Dogs With No Names Project

In southern Alberta, Canada, homeless "rez" dogs are now getting a helping hand from the Dogs with No Names project. Animal health technologist, Lori Rogers, and veterinarian, Judith Samson-French designed a pilot program in 2009 to reduce the population of homeless dogs on two First Nations reserves in southern Alberta by implanting a contraceptive under the skin of female dogs.

To date, volunteers with the project have successfully implanted more than a hundred dogs and prevented the birth of hundreds of thousands of pups.

To support this effort, Dr. Samson-French has recently published a new book,Dogs with No Names: In Pursuit of Courage, Hope and Purpose; 100 percent of the profits go to the project.

Find out more about their work at the website.

Only in Seattle

A new model of veterinarian care!


Urban Animal is committed to keeping pet care affordable and an approach that might include not pushing for the most extreme and costly interventions.

The office is another story. It is part Airstream and part 1978 Ford truck both of which are owned by practice founder Cherri Trusheim.

Urban Animal is located in an old medical building on Capitol Hill / First Hill in Seattle, Washington. The welcoming interior space has funky vinyl chairs and second-hand medical cabinets, paint-by-number dog portraits, and enormous vintage print of a cabin in the mountains, PLUS, in the corner a photobooth.

For only four dollars you and your dog can capture the moment with a take home print in only four minutes!

Dr. Trusheim worked as a relief vet and at an emergency hospital. Urban Animal accommodates walk-ins and is open on weekends.

I hope this model of veterinarian care becomes the norm.
Thank you, Dr. Trusheim!

Natural Remedies For Fleas

Do not feel like using chemicals on your dog to treat fleas?

Here are some natural remedies for fleas.

Repellent sprays - According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, based in New York, a safer alternative for flea management can be made with essential oils of cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme. They emphasize avoiding pennyroyal oil which can cause seizures and death in animals. Also be wary of products containing oils of citrus, d-limonene, tea tree, lavender, geranium, linalool, bay, eucalyptus, and rue; they have been associated with allergic reactions in people and severe reactions in dogs.

Diatomaceous earth - Can effectively kill fleas by penetrating the waxy coating on their exoskeletons and causing them to dehydrate. It can be found at herb outlets and garden shops. Sprinkle it on clean pet bedding and on carpets and floors.

A lemon rinse after shampooing - can repel fleas. Make the rinse by soaking a sliced lemon in a pint of hot water, letting it steep overnight. Remove the lemon and any stray pulp, and sponge the lemon water onto your dog's skin. Let it air dry. Repeat daily if necessary.

Keeping grass and shrubbery short - in areas where your dog spends time helps reduce a flea problem, the Natural Resources Defense Council states. Evict fleas from your home by vacuuming frequently and throwing out the vacuum cleaner bags immediately, and by washing pet bedding in hot water weekly.

Be sure to check with your veterinarian before beginning any flea-control program.

For a rundown on the ingredients in flea products,
visit the NRDC's Green Paws directory.

Pet First Aid

April is National Pet First Aid Month.


Emergencies can occur anytime and the best thing to do is be prepared. Having a first-aid kit ready will help to reduce anxiety if an emergency does happen. Keep the kit readily available and periodically check to make sure all the items are up to date and present.

Veterinarian recommended first aid kit for dogs includes:

Roll cotton
Some cotton balls
Gauze pads
Gauze tape
Hydrogen peroxide (check the expiration date)
Hydrocortisone ointment
Scissors
Eyewash
Silver nitrate
Tweezers
Oral syringes
Pediolyte® or other balanced electrolyte fluid
Baby food – meat flavors work best
Large towel
Exam gloves
1 inch white tape (in addition to gauze tape)
Rolls of elastic wrap
Emergency ice pack
Thermometer (both oral and rectal thermometers can be used rectally)

The Gift of Life

Just like humans, dogs can become blood donors.

Veterinarians can give a blood transfusion to dogs to improve their health or to save their lives.

