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How to remove ticks from dogs

March 13, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Ticks are one of the freeloaders that pester dogs. These very small parasitic arthropods are the bane of a dog’s existence as these parasites cause anemia when they feed on the blood of the dog. Moreover, these small parasites can carry diseases that would not only affect the dog but also pose a dangerous threat to humans. A dog that is infested with ticks can get Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis thus dog owners would make sure that the infestation is resolved at once.

After the transmission of the tick borne disease, the dog will be lethargic, have fever and show signs of weakness. A dog affected by a tick borne disease can suffer from temporary paralysis. Once the tick is removed, the symptoms of the tick borne diseases will be gone as well

Due to a high prey drive dogs are often seen wandering in grassland and woodland trails as these animals would be happiest if they are trailing prey. Unfortunately, instead of snaring a prey, the dog may come home one day with ticks latched on its body. Ticks are parasites that would patiently wait in grassland for potential hosts. Ticks are equipped with sensitive sensors that can recognize the approach of a potential host. Once a victim is sensed it would jump not unlike a flea into the victim’s body, burrow its head into the skin and begin its blood meal.

Engorged with blood, the tick that is as small as the point of a pencil can grow as big as a raisin. Tick borne disease will not be transmitted to the dog immediately even though the ticks would start feeding on the dog’s blood. It is therefore very important to groom the pet especially if it has been playing in grassy areas. Even if the dog is infested with ticks, transmission of diseases can be prevented if the ticks are removed at once.

A dog owner has to make it a habit to groom or to inspect a dog that has been playing outdoors especially in area where ticks are prevalent. The coat must be brushed and the hand run through the dog’s body to feel for small bumps. Ticks are not really hard to remove. Unlike fleas that are hard to remove by hand, ticks remain stationary. To remove ticks, position the tweezers as close as possible to the skin and pull the parasite in one steady motion but squeezing the tick must be avoided so that bacteria carried by the tick is not injected to the dog. The tweezers can be used to carefully remove tick head that was left embedded in the dog’s skin. Clean the bite area with antiseptic solution.

Find out more about dog grooming as well as ticks at Sarah’s Dogs.

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Controlling the Dog’s Flea infestation with Grooming

March 13, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Is it really true that an ill kept dog is owned by an ugly owner? There may be some truth to this belief given that the appearance of the pet is actually a reflection of the personality of the owner. A dirty and mangy dog, or one that has an emaciated look will be pitied and the owner will be scorned. People will believe that the owner is not fit to keep a dog for a pet.

A healthy diet would not be enough to keep the pet healthy and looking good. A responsible dog owner would also know the importance of regularly grooming the pet as it is not only an essential factor in the maintenance of the dog’s admirable appearance but also a necessary preventive measure against the development of various health concerns.

Flea infestation is most common in dogs. Fleas are very fast and wingless parasites that would not only cause the dog discomfort but a lot of other health concerns as well. A dog with severe flea infestation will constantly scratch and bite the body because flea bites will cause severe itching. A dog that is sensitive to flea saliva can develop flea allergy dermatitis. A dog’s appearance will be marred by the bald patches and oozing sores that would result from the flea infestation. A dog severely affected by fleas can suffer from anemia. If the pet is infested with fleas, tape worms can be transmitted not only to the dog but also the human family as a flea carrying tapeworm eggs can be accidentally ingested.

Regular grooming will prevent the development of flea infestation. Fleas can be transmitted by an infested dog or when the dog plays or passes areas where fleas are hiding. Adult fleas can be easily eliminated by anti flea products but the infestation tends to recur as the eggs are resistant to insecticides.

The importance of regular grooming in the prevention of parasite infestation is very important. The dog can be bathed with anti-flea shampoo. The lather must be allowed to stay in the dog’s body for at least 10 minutes before it can be rinsed. Use a fine toothed comb on the thoroughly dried hair to remove dead fleas. For good measure, all the areas of the house frequented by the dog must be vacuumed thoroughly giving particular attention to carpets and rugs as well as to cracks and crevices as these areas are favorite hiding places of fleas. To totally eliminate the fleas from the house, it would be a good idea to wash the things used by the dog in hot water.

A regular grooming routine allows the dog owner to act on a developing parasite infestation before it worsens. Furthermore, the grooming sessions enables the owner to strengthen the bond with the pet.

