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Dog First Aid – Bandaging

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Because of energetic and curious nature dogs are prone to accidents thus a dog owner has to have a first aid kit for the pet. A first aid kit enables a dog owner to administer emergency care to the injured pet. The pet’s first aid kit has to have medications, equipments and different sizes of bandages. Applying bandage is a basic skill that must be learned by a dog owner as these very active animals are prone to accidents that can result to fractures and to wounds.

Bandages are used for a variety of reasons. Injured dogs would be very hard to restrain thus it is common for the pet to sustain another trauma. One of the functions of bandage application is immobilize injuries that needs to be restricted. Bandage keeps the wound from getting dirty and because of the pressure exerted on the wound, swelling is controlled as well. Bandages are used to temporarily stabilize fractures before the injured pet is taken to a veterinary facility for splinting, casting or for surgical repair. An injured pet can gain these first aid benefits only if the bandage is correctly applied.

Applying bandage is a first aid basic skill a dog owner has to learn. A pet owner can easily apply the bandage but keeping the bandage on can be a problem given the dog’s propensity to bite, to pull and chew. For obvious reasons, adhesive bandages will not do for these furry friends. Dogs would not know the benefits they can gain from this first aid treatment thus the bandage will be removed. Owners should be aware of this fact thus the bandage has to be well secured.

Bandage must not be applied on a dirty wound. It is necessary to thoroughly clean and disinfect the wound before the application of bandage. Dry the affected area and cover the wound with a double strip of gauze. Cover the gauze pad with several layers of bandage and secure the bandage with adhesive tape. To prevent the bandage from slipping, the adhesive tape must be connected both to the bandage and to the dog’s fur.

Bandage is as well used to control bleeding. To apply pressure, the bandage is wrapped several times around the injured body part while pressing on the wound. The first aid giver though must ensure that the bandage is not wrapped too tightly lest it cuts off the circulation. The bandage has to be regularly checked to arrest the development of infection. Bad odor and swelling of the wound are signs of infection. While the dog’s injury is healing, it would be a good idea to keep the pet indoors to prevent the bandage from getting wet and dirty.

Learn more about bandaging and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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First aid treatment for abrasion

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

One time or another, a dog owner has to attend to the injuries of the pet. Dogs are known to be highly energetic animals. Dog owners are accustomed to dealing with the injuries of the pet. Dogs get wounded fighting with other dogs. Dogs trailing a prey would run at top speed and enter thorny thickets. Dogs run very fast and a screeching sound can be practically heard when they try to break the momentum. These adventures results to serious and not so serious injuries. Thorns can get embedded on the paws. The dog can be impaled with a sharp tree branch. Minor scrape or abrasion is one of the injuries that can be sustained by the dog.

Abrasion is a minor scrape on the outer layer of the dog’s skin. Abrasion occurs in dogs but it is not a common injury as the skin is protected by fur . Skin abrasion is one of the injuries a dog can sustain from one of its escapades when the skin gets rubbed against rough surfaces. Abrasion happens when the skin is rubbed against rough surfaces such as a gravel road or a rocky surface so that the upper layer of the skin is scraped. Skin abrasion is one type of injuries a dog can sustain from being hit and dragged by a passing car. A dog’s neck can have abraded skin is the collar is tightly fitted. A dog that mutilates itself can also cause superficial damage to the outer layer of the skin. A bored dog will persistently gnaw its body. The same thing will happen if the dog is infested with parasite. The gnawing and licking will result to abrasion.

Abrasion is not a life threatening condition for the dog. Abraded skin normally does not bleed heavily as the subcutaneous layer of the skin is normally not damaged. There will be no scarring unless the subcutaneous layer of the skin is damaged. Minor abrasions still need to be treated because of the risk of infection. Additionally, scrapes would be very painful.

The pet owner can administer first aid to the abrasion of the pet. The hair around the affected area must be clipped. Fur in the wound would delay the healing and can infect the wound. The wound must be thoroughly cleaned with saline solution. A solution can be made by mixing 2 cups water with a teaspoon of salt. All the dirt and debris must be removed from the wound.

A topical antibiotic cream must be applied to the wound three times a day. No bandaging is necessary for small abrasions. However, abrasions on the feet have to be protected with a non-stick dressing to prevent infection from setting in.