If you have been looking for a way to help the canine community, enrolling your dog in a blood donation program is one way.

What canine blood donations entails:

Blood donor candidates need a physical exam, blood work, and screening for several conditions. Blood type is also tested, to screen for potential incompatibility. Once your dog enters a blood donor program, these tests are often performed twice yearly, and typically at no cost to you.

Blood banks have specific requirements for a dog to donate. Once dogs qualify, they are enrolled in the donation program. When they come in, they receive a physical exam and a blood test to check their red blood cell count. The actual blood donation only takes a few minutes. Then comes the reward.......food and treats! A dog can typically donated every two months, although this can vary with a dog's specific blood type and breed.

Enrolling in a canine blood donation program is a win-win situation. You and your dog receive some nice benefits, plus the satisfaction of knowing your dog will help save many lives over the years. One single donation can typically save the lives of four dogs!

Ask your veterinarian for information about the closest blood donation program.

What Is Your Dog's Blood Type?

In honor of World Blood Donor Day, which is today, I learned that dogs have blood types similar to humans.

What is blood typing?

Blood typing is a test that determines the blood type of an animal. Like people, dogs have different blood types. Blood typing can be crucial prior to a blood transfusion and determining the blood type can help reduce the risk of transfusion reactions. Since blood types do not change, this test is only needed once in a pet's life, as long as the results are recorded and readily available should future transfusions be needed.

Blood types in dogs.

In dogs, DEA 1.1 (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) has been found to be the part of the blood type most likely to cause a transfusion reaction. The blood type in dogs is either DEA 1.1 positive or DEA 1.1 negative. There are however, other parts to the canine blood type, including DEA 1.2, DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5 and DEA 7. In order to determine the full blood type, blood needs to be submitted to a special laboratory.

How to determine blood types?

In order to perform a blood typing, your veterinarian must draw a blood sample. One drop of blood is placed in a well on a special card, impregnated with certain proteins. A drop of blood typing fluid is placed on the blood drop and mixed, and the fluid is rocked on the card for about one minute. The fluid is then examined for agglutination, which appears as clumping and resembles ground red pepper. In dogs, if agglutination is present, the dog is DEA 1.1 positive.

Some diseases and disorders result in agglutination of the blood. In these patients, it is not possible to determine the pet's blood type in a hospital setting. Their blood may need to be submitted to a special laboratory able to detect the blood type despite the presence of naturally occurring agglutination.

For dogs, a more extensive blood type may be needed. Since dogs have multiple parts to their blood type, the blood is submitted to a specific laboratory that is able to determine the dog's entire blood type.

Very interesting........

Full Moon Activity

Do full moons influence animal behavior,
or is that just a fanciful myth?

According to the latest research, pets get into more mischief and are injured more often during certain phases of the lunar cycle, particularly when the moon is fullest.

The study, authored by Raegan Wells, DVM, and her colleagues at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, revealed a link between an increase in emergency room visits for dogs and cats during days when the moon is at or near its fullest.

Wells said this is the first time the lunar cycle's relationship to emergency veterinary medicine has been studied. The study, titled "Canine and feline emergency room visits and the lunar cycle,” appears in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The data, compiled from case histories of 11,940 dogs and cats treated at the university's Veterinary Medical Center, indicates that the risk of emergencies on fuller moon days was 23 percent greater in cats and 28 percent greater in dogs when compared with other days.

"If you talk to any person, from kennel help, nurse, front-desk person to doctor, you frequently hear the comment on a busy night, 'Gee is it a full moon?'" said Wells. "There is the belief that things are busier on full-moon nights."

Of course, superstition alone does not make for good science, but this research indicates that long held belief may be based in fact. But despite the baffling results, Wells doesn't know what sort of connection is at play here.

But just what is behind the pet emergency and full moon correlation, however, is not at all clear. One theory is that since there’s more light out, people and their pets may be more likely to be out getting into mischief. So, what does all this mean for pet owners?

Biggest FULL MOON in almost 20 years!