Want to know more about dog grooming as well as dog fleas. Visit Sarah’s Dogs.

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Dog eye care

March 13, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Dogs are known to be very intelligent animals. Apart from adapting to training easily, dogs seem to have a knack of acting instinctively in emergency situations. Countless lives have been saved by dogs. Surprisingly, these very intelligent animals would still depend on their owner for their well being. For thousands of years dogs have managed to survive in the wild without the help of man. Modern day dogs’ well being largely depend on the care provided by the owner. Have these animals gone weaker?

How well the dog looks and feels would depend on the care provided by the owner. A dog owner is mistaken if he/she thinks that dog ownership starts and ends with giving the pet regular meals as dogs would require grooming and companionship too.

The eyes of the dog are very sensitive organs. Just us humans, a dog’s eyes are his “window to the world” too. Despite the high level of intelligence, it is apparent that dogs do not have the ability to take care of these delicate organs. Because of high prey drives, dogs would follow prey under thick underbrush oblivious to the injuries that can happen to the eyes. Digging a buried treasure, a dog would not mind if dirt and soil would get into the eyes as long as the bone is found. Grooming the dog’s eyes therefore falls on the hands of the responsible dog owner. Regular eye grooming would not only remove the tear stains that would mar the pet’s appearance but also prevent the development of possible health concerns.

Unlike other grooming procedures that can be done weekly or monthly, the dog’s eyes have to be cleaned daily. Because of the dog’s tendency to have eye irritations, a dog owner has to make sure that the first aid kit of the pet contains the necessary eye care supplies. Basic eye care supplies are eye care solution and antibacterial ointment.

Removing the gunk in the dog’s eyes with a damp towel or a baby wipe every morning would not take too much time. Some eye irritations are caused by the dog’s hair that gets into the eyes. This can be prevented by trimming the hair near the dog’s eyes. The eyes must be examined for tearing redness and swelling. Flush the eyes with the sterile eye wash to remove foreign objects or dirt that is causing the redness, swelling and tearing. Excessive tearing, eye discharge and constant pawing of the eyes can be an indication of an eye health concern. The swelling, redness and tearing should be gone after a day but if these symptoms continue, consulting a vet would be the best option to arrest the possible development of a serious eye problem.

Sarah’s Dogs has more information about dog grooming as well as information about dog eye care.

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Dog Teeth Cleaning

March 13, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Does your pooch have a killer breath? Dogs are highly valued pets. Notice how a dog lover would constantly touch the pet. Dogs are often seen being hugged and kissed by their owners. Dog owners make sure that the pet is regularly groomed to maintain cleanliness and health as these pets live and sleep with the family.

Unfortunately, while dog owners would take so much pleasure in bathing and brushing the dog’s coat, a lot would baulk at cleaning the dog’s teeth. Dental care that should have been made a part of the grooming routine often takes a back seat. Most dogs have adapted to bathing, to nail clipping and even to the tickly ear cleaning. These four legged friends even love having their coats brushed. Brushing the dog’s teeth would be a challenge as these animals not accustomed to having their mouth and teeth touched would struggle with all their might.

Proper dental care is very important for canines as unlike in humans, the enzyme that prevents food from sticking to the teeth is not present in their saliva. This condition promotes the buildup of plaque and tartar when the dog’s teeth are not brushed. Although dogs do not get cavities, these four legged friends can have bad breath because of the tartar and plaque. Dogs unlike humans cannot use dentures thus ensuring that the pet receives proper dental care is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner.

Dental health concerns that would require canine dentist visits can be avoided if the dog teeth is cleaned at least twice a week. Regular grooming of the dog’s teeth would not only remove the dog’s bad breath but most importantly, periodontal diseases that can lead to heart concerns can be prevented. Dog owners are aware of this fact but cleaning the dog’s teeth can be a challenging task that often ends up with the fingers of the owner nipped by the pet.

However, dogs are intelligent animals that are known to adapt to training easily. Dogs are trained to like tooth brushing especially if treats are given as rewards. The trick is to train the dog to be touched in the mouth. Dogs have the reputation of being food motivated. Gain the dog’s interest by placing a dab of peanut butter on the tip of the toothbrush. The dog will get used to the feel of the toothbrush when it licks the treat. Substitute the peanut butter with chicken, beef or malt flavored doggie toothpaste. Enticed by the promise of a treat, the dog will no longer put up a struggle when the teeth is brushed.

