Dog Breathing Problems
Symptoms:
Increased breathing effort, pale or blue mucous membrane, fainting, cessation of breathing
Possible Causes:
Lung infections, overheating, poisoning, swallowed object
What to Do:
1. Lay the rabbit on his right side.
2. Open his mouth and clear any obstruction.
When to Call the Veterinarian or transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
Transport depending on severity of incident.
from http://www.petco.com
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Dog Bleeding
Bleeding
Possible Causes:
Animal bites, fighting, injury
What to Do:
1. Cover the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or a clean washcloth and apply direct pressure to the wound site. If blood soaks through the covering, apply more cloth or gauze over the wound, repeating as necessary.
2. If the bleeding doesn't stop and the wound is spurting (which indicates a cut artery), apply pressure to the area just above the wound with your hand. If the wound is oozing but not spurting, apply pressure below the wound.
3. If the wound is still bleeding, apply a pressure bandage by wrapping gauze or another soft material around the wound. Check periodically for swelling.
4. If the wound is on a limb and the limb is not broken, elevate it above your dog's heart to slow the bleeding.
5. If the wound is spurting and continues to bleed after Steps 1 through 4 have been completed, apply a tourniquet. To make a tourniquet, tie a piece of gauze or cloth above the wound. Make a loop and insert a stick in the loop. Twist the stick until the bleeding is under control. Be sure to loosen the tourniquet for two to three minutes every 30 minutes to allow blood to flow into the limb.
What Not to Do:
1. Do not remove the gauze or cloth from the wound because this can dislodge a formed clot and restart bleeding.
2. Do not use neck pressure on animals with head injuries.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
Transport immediately if the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped if the wound needs cleaning or stitches or if there is an embedded object.
Where to Look for More Information:
Wounds and Bleeding
Possible Causes:
Animal bites, fighting, injury
What to Do:
1. Cover the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or a clean washcloth and apply direct pressure to the wound site. If blood soaks through the covering, apply more cloth or gauze over the wound, repeating as necessary.
2. If the bleeding doesn't stop and the wound is spurting (which indicates a cut artery), apply pressure to the area just above the wound with your hand. If the wound is oozing but not spurting, apply pressure below the wound.
3. If the wound is still bleeding, apply a pressure bandage by wrapping gauze or another soft material around the wound. Check periodically for swelling.
4. If the wound is on a limb and the limb is not broken, elevate it above your dog's heart to slow the bleeding.
5. If the wound is spurting and continues to bleed after Steps 1 through 4 have been completed, apply a tourniquet. To make a tourniquet, tie a piece of gauze or cloth above the wound. Make a loop and insert a stick in the loop. Twist the stick until the bleeding is under control. Be sure to loosen the tourniquet for two to three minutes every 30 minutes to allow blood to flow into the limb.
What Not to Do:
1. Do not remove the gauze or cloth from the wound because this can dislodge a formed clot and restart bleeding.
2. Do not use neck pressure on animals with head injuries.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
Transport immediately if the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped if the wound needs cleaning or stitches or if there is an embedded object.
Where to Look for More Information:
Wounds and Bleeding
Monday, March 24, 2008
Bites, Snake
Bites, Snake
Symptoms:
Puncture wounds, redness, swelling; if the snake is poisonous, your dog may exhibit signs of respiratory or motor difficulties
Possible Causes:
Snake or other venomous animals
What to Do:
1. Keep your dog calm. If he gets excited, the accelerated heart rate will spread the poison (if the snake is poisonous) more rapidly.
2. If you see the snake, remember what it looks like. Identifying the kind of snake is important for determining treatment options.
3. If the bite is on an extremity (his leg, for example), tie a handkerchief or bandage around it between the bite wound and your dog's heart. Tie it loose enough so you can slip one finger underneath it.
4. If your dog goes into shock:
Attempt to calm your dog by talking soothingly.
Put your dog in a comfortable position. Elevate his hind end slightly if you are sure his back is not broken.
Cover your dog with a blanket.5. If your dog stops breathing, administer CPR.
6. If your dog is not in dire physical distress, wash the wound with mild soap and water.
What Not to Do:
1. Do not try to suck the venom out.
2. Do not put ice on the wound.
3. Do not tie the bandage too tight (you don't want to cut off circulation).
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
Transport immediately
Where to Look for More Information:
Snake BiteShockCPR
by http://www.petco.com
Symptoms:
Puncture wounds, redness, swelling; if the snake is poisonous, your dog may exhibit signs of respiratory or motor difficulties
Possible Causes:
Snake or other venomous animals
What to Do:
1. Keep your dog calm. If he gets excited, the accelerated heart rate will spread the poison (if the snake is poisonous) more rapidly.