On March 19th, a full Moon of rare size and beauty will rise in the east at sunset. It's a super "perigee moon."

Where will your dog be?

Paw Check

Ice melts, also known as rock salt, are substances used to melt ice. Even if you do not use them on your property, your dog will likely be exposed to them on your daily walks outside of your yard.

The Dangers of Ice Melts

Most products on the market are safe as long as they are used as per their instructions. Many ice melts will burn your lawn but can also irritate the pads of pets' feet. If your dog eats a small amount of the product, it can irritate the stomach. Ingestion of large amounts of ice melts can alter the electrolyte balance in a pet's system, causing lethargy, weakness, and even seizures. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Some dogs will lick their feet after a walk causing small amounts of ingestion. This can cause oral irritation, drooling, nausea and vomiting in some pets. Larger ingestion can occur after dogs drink from melted snow puddles.

Ice melts can also irritate your dog's paws. The pads will get quite dry in the winter and even crack. The ice melt can be very irritating – basically, it is the equivalent of rubbing salt in a wound.

Tips to Prevent Ice Melt Problems

1. Keep all bags of rock salt out of the reach of your pet. Keep ice melts in sealed pet proof containers.

2. Do not walk your pet in areas where rock salt or ice melts have been used. (This may not be possible.)

3. Clean your pet's paws after coming in from outside when exposure to ice melts.

4. Do not let your dog drink from puddles of melted snow. These may contain ice melts.

5. Fit your dog with dog boots to protect your dog's feet and keep them clean.

6. If you use ice melts, hose down and wash off all traces of the ice melts when the weather improves to minimize further exposure to your pet.

7. Beware "Pet Safe" ice melts. Some products are labeled as pet safe but there are no regulations to prove that they are. Based on product research, you should consider all ice melts as potentially dangerous.

If you ever suspect that your pet has ingested ice melts, please contact your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

Natural Animal Health Product

Today, I learned from a reader's comment about a natural health product which would keep a dog from licking a wound.

Unfortunately, you can only buy it from certain veterinarians, but the website will find one for you when you insert your zip code.

The product is called LickGuard

There is an increasing trend in the animal health industry toward using natural alternatives in place of synthetic products. This trend has been in response to an increased awareness of issues such as antibiotic resistance, drug residues, and overall environmental impact. According to Van Beek who manufactures LickGuard, naturally-based products are safe for livestock and companion animals and help improve their health and performance. They use the best available ingredients from around the world when formulating products to be sure that the full benefits desired from the ingredients are realized in the final product.

Yes, no more cone collars!

Dog Owie

Did you know that "owie" is not in the dictionary? Owie has been coined in the Urban Dictionary as "A word commonly used by small children or infants to describe a wound."

I learned that a 2-year old successfully dialed 911 and got help for her mother, repeating the word OWIE. This word should be updated in the dictionary as one of many first words taught to toddlers.

Ebony could only let me know about her "owie" by constantly licking it. She tore her dewclaw nail exposing the quick. Now that must really hurt! She refused to tell me how it happened and gives me those sad eyes having to wear her clown collar.


She has already managed to chew off some of the bandage and I wonder what it will look like by morning.

We definitely will not be on the Trail for the next few days.


The veterinarian had to cut her nail off and the bandage is suppose to stay on for three days. We shall see!

Not a happy camper

Dog Vaccines

Are dog vaccines safe?

This is a question commonly asked by dog lovers. They want to do the right thing, protect their dog but at the same time minimize risk of problems to their dog.

Most vaccines are safe and do more good than harm. However, there are three types of reactions that can occur from vaccines. The first are mild reactions, the second are allergic reactions and the third is serious reactions that are associated with immune system problems

Mild Reactions - A small percentage of dogs will feel a little "sore" after their vaccines. This is the exception rather than the rule. Some dogs may run a low-grade fever or just feel a little tired. They may be less active, sleep more and eat slightly less than normal. This is temporary and they generally do fine. It is often hard to tell what of this behavior is from the vaccine or from the stress of going to the clinic to get the vaccine.