Find out more about abrasions and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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Emergency Care for an impaled dog

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Impalement injuries are not as common as nicks and cuts, fractures or ingestion of foreign objects. Dogs though can sustain impalement injuries because these are very active and playful animals. Dogs get all kinds of injuries because these animals always find themselves in tight spots. Ingestion of poisonous substances, bloat or a blockage caused by the ingestion of a foreign object are injuries that would make a dog owner take a few minutes to recognize the true condition of the pet. The only good thing with impalement is that the injury of the dog will be easily noticed by the dog owner.

Dogs that fall from heights can be impaled on fences or on a tree branch. Impalement can occur if a dog that runs with a stick in the mouth stumbles and the stick is shoved into the mouth. A dog that has the propensity to roam, to trespass and to wreck other people’s property can be impaled with the arrow of a mean person.

An impalement injury can be serious enough to be the cause of the dog’s death. A dog would be so lucky to have a minor impalement injury. Serious or non-serious, an impalement injury would need a vet’s attention. A dog owner may think that a professional medical care is no longer necessary especially if the foreign object that has impaled the dog was not embedded too deep. An impalement injury that appears minor can have a more serious effect on the dog. The stick that has impaled the dog can possibly pierce a vital organ. The object that has pierced the skin may have impaled an internal organ and cause serious internal bleeding.

Before bringing the pet to a veterinary facility first aid measures are very necessary to prevent the object that has impaled from creating further damage.

Impalement injuries would cause the dog pain and dogs that are in immense pain can turn violent. Muzzle the injured dog before administering first aid treatment. Never ever remove the foreign body that has impaled the dog. A dog owner’s most important role is to calm the pet as unnecessary movements can jar the foreign object and cause more damage. Moving the foreign object stuck into the dog could cause more internal damage. However if the object that has impaled the dog is stationary such as a steel bar on a fence, the dog can be removed gently. The removal of the object must be done gently and bleeding must be controlled while the pet is rushed to the hospital.

Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on impalement as well as first aid for dogs.

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DogPedic Review

January 9, 2011 By albert Leave a Comment

Humans are lucky enough to have the luxury of slumbering on a comfortable bed at night after a long hard day, but your dog might not be as fortunate. This is really the key reason why a business produced a unique doggy bed called the DogPedic. It lets dogs to have a soft and cozy bed to sleep on too.

The thing that is unique about the DogPedic would be the product is created from memory foam which is especially suitable for pet dogs. The product will conform to a dog’s body shape and helps support their entire weight so it could help your pet rest better.

This dog bed is created using 2 different layers. The cozy memory foam is at the top while support foam is on the bottom. The memory foam can contour to the particular shape of your pet meanwhile the bottom helps evenly sustain the entire weight.

This doggy bed is particularly good for older dogs. It could help relieve the pain and discomfort which is caused by arthritis and joint and muscle stiffness.

Many of dog beds which are available get deflated and will begin to lose their shape eventually. On the other hand the memory foam in the DogPedic. would never lose its shape and last a lot of years for your pup.

Each DogPedic also comes with a Soft Suede Cover that is machine washable. It’s used to protect the memory foam material from regular wear and tear. The cover has a bottom that is non-slip, so you’ll be able to use it on top of just about any sort of surface.This includes tile,vinyl,hardwood and more.

Plus a Liner that is waterproof also comes with the bed. It will protect the bed from odors and stains in addition to preventing the growth of allergens. It also stops any liquids from getting into the bed. As a result even if your pet accidentally uses the bed as a bathroom, it won’t cause any damage to the material.

The DogPedic comes in three different sizes in order fit dogs of different breeds. The tiniest bed sells for approximately 2 payments of $19.99 along with shipping and handling.

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Dog First Aid – CPR

December 13, 2010 By albert Leave a Comment

Dogs too would have an adverse reaction if the body is invaded by foreign substances. The immune system protect the body from the harmful attacks of foreign substances. When antigens are sensed, the immune system will trigger the production of antibodies. Harmful antigens that can cause infection are viruses, bacteria, fungus and parasites. Most infectious agents’ invasion that will cause health concerns are prevented by the dog’s immune system

The immune system though can fight off harmless substances. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system erroneously fights off pollens, dust and other harmless allergens by sending out an influx of antibodies. Not all dogs would have an allergic reaction to these allergens. But what if your pet is hypersensitive to these substances – can you help the pet by administering first aid?