Find out more about dog grooming as well as information on dog dental care at Sarah’s Dogs.

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First Aid Treatments for the Dog’s Gunshot Wound

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

We are a race of dog lovers. Most families would have one or two dogs for a pet . Not all people though are sold on dogs. Many dogs have suffered from the hands of cruel people. Despite long years of domestication, dogs still have unwanted behaviors that cause them to be punished by less tolerant owners and by mean people. A dog can be shot for trespassing. Gunshot wounds are common injuries hunting and non-hunting dogs sustain during hunting season. Often times dogs are shot because they are viewed as wild animals by hunters. The gunshot wound may have come for the dog owner’s own gun.

Your dog may be one tough guy but in cases such as this, the dog would depend on you. Gunshot wounds are emergency situations that would need urgent treatment and the life of the pet is oftentimes saved by first aid treatments. Gunshot wounds are one of the most serious injuries that can happen to dogs because the pet usually suffers from three types of traumas. A gunshot wound will puncture the skin, cavitations will be caused by the shock waves resulting from the entry of the bullet and fragmentation damage to the tissues will occur from the pieces of projectile and from shattered bones if the bullet has managed to hit a bone.

Gunshot wounds need immediate veterinary attention but first aid measures will not only save the pet from immense pain but also achieve the need to stabilize the condition so as to save the life of the pet. Airway, breathing and circulation are the basic life support that must be checked.

Rescue breathing must be started immediately if the dog has stopped breathing. Close the mouth of the dog and breathe into the nostrils. For large dogs 5 to 10 breaths can be given per minute and 10 to 20 breaths per minute for smaller ones. The breath puffed on the dog’s nostrils should make the chest rise slightly. Begin CPR if no heartbeat is felt.

Bleeding can be controlled by applying direct pressure to the wound. Apply gauze, a clean towel or cloth directly to the wound to control bleeding. Add another cloth or towel over the one already soaked through with blood. The blood soaked cloth must not be replaced as doing so will also eliminate the clotting agents and make the wound resume bleeding. Place a plastic bag over gunshot wound in the chest to prevent air from being sucked into the wound. Organs that may have been exposed by the gunshot wound has to be covered with wet cloth to prevent it from drying out .

Read all about Gunshot Wounds and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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First Aid treatment for a bleeding dog

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Excessive bleeding is a serious condition that can lead to the death of the dog. Dogs can die from internal bleeding as apart from the fact that there is no first aid treatment for this condition, symptoms are not readily apparent so that the life saving treatment is not given to the dog in time. The dog’s natural behavior of jumping, running, exploring and chasing prey oftentimes result to accidents. Dogs seem to attract accidents thus a dog owner needs to learn how to administer first aid treatments to the pet. A dog owner would naturally panic once the injured pet is seen but to be able to administer first aid treatment the pet owner has to be calm.

The energetic and curious behaviors put these animals at high risk for accidents. A dog owner has to be prepared to deal with the injuries of the pet. Luckily, the injuries commonly sustained by the pet are not serious and can be treated using the dog’s first aid kit. Some injuries would need professional medical care and the dog owner has the important role of stabilizing the condition of the pet.

Dogs can bleed a lot. Even nail trimming can make a dog bleed. Although the dog may bleed a lot and leave bloody marks on the floor this is not a serious condition as it can be easily resolved with styptic powder. What would you do if the pet comes home one day with a deep gash on the thigh that is spurting blood?

Pet owners should not be daunted in giving first aid to the pet as the methods would be pretty much the same as the first aid for humans. Losing two teaspoons of blood pet pound of body weight can make a dog go into shock thus first aid measures would be very necessary to control the bleeding. Bleeding can be controlled by putting on pressure directly to the wound using a bandage or a towel. Place another towel over the one that is already soaked through with blood to maintain the pressure. Another first aid method that controls bleeding is to elevate the bleeding body part above the heart. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by applying pressure to the pressure points. Heavy bleeding can be stopped with tourniquet but this method is dangerous and must only be done by a qualified person or it can result to the amputation of a limb.

Because there will be no sign of apparent bleeding, a dog with internal bleeding may not receive immediate treatment. Internal bleeding is usually caused by severe injury as when the dog had a bad fall or had been hit by a car. Pale gums, shallow breathing and weak pulse are signs of the dog’s serious condition. Internal bleeding cannot be resolved with first aid. The pet must have immediate medical attention.