Allergic Reactions - Some reactions are mild causing itching, hives, swelling, temporary nausea, and others can be serous anaphylactic reactions that are life threatening. Serious allergic type vaccine reactions in dogs are rare.

Immune System Associated Reactions - Some dogs may develop what is called an "Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia". This is an uncommon condition in which the immune system somehow becomes stimulated to destroy the bodies' own red cells. This is a complex disease and no one really knows the underlying cause. Vaccines are one possible theory as well as many other theories. Many dogs develop this disease without any recent history of vaccination. However, this disease is very serious and life threatening.

No one knows for sure why it occurs – but it is thought that post-vaccine immune stimulation may occur as a consequence of an overzealous immune system reaction to the vaccine. Regardless, they are life-threatening and awful.

So, are vaccines safe?

Many veterinarians feel that most vaccines are safe and do more good than harm if used properly. Each dog should be regarded relative to their risk and given the vaccines that truly protect them.

How Do You Select A Veterinarian?

Whether you just moved to a new community or recently adopted your first pet, you will need to find a veterinarian. In many families, a veterinarian ranks as a second family doctor, so it is important for you to trust and feel comfortable with your selection.

Here are some suggestions I came across on how to find a veterinarian.

Yellow Pages This may be one of the easiest ways to find a veterinarian. You can find out the veterinary clinic's address and sometimes the business hours. But, just because the clinic is nearby, does not mean you and your new vet will hit it off. After selecting a promising veterinarian, schedule an interview to meet him or her before bringing your pet for a checkup or treatment.

Internet Searching the web may reveal qualified veterinarians in your area. Several search engines also have vet locators to help you find a veterinarian.If you cannot find a veterinarian in your area, search for local animal organizations. Often, these will have lists of veterinarians in your area.

Breeder If you purchased your new pet from a local breeder, ask him/her for a referral or recommendation. Breeders frequently have well established relationships with veterinarians and you may even find that this veterinarian has a special interest or knowledge in the breed you have chosen.

Word of Mouth This is probably one of the best means of finding a veterinarian. Ask your friends, neighbors or co-workers which veterinarian they use and why. Be aware though that the veterinarian your friends use may not be the best choice for you and your family.

Regardless of how you choose a veterinarian, developing a relationship takes work. Make sure you understand everything your veterinarian says. Do not be afraid to question anything and keep questioning until you fully understand the answer. If you do not feel comfortable with your veterinarian, try to resolve the issues. If you do not see any way to resolve your problems, consider seeking a different veterinarian.

Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs

A few days ago I posted information about
performing CPR on your dog.

Today, I wanted to share information from a veterinarian about the Heimlich Maneuver on your dog.

Before administering any first aid, make absolutely certain your pet is actually choking. Many people confuse difficulty breathing with choking. If you witness your pet ingesting an item and then immediately begin pawing at the face, the throat, acting frantic, trying to cough and having difficulty breathing, only then should the Heimlich maneuver be considered. If your pet is not really choking, the Heimlich can cause serious injury.

After determining that your pet is choking, remove any item that may be constricting the neck. Examine inside the mouth and remove any foreign object you see. Do not blindly place your hand down your pet's throat and pull any object you feel. Dogs have small bones that support the base of their tongues. Owners probing the throat for a foreign object have mistaken these for chicken bones. Do not attempt to remove an object unless you can see and identify it.

If your pet is small and you cannot easily remove the object, lift and suspend him with the head pointed down. For larger animals, lift the rear legs so the head is tilted down. This can help dislodge an item stuck in the throat.

Another method is to administer a sharp blow with the palm of your hand between the shoulder blades. This can sometimes dislodge an object. If this does not work, a modified Heimlich maneuver can be attempted.

Grasp the animal around the waist so that the rear is nearest to you, similar to a bear hug.

Place a fist just behind the ribs.

Compress the abdomen several times (usually 3-5 times) with quick pushes.