2. If you see the snake, remember what it looks like. Identifying the kind of snake is important for determining treatment options.
3. If the bite is on an extremity (his leg, for example), tie a handkerchief or bandage around it between the bite wound and your dog's heart. Tie it loose enough so you can slip one finger underneath it.
4. If your dog goes into shock:
Attempt to calm your dog by talking soothingly.
Put your dog in a comfortable position. Elevate his hind end slightly if you are sure his back is not broken.
Cover your dog with a blanket.5. If your dog stops breathing, administer CPR.
6. If your dog is not in dire physical distress, wash the wound with mild soap and water.
What Not to Do:
1. Do not try to suck the venom out.
2. Do not put ice on the wound.
3. Do not tie the bandage too tight (you don't want to cut off circulation).
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
Transport immediately
Where to Look for More Information:
Snake BiteShockCPR
by http://www.petco.com
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Basic First Aid at Home: Overview
Basic First Aid at Home: Overview
Dog Care - Basic First Aid At Home
Basic first aid for your dog involves your dealing with injuries or other physical problems your pet might encounter in and around your home. Three precautions you should take immediately are to learn CPR for dogs in case you ever need it, put together a Dog First Aid Kit and program the phone numbers for your vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center and the closest animal hospital that offers emergency services (if you have one) as speed dial numbers on your home and/or cell phones.
Some of these first aid issues will be minor and you can handle them yourself. Others may involve a medical emergency where you might have to treat the problem immediately, prepare your dog for transporting in a way that minimizes the chance of further injury and then take him to the veterinary hospital. In either case, your responsibility as owner is to know the following:
What symptoms to look for
What the possible causes are
What you should do to treat the animal
What you should not do
When to call the vet or transport your dog to a veterinary hospital
The tables that follow provide this information at a glance, organized alphabetically by the type of problem. They also provide links to find more detailed information, if it's available, on each category.
Bite and Stings, Insect
Symptoms:
Redness and/or swelling
Possible Causes:
Mosquitoes, chiggers, spiders, other biting insects
What to Do:
1. Try to identify the insect.
2. If you see an embedded stinger, remove it by scraping it with a hard object such as your fingernail or a credit card.
3. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area.
4. Apply ice or cold packs to the affected area to keep swelling and pain to a minimum.
5. You can apply Calamine lotion or Cortaid for itching and administer an antihistamine, such as Diphenhydramine, if your veterinarian approves. Small dogs (<30>50 lbs.=50 mg.).
6. Call your veterinarian.
What Not to Do:
1. Do not attempt to remove an embedded stinger as you would a splinter; this may release more toxins.
2. Do not attempt to give an antihistamine if your pet is unconscious, able to breathe and not vomiting.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
1. Transport immediately if your dog exhibits signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face and neck or difficulty breathing
2. If your dog goes into shock or otherwise seems ill.
Where to Look for More Information:
Allergic ReactionsCPR
Dog Care - Basic First Aid At Home
Basic first aid for your dog involves your dealing with injuries or other physical problems your pet might encounter in and around your home. Three precautions you should take immediately are to learn CPR for dogs in case you ever need it, put together a Dog First Aid Kit and program the phone numbers for your vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center and the closest animal hospital that offers emergency services (if you have one) as speed dial numbers on your home and/or cell phones.
Some of these first aid issues will be minor and you can handle them yourself. Others may involve a medical emergency where you might have to treat the problem immediately, prepare your dog for transporting in a way that minimizes the chance of further injury and then take him to the veterinary hospital. In either case, your responsibility as owner is to know the following:
What symptoms to look for
What the possible causes are
What you should do to treat the animal
What you should not do
When to call the vet or transport your dog to a veterinary hospital
The tables that follow provide this information at a glance, organized alphabetically by the type of problem. They also provide links to find more detailed information, if it's available, on each category.
Bite and Stings, Insect
Symptoms:
Redness and/or swelling
Possible Causes:
Mosquitoes, chiggers, spiders, other biting insects
What to Do:
1. Try to identify the insect.
2. If you see an embedded stinger, remove it by scraping it with a hard object such as your fingernail or a credit card.
3. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area.
4. Apply ice or cold packs to the affected area to keep swelling and pain to a minimum.
5. You can apply Calamine lotion or Cortaid for itching and administer an antihistamine, such as Diphenhydramine, if your veterinarian approves. Small dogs (<30>50 lbs.=50 mg.).