A dog that has an allergic reaction to some substances would suffer from skin itching, sneezing and coughing. A swollen face, vomiting and diarrhea are other symptoms of allergic reaction. Allergens in the environment like pollens and dust causes allergy symptoms to occur. The allergic reaction could have been triggered by an insect bite or by an ingredient in the dog’s food. Allergic reaction would cause immense discomfort but in a lot of cases, the condition is non-life threatening. Mild cases of allergic reaction would not need treatment as the condition normally resolves itself. Nonetheless, emergency treatments would be necessary to save the pet from the immense discomfort. Severe cases of allergies can result to the death of the pet. Anaphylaxis is an acute hypersensitivity reaction. Anaphylaxis that is commonly caused by an insect bite results to the swelling of the airways so that the dog would have breathing difficulties. It is imperative for dogs with this condition to receive emergency treatment.

Allergic reaction is usually not a serious condition and can be managed at home with first aid treatments. The dog’s first aid kits must have Benadryl , antihistamines and other anti-allergy medications because these animals are prone to allergic reaction. Herbal medication is a proven effective first aid method that relieves the itching of the dog’s skin. Bathing the dog with cold water and using oatmeal shampoo will ease the itching of the dog’s skin. Vinegar compress, baking soda paste and ice packs relieves the pain resulting from insect stings. These home remedies are known to reduce swelling and pain.

Allergic reactions can be prevented if the pet is not exposed to the causative allergens but it is difficult to pinpoint what triggers the pet’s hypersensitivity. To be able to administer first aid treatments that will stop an allergic reaction from developing into a serious concern, the pet owner has to be alert to the changes in the pets behavior.

Sarah’s Dogs has more information about first aid for dogs and CPR.

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Dog First Aid – Dehydration

December 13, 2010 By albert Leave a Comment

Losing excessive amounts of body fluid is dangerous as it can lead to dehydration. Unlike humans, dogs have a very poor cooling system because their sweat glands are mostly found on the nose and on the footpads. To regulate body temperature, dogs would pant a lot and in doing so would lose excessive amounts of body fluids that result to dehydration.

Panting is the dog’s way of regulating body temperature but this process would result to loss of body fluids. Dogs can get dehydrated by running or doing strenuous exercises in very hot weather. Dehydration is a health concern that can develop when the dog have had recurring diarrhea, bouts of vomiting and high fever. Insufficient water and food intake is another cause of dehydration. Dehydration commonly occur in dogs with health concerns that turn away from food and water.

Dehydration has to be addressed immediately as this condition can result to the death of the pet. Electrolyte imbalance can occur if the dog’s dehydration is not addressed immediately. Electrolyte imbalance is another serious condition that can result to the death of the pet as this concern would damage the liver, kidneys and other organs of the dog. Death of the dog is imminent if dehydration is not urgently addressed. As dogs are prone to dehydration, an owner has to have the ability to recognize the symptoms of this serious condition.

The amount of urine passed by the dog is one of the signs of dehydration. Dehydrated dogs would have delayed capillary refill time. This means that if a finger is pressed on the dog’s gums it would take a while before the normal color would return. A dehydrated dog would be lethargic, have sticky gums and sunken eyes. A dehydrated dog’s skin will lose its elasticity.

A severely dehydrated dog would need more aggressive rehydration procedures thus the dog has to be rushed to a veterinary facility as no home treatment can efficiently rehydrate the pet. This condition is commonly resolved with intravenous fluids. This is a more efficient rehydration management as most dehydrated dog would refuse to drink and to eat. Although professional veterinary management can rehydrate the dog more efficiently, the dog owner can administer emergency care to the pet especially if it is not possible to take the pet to a veterinary facility. One first aid method is to give the pet Pedialyt, a drink given to infants to replace electrolyte. Although the dog has to take in more water to resolve the dehydration, the dog owner has to make sure that the pet would not drink large amounts of water as this can result to vomiting that will worsen the dog’s dehydration.

Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on dehydration and first aid for dogs.