Bleeding? More information on this and first aid for dogs can be found at Sarah’s Dogs.

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First Aid Treatments for the Dog’s Lick Sores

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

If you are a new dog owner, expect the pet to bark, scratch, chew and lick a lot because these are natural behaviors of dogs. Any of these behaviors would become a problem of the dog owner if it becomes excessive. Acral lick dermatitis or lick granuloma is commonly known as lick sores, a condition that results from the dog compulsive licking behavior.

The lesion would start from a spot that is constantly liked by the dog. The constant rubbing of the raspy tongue will eventually harden the skin; remove the hair and make the spot red and shiny. Insensitive to the pressure created by the tongue, the dog will incessantly lick the spot until the skin breaks and become infected.

Lick granulomas are open sores usually found on the carpal area or the wrist area of the front legs and on the area above the paw of the rear legs. Lick sores are often seen in short haired dogs like German Shepherds, Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retrievers and Irish Setters. The skin sore can start from a flea or an insect bite or from a fungal and bacterial infection. Lick sores can arise from the mental or emotional condition of the dog as this skin concern is most common in dogs that are always left alone. Lick sores therefore are associated with boredom and inactivity.

The dog’s lick sores can be difficult to eliminate as the condition can arise from various conditions thus no single cure will be effective. The condition is worsened by the dog’s incessant licking of the affected body part. To totally resolve this skin problem, the owner has to understand the reason for the dog’s obsessive licking before treatment that will heal the lesion can be applied.

The tendency of the skin lesions to erupt again and again makes this skin disease a big concern of dog owners. Lick sores can be treated with laser surgery. Laser surgery though would not totally eliminate the problem if the dog’s inclination to lick is not resolved. The lesion can be treated with antibiotic and other topical ointments. The dog owner can modify the dog’s licking habit by using some effective methods. To prevent the dog from licking, the affected leg can be bandaged. Bad tasting substances like Bitter Apple and Tabasco can be applied to deter the dog from licking. Another method is to use Elizabethan collar.

Licks sores are better managed with preventive measures. The owner has to keep an eye on the dog and once signs of excessive licking are noticed, the preventive measures must be applied.

Find out more about lick sores as well as first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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Dog First Aid – Hot spots

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Moist eczema, acute moist dermatitis and hot spots refer to a type of skin infection that is most common in dogs. These circular sore spots would erupt on the head, face, chest, hip and on other parts of the dog’s body. Hot spots are hairless, raw and inflamed patches of moist skin that causes the poor dog immense discomfort and pain. Licking and chewing are natural behaviors of dogs thus anything that causes them pain and discomfort will be constantly worried by the mouth and tongue. A flea bite that causes minor irritation will be incessantly licked and gnawed by the pet. Hot spots can develop rapidly so that a coin sized itchy spot in the skin can develops into a palm sized raw and inflamed skin with a smelly pus discharge. Hot spots are also called pyotraumatic dermatitis because self mutilation is one big factor in the development of this skin infection.

Hot spots can develop in any breed of dog but these skin lesions are commonly seen on dogs with long coats and dense undercoats. Hot spots are common skin concerns of dogs living in places where the climate is hot and humid. Hot spot is not a serious and persistent disease but an affected dog tend to have this skin infection again and again. Small lesions on the skin are hidden by the fur so that the treatments that could have controlled the spread of infection are only applied when the skin lesions have worsened.

This type of skin infection could have started from a flea or mite infestation. Dogs with histories of food and inhalant allergies, with anal gland concerns and ear infections are most susceptible. Seldom groomed dogs can also develop hot spots because the mats and the tangles of the hair would be a suitable breeding ground for bacteria.

To control the spread of skin infection, first aid treatment must be applied. First aid treatment is necessary not only because the hairless and raw lesions would not be a pretty sight but more importantly, the treatment would alleviate the pain and discomfort of the pet. The hair around and over the lesion must be trimmed to expose the affected skin to the air. This method allows air to naturally dry the raw and infected tissues. A sterile saline solution must be used to clean the lesions daily. A topical antibacterial ointment will control the growth of bacteria thereby speeding up the healing process.

Hot spot is recurring skin infection thus to do away with this disease it is necessary to deal with the identified cause of the disease. External parasite infestation has to be controlled. Regular grooming will do a lot to prevent the development of the itchy and painful sores.