Check the mouth to see if the foreign object has been removed.

This maneuver can be repeated one to two times but if not successful on the first attempt, make arrangements to immediately take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital.

Even if you are successful in removing a foreign object, veterinary examination is recommended. Internal injury could have occurred that you may not realize.

Here is a video on the Heimlich for dogs.

Animal Blood Bank

Thousands of pets require blood product transfusion every year as the result of injury/trauma, toxin ingestion, surgery or other diseases. Advancements in veterinary medical care have increased the need for blood transfusions. Also, as pets have become an important part of the family, many pet owners want to do everything possible to keep their pets alive. When this occurs, how do they get the necessary blood products?

Here are the two most common ways. Often blood is purchased from an animal blood bank. Or a veterinarian will use a "donor" pet in their office to orchestrate a transfusion.

Veterinarians and their staff often use their own pets as donors however having blood on hand from an animal blood bank can save precious time when an emergency transfusion is required.

There are animal blood banks scattered across the country that draw and store blood, making it available to veterinarians.

Some animal blood banks are nonprofit organizations that work with volunteer donor pets in the community. Others are for profit businesses that house large numbers of donor pets and sell blood. Some blood banks are organized to immediately ship blood products for emergency use.

What do the animal blood banks do?

Animal blood banks organize healthy pets for regular blood draws. This blood is drawn into bags and "spun down" to divide the blood into different components. Commonly, blood is separated into packed red blood cells and plasma. These components are used to treat different medical problems. Most blood banks focus on dogs however some blood banks also supply cat blood. Because cats require sedation to donate blood, they are not commonly included in volunteer blood drives. Most cat blood will be drawn from resident donor cats or employee pets.

Blood donors are generally rotated on a schedule that allows a fresh supply to be available to balance the blood product expiration dates. A unit of packed canine red blood cells is good for 30 days. Plasma is frozen and remains viable from 90 days up to 1 year, depending on how it is stored and its required use.

No sedatives or anesthesia is required for the donor dog. A unit of blood is drawn from the dog's neck while he is lying down and comfortable. Donations generally take about 15-30 minutes and the donor is rewarded with treats and lots of love when the donation is complete. Dogs generally donate approximately 450 milliliters (~ 16 oz) and cats can donate approximately 55 milliliters (~ 2 oz) of blood.

If you are interesting in having your dog become a donor – ask your veterinarian for the animal blood bank nearest you.

Home Care For Dogs

I came across a veterinarian site with recommendations for home care for dogs if they are vomiting or have diarrhea and you cannot get them to a vet. I thought this was helpful information.

Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common symptoms seen in dogs. They can occur alone or together. It can be a very minor self-limiting problem or a very significant major problem.

Home treatment of vomiting and diarrhea:

If your pet vomits once and/or has a small amount of diarrhea then eats normally with no further vomiting, has a normal bowel movement and is acting playful, then the problem may resolve on its own.

If you discover any predisposing cause such as exposure to trash, change in diet or plants your dog may be eating, always eliminate that cause.

If your dog vomits several times, has diarrhea and you cannot take your dog to your veterinarian (which is recommended), then you may try the following:

- Do not give any medications without consulting your veterinarian. Some medications can be toxic.

- Dealing with both vomiting and diarrhea can be difficult. Often with Vomiting we hold food for 2 to 4 hours – with Diarrhea sometimes is it longer – even 24 hours. These are general guidelines trying to treat both conditions. If your dog is acting sick, lethargic or the vomiting and/or diarrhea continues – PLEASE see your veterinarian.

- Withhold food and water for four to six hours. Oftentimes, the stomach lining may be very irritated. Some dogs will want to eat and continue vomiting. Give the stomach "time to rest" for a few hours.

- If your pet has not vomited by the end of this time, offer small amounts of water (a few tablespoons at a time). Continue to offer small amounts of water ever 20 minutes or so until your pet is hydrated. Don't allow your dog to over drink as this may lead to vomiting.