6. Call your veterinarian.
What Not to Do:
1. Do not attempt to remove an embedded stinger as you would a splinter; this may release more toxins.
2. Do not attempt to give an antihistamine if your pet is unconscious, able to breathe and not vomiting.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
1. Transport immediately if your dog exhibits signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face and neck or difficulty breathing
2. If your dog goes into shock or otherwise seems ill.
Where to Look for More Information:
Allergic ReactionsCPR
Saturday, March 8, 2008
What is Training?
What is Training?
There are multiple meanings to the term "training." It's important to understand that when deciding what you need to do with your dog. Here I offer my distinctions:
First, there is "behavior training." This is the kind of training in which a dog is taught to be a "good citizen." Typically this includes housetraining, good behavior around other people and dogs, reasonable leash manners and other small things that make a dog a much more pleasant companion. A well behaved dog attracts no special notice from the public (aside from amazing some with their good manners).
There is "obedience training," which is generally teaching the dog how to perform specific activities. This can include traditional "obedience" exercises such as heeling. The emphasis here is on prompt and precise performance. While there can be many overall benefits to such training, the training is usually for the training's sake and not necessarily to improve the dog's behavior. Dogs that have been obedience trained will perform specific tasks when their owners ask them to do so. (And as a matter of fact, some obedience trained dogs may well behave poorly; an excellent herding dog that nonetheless barks quite a bit for no apparent reason would be an example.)
"Activity training" refers to training for specific activities -- this includes hunting, herding, Search and Rescue, lure coursing -- any of a myriad number of activities designed to showcase the abilities of the dog and his handler, particularly in activities for which the dog has been bred to do. These days, such activity also includes "sports" such as frisbee, flyball, agility and so on.
Of course the lines tend to blur between all of these distinctions. A certain amount of obedience training will help with behaviors. For example a dog that is heeling will not pull on the leash. Still you want to keep this in mind when selecting a training class so that it best matches your needs. For many pet owners, the behavior oriented classes are the best way to learn how to understand and control your dog. For those of you who want to enjoy a sport or compete in an activity with your dog will need to move along to more complex training.
You need to be aware of whether your dog needs behavior modification (where you will have to find out the underlying reason why your dog digs and not just put chicken wire over everything) or obedience training (to understand commands). Certainly, the two may be related: a dog that digs because it is bored may become less bored with obedience training and stop digging. It is important, however, to understand that the dog stopped digging because it was no longer bored than because it now knows how to heel. You will need to modify your approach, or select a trainer to help you, with behavior vs. training in mind.
So much for the type of things being taught... another factor to consider is that there are many methods for teaching any of these!
There are multiple meanings to the term "training." It's important to understand that when deciding what you need to do with your dog. Here I offer my distinctions:
First, there is "behavior training." This is the kind of training in which a dog is taught to be a "good citizen." Typically this includes housetraining, good behavior around other people and dogs, reasonable leash manners and other small things that make a dog a much more pleasant companion. A well behaved dog attracts no special notice from the public (aside from amazing some with their good manners).
There is "obedience training," which is generally teaching the dog how to perform specific activities. This can include traditional "obedience" exercises such as heeling. The emphasis here is on prompt and precise performance. While there can be many overall benefits to such training, the training is usually for the training's sake and not necessarily to improve the dog's behavior. Dogs that have been obedience trained will perform specific tasks when their owners ask them to do so. (And as a matter of fact, some obedience trained dogs may well behave poorly; an excellent herding dog that nonetheless barks quite a bit for no apparent reason would be an example.)
"Activity training" refers to training for specific activities -- this includes hunting, herding, Search and Rescue, lure coursing -- any of a myriad number of activities designed to showcase the abilities of the dog and his handler, particularly in activities for which the dog has been bred to do. These days, such activity also includes "sports" such as frisbee, flyball, agility and so on.
Of course the lines tend to blur between all of these distinctions. A certain amount of obedience training will help with behaviors. For example a dog that is heeling will not pull on the leash. Still you want to keep this in mind when selecting a training class so that it best matches your needs. For many pet owners, the behavior oriented classes are the best way to learn how to understand and control your dog. For those of you who want to enjoy a sport or compete in an activity with your dog will need to move along to more complex training.
You need to be aware of whether your dog needs behavior modification (where you will have to find out the underlying reason why your dog digs and not just put chicken wire over everything) or obedience training (to understand commands). Certainly, the two may be related: a dog that digs because it is bored may become less bored with obedience training and stop digging. It is important, however, to understand that the dog stopped digging because it was no longer bored than because it now knows how to heel. You will need to modify your approach, or select a trainer to help you, with behavior vs. training in mind.
