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

Giving Liquid
Medications

Many dogs will lap a liquid medication right off a spoon, unless it has a strong taste. If your dog won't take the liquid medication that way, try mixing it into an appealing food such as applesauce or a tasty meat broth. Another option is to put the medication in a syringe dropper. While your dog is sitting, tilt her head back slightly and slowly administer the medication into her mouth.

Clean Those Ears

Cleaning your dog's ears on a regular basis can help prevent infections and allow you to recognize problems quickly if they arise. Check your dog's ears at least once a week for dirt, wax, and debris. If they look fine, then simply leave them alone. If they need cleaning, remove dirt and wax with either a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide or a commercial ear cleaner for dogs. Thoroughly wipe all visible parts of the outer ear. Avoid using cotton swabs (q-tips) or going into the ear canal, to prevent accidental damage to the eardrum.

Toxic Items around the House

Unfortunately, many common household products are toxic to your canine. To keep your beloved furry friend safe, do a safety check around the house to make sure that these products are out of your canine's reach:

• Insecticides
• Household cleaners and disinfectants
• Rat Poisons
• Antifreeze
• Human medications
• Chocolate

Animal poisoning by drugs such as aspirin type products is the most common case that poison control centers see. Antifreeze is the most common "outdoor" product. Keep your pooch out of trouble by keeping these and other hazardous products locked away.

Refusal to Eat

If you find your normally voracious canine has lost his appetite, there may be some cause for concern. Loss of appetite is one of the first signs of illness. Your canine could also be experiencing pain of some sort and therefore refuse to eat. Or it could be possible that your dog has a loss of appetite due to a change in environment such as a new pet or introduction to new food. However, to be safe, if you've ruled out any behavioral issues, take your pooch to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Refusing Water

If your canine refuses to drink any water, it's an indication of a possible health issue. If you are re-hydrating your dog and she has not had water for some time, do so slowly. Drinking excess water after a lapse in hydration could lead to vomiting and a loss of additional fluids. Try letting her lick an ice cube rather than allowing her to drink directly out of a bowl.

Any dog that suffers from serious dehydration including a dry nose, dry mouth, or loss of skin elasticity, should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

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.

Hip Dysplasia Alternative Treatment

If your dog is suffering from hip dysplasia, consider sending her to physical therapy. One type of treatment involves hydrotherapy, which allows a dog to strengthen her muscles through resistance exercises in an underwater treadmill. Another type of treatment is canine massage which helps restore circulation to canine tissues and helps the muscles relax and maintain tone. Canine massage promotes healing by strengthening weakened muscles and dispersing pain.

Vet Schools Offer
Online Advice

If you're looking for some up to date research on canine diseases and care, consider going to the online resource of a leading veterinary school website. Information available includes the latest on canine diseases, treatment, surgeries, and basics in daily care.

Internal Parasites

Internal parasites can reside in your dog's body and cause illness. Some, like roundworms can be visible to the naked eye in your dog's stool. Others, like whipworms must be detected under a microscope. Your dog's annual veterinary exam should include a stool sample and this will determine whether your dog needs a deworming.

If you have concern that your dog may get roundworms, he can take a monthly heartworm medication as a preventative measure.

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.

Bloat (GVD) Gastric Torsion - Symptoms

Bloat is a life threatening condition which occurs when air and fluid accumulate in your dog's stomach. This condition requires that you take your dog to the veterinarian immediately to save her life.

Your canine might have bloat if she has the following:

• Gas filled stomach (may sound like an empty drum when pinged)
• Unsuccessful attempts at vomiting
• Restlessness and excessive salivation.

Reading Signs of Pain

There are a number of ways to tell if your dog might be in pain. If your dog limps or yelps when touched, she's signaling hurt. If your dog changes behavior from typically friendly and alert to reclusive or irritable, she may be in pain or ill. Some normally mild mannered canines may also become aggressive and bite if they are in a great deal of pain. If your dog will is constantly licking, biting or scratching a particular area, she may also be experiencing discomfort. If you suspect pain, take your dog to your veterinarian for an exam.

Symptoms of Ear Infections

If your dog has an ear infection, she may shake her head frequently and scratch at her ears. Look for any redness and pus coming out of your dog's ears. A bad odor may also be another sign of an ear infection.

Be especially careful with breeds like the Cocker Spaniel, Golden retriever, and Basset hound, which are prone to ear infections.

Heatstroke Cool Down

If your canine is suffering from heatstroke, get her out of the hot environment immediately and into a cool, breezy area. Cool her down by placing her in a chilled bath or wrapping cold towels around her body. Give her ice cubes or a small amount of liquids to hydrate her as soon as she becomes responsive.