- If there has been no vomiting after the small increments of water are offered, then you may gradually offer a bland diet.

- Small frequent feedings of a bland digestible diet such as Hill's Prescription Diet i/d, Iams Recovery Diet, Provision EN or Waltham Low Fat, are usually recommended. You can make a homemade diet of boiled rice or potatoes (as the carbohydrate source) and lean hamburger, skinless chicken or low-fat cottage cheese (as the protein source), Feed small amounts at a time. Don't over feed as your dog may eat the entire bowl and vomit. Feed a meatball size portion and if there is no vomiting, offer a small amount more about 1 hour later. Give small amounts frequently – every 3 to 4 hours – for the first day. You can gradually increase the amount and decrease the frequency as your dog tolerates.

- Many veterinarians recommend Pepcid AC® (generic name is Famotidine) to decrease stomach acid. This helps many pets. The dosage most commonly used is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours. A 20-pound dog should get about 5 to 10 mg (total dose) once to twice daily. This is an oral medication, which can be found at most pharmacies in the antacid section. Pepcid (Famotidine) does not require a prescription. It is often used for 3 to 5 days.

- Some veterinarians recommend Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate® (for dogs only!). The active ingredients are generally subsalicylate and Bismuth. Two tablespoons of Pepto-Bismol contain almost as much salicylate as one aspirin tablet (which is toxic to cats). Do NOT give cats Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate! The subsalicylate, an aspirin-like compound, can decrease diarrhea caused by intestinal infections. The bismuth agent is a chalk-like compound designed to coat the lining of the stomach and intestines. This helps some pets with diarrhea. The typical daily dose administered to dogs amounts to approximately 2 teaspoons (10 ml total) per 10-pounds, ideally split between two to four doses. This be found at most pharmacies and does not require a prescription. It is often used for 1 to 2 days. DO NOT USE IN CATS.

- Feed a bland diet for 2 days.

- The return to regular dog food should be gradual over a period of one to two days. At first, mix in a little of your dog's food into the bland diet. Feed that for one meal. Then feed a 50/50 mix for one meal. Then feed ¾ dog food and ¼ bland diet for a meal – then feed your dog's regular food.

- Leash-walk your pet to allow observation of bowel movements, observe for normal urinations and note any additional vomiting that may otherwise occur without your knowledge.

- Administer only prescribed medications.


This is important! If the vomiting and/or diarrhea continue or worsen, if you note blood in the vomit or feces, or if other symptoms appear, call your veterinarian promptly. If your pet is not eating, if he acts lethargic, if the vomiting continues or if any other physical abnormalities mentioned above begin, it is important to see your veterinarian. Your pet needs the professional care your veterinarian can provide. If your pet is having the clinical signs mentioned above expect your veterinarian to perform some diagnostic tests and to make treatment recommendations dependent upon the severity and the nature of the clinical signs.

When are vomiting and diarrhea an emergency?

If the vomiting and/or diarrhea continue after your pet eats, if your pet doesn't want to eat or if your pet acts lethargic, medical attention is warranted. Please see your veterinarian.

Youngest Veterinarian

Courtney, who lives in Washington, says she has loved animals since “the day I was born.” She decided she wanted to be a vet when she was seven. “I was fascinated when we took our animals to the vet. I would be in the waiting room and I would see the vet take the animal behind the door, and then when he came back he was better. It was like magic. So I started asking lots of questions.”

Her mother said that she had been bothering the Vet since she was about seven, and began volunteering at age ten. According to Washington State law she must be twelve to volunteer without a parent present.

At age ten, Courtney completed an online course and was certified as a veterinary assistant. It is an online course and they mail you all your books. For her 'Field Practices,' she had to work in a sterile environment and practice with the Vet. Once the course studies were done, she had to take tests online and those were graded.

Courtney Oliver has already passed her first exams on her route to becoming a vet and plans to start taking college courses this year.

She is practicing at South Bay Veterinary Hospital in Olympia, Washington, and Dr. Michelle Shoemaker has been Courtney's mentor. This is our Vet and I hope to meet Courtney someday.