So much for the type of things being taught... another factor to consider is that there are many methods for teaching any of these!
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Art Of Dog Training
The Art Of Dog Training
Pets,we all love to have them, specially an dog which is one of the most WANTED pets. Why? Because they are the famous Men's Best Friend. Now just imagine how bad would it be to have a untrained dog.An untrained dog could litter anywhere in your house, back yard, front yard, just anywhere. After less than a month of having that untrained dog with you, it could create all over inside your house that really bad odorthat could be coming out of anywhere. Especially if you have carpet in your floor which absorbs all types of smells and odors that are so HARD to get it off, sometimes impossible. Now believe that all these things can be avoided if you gowith your dog through a proper dog training...
Pets,we all love to have them, specially an dog which is one of the most WANTED pets. Why? Because they are the famous Men's Best Friend. Now just imagine how bad would it be to have a untrained dog.An untrained dog could litter anywhere in your house, back yard, front yard, just anywhere. After less than a month of having that untrained dog with you, it could create all over inside your house that really bad odorthat could be coming out of anywhere. Especially if you have carpet in your floor which absorbs all types of smells and odors that are so HARD to get it off, sometimes impossible. Now believe that all these things can be avoided if you gowith your dog through a proper dog training...
Tips for Training and Educating Dogs
Tips for Training and Educating Dogs
"Man's best friend", "The ideal pet", "The perfect companion for going on walks with", "A child's favorite toy". Who hasn't heard these and other similar phrases?
We're obviously talking about dogs. Dogs can be great new members of your household, but before deciding to do so you must consider all the consequences of bringing the dog to your house and welcoming him to your family. The mere thought of having a dog means that you have to ask yourself a series of questions.
The first step is to patiently analyze the advantages and obligations that are all part of buying a dog. You have to think about the breed you are interested in, the gender, the education that you want to and must give, the co-existence with the other members of the family (which might also include other pets), the commitments that you must make regarding the dogs schedules, etc. All these things must be taken into consideration.
If you live in an apartment, you must take into consideration a series of issues like the size of your new friend, if he's got long or short hair, and, most importantly, if he is going to be around children. Likewise, you mustn't forget the character of the dog; If you pick a very active animal, who will want long walks, races, etc., it will be very difficult for you to keep him happy within the city.
Likewise, if what you need is a watchdog to live in an estate or country house, you will have to pay special attention to the dog's qualities, possibilities of being trained, and character docility, etc.
In the following pages you will find practical tips and information on how to take care of and train different breeds of dogs. We hope that these pages can help you make a good decision.
When you analyze each of the breeds, you'll notice that there are some animals that initially seem ideal for every home and situation, but don't let yourself be fooled. The qualities or genetic impulses of every breed are more or less defined by professionals and breeders. However, as with people, character is formed with the upbringing, education and coexistence that you give the puppy.
Therefore, dogs that are traditionally considered watchdogs might surprisingly be harmless with children, or animals that due to their small size seem completely harmless might become problematic as you go living with them.
You must really think it over carefully when you want to add this new member to your family who, for better or worse, will share lots of years with you. That precious puppy is going to grow, and play with everything that is at his reach, might bite you, and will surely become an adult with his own ideas and habits.
Only when you decide to live with the dog and after some time has passed, will you know his real character. This character might sometimes be different than what is normally expected of that particular breed. Actually, dogs tend to form a seminary character to that of their owners. Therefore, try to be a good example.
Our main desire is for you to find these following pages very useful. We want you to feel identified with your ideal friend and decide to include the dog you decide on into your life. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing your puppy grow, and later become a healthy and friendly adult dog. If you already have a dog, then I suppose you can agree with me and if what you want is to soon get one, then soon you will understand.
To start out, you can take this quiz to see if you are ready to have a dog, and to see what kind of dog owner you are. Plus, it can help you to choose the most appropriate dog for your needs, as well as the needs of your future dog.
After that, we'll walk you through the steps of training your dog, basing this training on a method that awards the dog with food and which is very useful and easy for people who don't have much experience training dogs.
Lastly, there is a section with a detailed description of the most common dog breeds. This description includes their particular qualities, habits, likes and dislikes. Besides, there are a lot of other tips that will help you get to know your new friend really well.
"Man's best friend", "The ideal pet", "The perfect companion for going on walks with", "A child's favorite toy". Who hasn't heard these and other similar phrases?
We're obviously talking about dogs. Dogs can be great new members of your household, but before deciding to do so you must consider all the consequences of bringing the dog to your house and welcoming him to your family. The mere thought of having a dog means that you have to ask yourself a series of questions.