Want to know more about hot spots and first aid for dogs? Visit Sarah’s Dogs.

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Dog First Aid – Limping

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

A dog can limp for various reasons. Walking without putting weight on one limb is one of the tricks that can be learned by the pet. Injuries that can result to the limping of the dog can happen because these animals are very active. A sprain will make a dog limp in the same manner that a stone lodged in the dog’s toes or a thorn in paw will prevent the dog from walking normally. The limping of the dog can be due to a broken nail. Limping that is caused by these conditions is not serious so that the dog will be able to walk normally even without treatment.

Treatment though would be necessary for some kinds of limping. The reason why the dog is limping may be serious enough to warrant urgent medical attention lest it results to permanent walking disability. Limping can happen to all dogs but this condition is more common in large breeds because the legs and the feet are encumbered by the body weight. Cuts, sprains, torn ligaments and other injuries that will make the dog limp can occur while the pet is running or playing.

Proper first aid for these injuries would alleviate the pet’s discomfort and also prevent the dog’s condition from worsening. If the condition of the dog is ignored, it could take a while before the dog can recover. Emergency care can save the pet from the pain as well. Fortunately, unlike other injuries that would not be easily apparent, limping would be easily noticed by the owner.

The dog owner has to evaluate the injury of the pet. As the dog is limping, the feet and the legs will be examined. Any foreign object between the pet’s toes must be removed. The limping can be due to a sprain thus the toes and the feet must be manipulated. The dog would yelp if the sprained foot is manipulated. Dogs have the inclination to wander so that the limping is often caused by a cut paw.

To prevent infection, antibacterial soap must be used to thoroughly wash the dog’s wound. Sterile gauze must be used to bandage the wound after an antibiotic ointment is applied. Fractures or dislocation can be the reason why the dog is limping. Setting fractures and realigning dislocated joints must never be attempted by the dog owner. These treatment methods must be done by the vet. However, the dog owner can prevent further damage by splinting the injured foot with rolled newspaper or with a flexible wire that can be bent into the shape of the dog’s foot. Wrap the makeshift splint with gauze or with cloth strip to immobilize the foot to prevent further damage.

Learn more about limping as well as first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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Emergency care for the dog’s chemical burns

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

The lively and inquisitive behaviors of dogs are reasons why these furry animals make wonderful companions. Unfortunately, the same behaviors often land the dog in tight spots that cause them to sustain injuries. Dog owners make sure to dog proof the house to lessen the risk of accidents. However, no matter how hard the dog owner tries, accidents cannot be totally prevented.

Chemical burns is not a common injury of dogs. Dogs though are inquisitive and known to have voracious appetites thus chemicals that can be accessed by the dog will be licked or rolled on and when this happens the pet will sustain chemical burns. Unknowing of the harmful effects of acidic and corrosive chemicals, the curious dog would satisfy its curiosity by licking and rolling on chemicals so that the eyes, the mouth and other parts of the body can sustain burns.

Chemical burns can seriously injure the dog thus first aid treatment would be essential. Severe chemical burns can cause the dog to pass out. Pale or blue gums, shallow breathing and rapid pulse are other symptoms of chemical burns. Immediate professional medical treatment would be necessary if the dog shows these symptoms of severe chemical burns.

Dogs that have sustained chemical burns must receive first aid treatments to control the damage caused by the chemicals and to save the dog from pain. However, dogs have this inclination to hide from the human family to nurse the pain on their own . As such the life saving first aid cannot be administered by an owner that fails to see the pet’s injuries right away. Body parts that get in contact with the chemicals must be thoroughly washed with copious amounts of water to arrest the damage of the chemicals. The dog’s body part that got in contact with the chemicals must be thoroughly washed in running water to remove the contaminants that can cause further damage to the other parts of the dog’s body. Burns on the tongue and on the mouth must as well be washed in flowing water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Chemicals that got in contact with the dog’s fur has to be thoroughly washed as well to prevent the chemicals from damaging other parts of the dog’s body.

The damage to the skin occurs when the chemicals destroy the protein in the skin. An effective first aid treatment for chemical burns is applying milk or egg white on the affected area. Instead of causing further damage by destroying the proteins on the skin, the chemicals will destroy the proteins in the milk and egg whites.

At Sarah’s Dogs you can learn more about chemical burns as well as first aid for dogs.

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