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First Aid for dog with torn toenails

December 13, 2010 By albert Leave a Comment

When the dog’s nails go “click, clicking” on the floor as the pet walks, it is the dog owner’s cue to bring out the nail clipper. Trimming the dog’s nails is an often forgotten part of the grooming routine. The normal walk of the dog can be encumbered by long toenails. Moreover, dog nails that are allowed to grow long can be broken and cause the dog pain and discomfort. Nail clipping is a task that often takes a back seat as dogs commonly would not want to have their paws touched. Nail trimming can be a challenge especially if the pet shows resistance as the quick is often cut and results to profuse bleeding.

Cutting the quick would cause profuse bleeding because of the number of capillaries present on the nail bed. The broken toenail may bleed a lot but it is not a serious condition. A dab of styptic powder will easily resolve the bleeding. Cornstarch or flour are other home remedies that will control the bleeding of the toenails if styptic powder is not available.

Dogs are well loved pets and it is understandable if the owner would panic at the sight of the pet trailing blood on the floor. Dogs are virtually magnets for accidents because of their energetic nature thus pet owners have been accustomed to dealing with the injuries of the pet. One of these injuries is broken toenails.

A broken toenail that is still attached would bleed and cause the dog pain every time pressure is placed on the affected paw. If the still attached broken nail is disturbed like getting snagged on the carpet, it can bleed again and make the dog cry in pain. Because of the bleeding, a broken toenail may appear to be a serious condition but it usually does not need a vet’s attention. Panicking pet owners would bring the dog to the vet but oftentimes the bleeding would have been controlled before arriving at the vet’s.

First aid would still be necessary for a dog that has a broken toenail to ease the discomfort of the pet and also to ward off infection. The broken toenail has to be removed. A broken toenail that is still attached would have to be removed with a nail clipper. Toenails that are barely attached would be easy to remove. Clean the affected paw with warm water after the torn toenail was removed. If the torn nail bleeds again, use gauze to apply pressure to nail to control bleeding. If a large portion of the nail was detached, the pet would need medical attention. The dog has to have antibiotics to prevent infection.

Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on broken toenails as well as first aid for dogs.

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Keeping The Finest Aquarium Fish

September 1, 2010 By scribe Leave a Comment

Aquarium fish can be wonderful and attractive for most people who love to keep fish at home. Though there is no aquarium fish is maintenance free, but at least there are some fish that easier to keep than other fish using fish mate pond filters. These fish pond filters will help you to keep the water in the pond or aquarium clean, clear and healthy. But if you want to keep your fish in a sizable fish pond, large pond pumps will be the key piece of equipment for you.

The best and easiest aquarium fish that you can look after in your aquarium is those which are tougher in health and more forgiving of any mistakes, like the freshwater fish. These fish are appropriate for the beginners who tend to make more mistakes in maintaining fish. The freshwater fish are the Betta, the widespread goldfish and the plecostomus.

Bettas

The Betta which is also recognized as the Siamese fighting fish is maybe one of the simplest aquarium fish to nurture as well as being one of the most attractive fish. He has a robust physical constitution and has been recognized to live in small bowls successfully, unlike other fish. He also produces less waste than goldfish.

However, the betta is an aggressive fellow and often fights with other fish. He will muder another male Betta since he was breed to battle in fish fights. Female Bettas are more social with other tropical fish. They are drabber in color and have much shorter fins than the male bettas. They can eat the same foods as the other tropical fish with a particular desirability to bloodworms.

Usual Goldfish

Many hobbyists claim that the common goldfish and its close relation, the Comet Goldfish are the easiest aquarium fish to keep. These goldfish are much more social than the Bettas and they have sparkling colors. They don’t need distinctive diets and they can tolerate just about any ornament you care to plop into the aquariums.

But not all goldfish are easy to take care of. You must identify that the egg-shaped goldfish that have bubble eyes, swim slowly, no top fin or have long fins are not considered easy to look after. They should not live in the same aquarium with common or comet goldfish.  It is as they swim so fast that the fan-tailed or egg-shaped goldfish will never be able to get their fair share of food.

The Plecostomus

The name “plecostomus” refers to a family of aquarium fish that has hundreds of kinds. Some of the plecostomus are harder to nurture than others. They are bottom feeders like catfish or Chinese Algae Eaters and need their own sorts of food. But any plecostumus you may notice in your local pet stores amongst other tropical fish should be easy to maintain.

