adhesive medical tape to secure bandages
Rounded tip scissors
Cotton tipped swabs to apply antiseptic
Antiseptic solution to clean wounds
Tweezers for thorn removal
Rectal thermometer for taking temperature
Winter Foot Care
You may have heard that it's a good idea to wash your automobile as frequently as possible in the winter to prevent corrosion from road salt. If road salt can corrode the metal under your car, just think of the damage it can do to your dog's feet! The salt spread on sidewalks and roads can soak into your dog's footpads, causing drying, irritation, and in some cases painful cracks and sores. After winter strolls in areas where salt may be used, wash your dog's feet in with warm water and apply a balm to help heal dry skin. You'll both be glad you did!
Signs Your Dog
Needs to See a Vet
There are a number of symptoms that can signal that it's time to take your dog to the vet. Some of the more common ailments canines can get include parvovirus, canine distemper, kennel cough, and leptospirosis. Parvovirus is serious disease that damages your dog's intestinal lining and can result in death in young and unvaccinated dogs. If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately:
Fever (103-105 degrees Fahrenheit)
Weakness
Poor appetite
Depression
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dog Kisses
Although it is possible for you to get germs from your canine companion, it's not very likely. As long as you wash your hands after coming into contact with your dog, you should be fine. Very rarely, people can get sick from coming into contact with dog feces or a dog that has rabies. So if you want to let your canine kiss you, go right ahead.
Nursing Puppy Problems
Sometimes you find one puppy in a litter is smaller or weaker than his littermates. If his littermates are pushing him away from nursing, you can try supplementing his feeding with a milk replacer or goats milk. A newborn puppy that does not get enough nourishment will not survive. If hand feeding does not resolve the issue, see a veterinarian immediately.
Vaccinations for Puppies
Puppies are protected against a number of diseases by their mother's antibodies during their first six to eight weeks of life. At about six to eight weeks of age, puppies must start receiving a series of vaccinations against distemper, bordetella, rabies, parvovirus, and Lyme disease. These vaccinations continue until the puppy is sixteen weeks old. An older or adult dog then receives booster shots every twelve months or so.
Puppy Conjunctivitis
Occasionally, puppies develop an infection called conjunctivitis before their eyes are ready to open. The eyelids will become red and swollen with possible discharge. In such situations, the eyelids may need to be gently pried apart to drain the pus and allow application of eyewash and an antibacterial ointment. If you think your newborn puppy may have conjunctivitis, please consult your veterinarian. This is a serious condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly.This inflammation of the eye also affects adult dogs. Possible causes are bacteria, viruses, deficient tear ducts, and foreign objects in the eyes.
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