The first step is to patiently analyze the advantages and obligations that are all part of buying a dog. You have to think about the breed you are interested in, the gender, the education that you want to and must give, the co-existence with the other members of the family (which might also include other pets), the commitments that you must make regarding the dogs schedules, etc. All these things must be taken into consideration.
If you live in an apartment, you must take into consideration a series of issues like the size of your new friend, if he's got long or short hair, and, most importantly, if he is going to be around children. Likewise, you mustn't forget the character of the dog; If you pick a very active animal, who will want long walks, races, etc., it will be very difficult for you to keep him happy within the city.
Likewise, if what you need is a watchdog to live in an estate or country house, you will have to pay special attention to the dog's qualities, possibilities of being trained, and character docility, etc.
In the following pages you will find practical tips and information on how to take care of and train different breeds of dogs. We hope that these pages can help you make a good decision.
When you analyze each of the breeds, you'll notice that there are some animals that initially seem ideal for every home and situation, but don't let yourself be fooled. The qualities or genetic impulses of every breed are more or less defined by professionals and breeders. However, as with people, character is formed with the upbringing, education and coexistence that you give the puppy.
Therefore, dogs that are traditionally considered watchdogs might surprisingly be harmless with children, or animals that due to their small size seem completely harmless might become problematic as you go living with them.
You must really think it over carefully when you want to add this new member to your family who, for better or worse, will share lots of years with you. That precious puppy is going to grow, and play with everything that is at his reach, might bite you, and will surely become an adult with his own ideas and habits.
Only when you decide to live with the dog and after some time has passed, will you know his real character. This character might sometimes be different than what is normally expected of that particular breed. Actually, dogs tend to form a seminary character to that of their owners. Therefore, try to be a good example.
Our main desire is for you to find these following pages very useful. We want you to feel identified with your ideal friend and decide to include the dog you decide on into your life. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing your puppy grow, and later become a healthy and friendly adult dog. If you already have a dog, then I suppose you can agree with me and if what you want is to soon get one, then soon you will understand.
To start out, you can take this quiz to see if you are ready to have a dog, and to see what kind of dog owner you are. Plus, it can help you to choose the most appropriate dog for your needs, as well as the needs of your future dog.
After that, we'll walk you through the steps of training your dog, basing this training on a method that awards the dog with food and which is very useful and easy for people who don't have much experience training dogs.
Lastly, there is a section with a detailed description of the most common dog breeds. This description includes their particular qualities, habits, likes and dislikes. Besides, there are a lot of other tips that will help you get to know your new friend really well.
Takecare your dogs
How to take care of a Dog
Taking care of Dogs - Older OnesA Dog Growing old is not a disease: Anyone who has spent time in the waiting room of a veterinary has seen the worried and frustrated looks on the people with sick dogs, and that knowing how to take care of a dog is a tricky thing. Our dogs occupy a special place in our hearts, and the fact that we worry about their health shows how important they are to us. Back in the day, veterinarians tried to avoid any sort of surgical attempts on old dogs. Now veterinary science has sufficiently advanced to suggest low-risk surgery on old dogs. Hence, the majority of dog owners have no need in worrying about the implications of surgery.
If your dog suddenly starts to age, he must have a misbalance in his health. Observe your dog, make him exercise adequately, feed him within reason, and enjoy your life together. As a result, you will see how old age does not cause too many problems for your dog. Taking care of dogs has become a part of your life to the extent that danger will emerge if you stop watching him attentively, and attention is exactly what your dog needs. An old dog feels ignored if you do not pay attention when he needs it.
http://www.seefido.com/
Taking care of Dogs - Older OnesA Dog Growing old is not a disease: Anyone who has spent time in the waiting room of a veterinary has seen the worried and frustrated looks on the people with sick dogs, and that knowing how to take care of a dog is a tricky thing. Our dogs occupy a special place in our hearts, and the fact that we worry about their health shows how important they are to us. Back in the day, veterinarians tried to avoid any sort of surgical attempts on old dogs. Now veterinary science has sufficiently advanced to suggest low-risk surgery on old dogs. Hence, the majority of dog owners have no need in worrying about the implications of surgery.
If your dog suddenly starts to age, he must have a misbalance in his health. Observe your dog, make him exercise adequately, feed him within reason, and enjoy your life together. As a result, you will see how old age does not cause too many problems for your dog. Taking care of dogs has become a part of your life to the extent that danger will emerge if you stop watching him attentively, and attention is exactly what your dog needs. An old dog feels ignored if you do not pay attention when he needs it.
http://www.seefido.com/
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