The plecostomus are somewhat strong and tough if you compare them with other kinds of aquarium fish. You must be careful as they are quickly to overgrow in the aquarium they live in. It is usually turn out unpredictably and there is still no reason that can explain that phenomenon.

In order to keep your good-looking fish alive and have their pleasureable place to live, you must be aware of their foods and their habitats. You can have a book or search on the internet to find the best thing for your fish. This is to support your aquatic hobby.

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Selecting The Ideal Ferret Cage

August 6, 2010 By scribe Leave a Comment

When it comes to getting the right ferret cage for your little one, there are a few tips that can help you ensure that your ferret is happy and healthy. Not all pet stores have caught on to the idea of keeping the little guys healthy until they are adopted, so be sure you know what type of cage you’re looking for. Glass aquariums are simply not appropriate for this type of companion. You’re going to need a well ventilated cage with ample space and a way to keep your little one mentally stimulated when you’re not around.

Most people get their ferrets as young kits rather than as adults. This is especially true for first time ferret owners. Pocket pet cages like rat cages and guinea pig cages are not sufficient for a companion like a ferret. It will not likely provide the right safety precautions nor will it be large enough for when he is fully grown.

The cage will need to be large enough to allow for play. The ferret is a social creature with huge amounts of curiosity. He needs to be active and entertained when you are not there to be his friend. Just like most animals, lack of human companionship coupled with lack of entertainment can bring on unwanted behaviors and health issues. You want to make sure they get daily playtime outside of the cage, but you also want to ensure that their time inside their little home is pleasant.

A lot of pet ferrets are excellent at figuring out the puzzle that opens their cage door. If you build a cage at home you will have to pay very close attention to the doorway construction. It doesn’t take long for these smart little creatures to figure out their escape route. Once they learn it, they will never unlearn it. Thus, it is best to make sure they have a very secure door to keep them safe from their own curiosity when you can’t supervise play time.

Without enough air flow your ferret can get very ill or even die. Glass cages can heat up in direct sunlight the same way your car heats up through the windows. In order to make sure that there is enough air moving through the cage, go with a wire structure.

It’s not just the temperature you need to worry about. Ventilation is essential for preventing your ferret from becoming ill from his own bedding. Any kind of cedar chip bedding is quite likely to make his ill through respiratory complications or through the development of cancer. Use newspaper based bedding and provide a cage with good air circulation in order to prevent such health problems.

Try to think of the perfect ferret cages from their point of view. Ferrets are not animals that are going to thrive being in a cage long term without the essentials to challenge their minds. They can easily round up their own trouble when boredom strikes, including chewing their way through plastic cages and learning to unlock unsecure doors. Create an environment that they will be happy in while simultaneously focusing on how healthy they will be.

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The Joy Of Having A Pet Ferret

June 29, 2010 By scribe Leave a Comment

Owning a pet ferret is so much fun! Not only do they provide Affection, they also provide entertainment. Most ferrets like to play just like a kitten would and sometimes they are even rougher. You will usually not meet a ferret that doesn’t love to play and they will usually play for hours.

A ferret is a lot of fun to own, they play like a kitten would and most of them enjoy water. A ferret has scent glands which make them have a musty stinky smell. Many people do not realize that ferrets need this because they release the smell to moisturize their skin.

You are not suppose to let a ferret eat anything that is rubber because they can not digest the rubber and it could possibly kill them.

If you are looking to own any kind of pet, I would recommend you having a lot of time on your hands before you decide on a ferret. Not only do they like to use the bathroom a whole lot, but they also love to eat. Not only do they love to eat food, they love to sink their teeth into anything rubber.

No animal deserves to spend their lives in a cage and a ferret will show you how depressed they are, if you leave them in a cage all the time. This is not fair to them, so make sure you are able to be home with them as much as possible, because they do not live a very long life, most of them do not live past ten.

If you are wondering how much ferrets cost without all the food, cage and toys they need. They usually run around a hundred dollars sometimes it may be more or less, this is depending on where you buy them. Sometimes there are people which sell their ferrets and they may charge more than the pet store, this is something you should check into before you buy if you are looking to save some money.

Make sure you buy enough supplies when purchasing a pet ferret. You should buy at least twenty pounds of food because it will last you about a month and it is cheaper to buy it this way. You should get at least one toy, a litter box and litter and ferrets love hammocks, this is why they are special made for them and can be found at most pet stores.

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