Is Your Dog Fat?

Diet and nutritional status are crucial to your dog's general health. Unfortunately, many pets are overweight – much like their owners. And – like their owners – pets are not as healthy when they are carrying too much weight. Chubby dogs often suffer from arthritis and heart disease. If you are concerned that your pet is overweight, here are some ways you can evaluate your pet's body condition.

Body fat. Stand behind him and place your thumbs on the spine midway down the back. Fan out your fingers and spread them over the ribs. With your thumbs lightly pressing on the spine and fingers on the ribs, slide your hands gently up and down.

In normal dogs there is a thin layer of fat. You can feel the ribs easily, although you won't see them. If your dog is overweight, you will not be able to readily feel the ribs, and the tissue over the ribs may feel smooth and wavy.

Appearance. Normal dogs have an hourglass appearance. Fat dogs have abdomens protruding from the sides, as well as enlarged fatty areas on either side of the tail base and over the hips. A fatty area may also be present on the neck and front of the chest. When obese dogs walk, they may have a classic waddle.

If you feel that your dog is obese, contact your veterinarian. Tests may need to be performed to eliminate underlying disease as a cause of the obesity. In addition, your veterinarian can help you improve your dog's body condition and overall health.

Counter Surfing

Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs

What should you do if your dog is choking?

When a person chokes, you do the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the object blocking the airway. What can you do for a dog? Well, it is the same thing. When a dog is choking, you can do a modification of the Heimlich maneuver. Here are some tips on how to do it. Hopefully, you will never have to use it, but it's best to be prepared because you never know when it will happen to your dog.

Take a minute now to learn how to do the step-by-step procedure for dogs. It is fairly easy.

STEPS TO PERFORM THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER FOR DOGS:

1. After determining that your dog is choking, remove any item that may be constricting the neck. Examine inside the mouth and remove any foreign object you see. Do not blindly place your hand down your pet's throat and pull any object you feel. Dogs have small bones that support the base of their tongues. Owners probing the throat for a foreign object have mistaken these for chicken bones. Do not attempt to remove an object unless you can see and identify it. If your pet is small and you cannot easily remove the object, lift and suspend him with the head pointed down. For larger animals, lift the rear legs so the head is tilted down. This can help dislodge an item stuck in the throat. Another method is to administer a sharp blow between the shoulder blades using the palm of your hand. This can sometimes dislodge an object. If this does not work, a modified Heimlich maneuver can be attempted.

2. Grasp the animal around the waist so that the rear is nearest to you, similar to a bear hug.

3. Place a fist just behind the ribs.

4. Compress the abdomen several times (usually 3-5 times) with quick pushes.

5. Check the mouth to see if the foreign object has been removed.

This maneuver can be repeated one to two times, but if it is not successful on the first attempt, make arrangements to immediately take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital. Even if you are successful in removing a foreign object, veterinary examination is recommended. Internal injury could have occurred that may not be apparent.

I hope this never happens to your dog, but if it does, I hope that this information will help save your dog.

Pet Poison Help

It was just recently brought to our attention a source for immediate help in case your pet might come into contact with poison.

Pet Poison Helpline™ is a 24-hour service available throughout North America for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet. They have the ability to help every pet, with all types of poisonings, 24 hours a day.

Pet Poison Helpline is staffed with trained veterinary health experts. All of the medical professionals have received extensive education in the area of veterinary toxicology. Pharmacologists and board-certified veterinarians in internal medicine, emergency and critical care, and toxicology are available around the clock, as are herpetologists when needed. This multi-disciplinary approach to case management allows them to offer the highest level of assistance to you and your pet or patient.

In order to provide this critical service, please be advised that there is a $35 per incident fee, payable by credit card. This fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow up calls associated with the management of the case.

To find out more, visit the website at http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Pet First Aid Kit

Create your own doggy first aid kit.

Many minor injuries can be self-treated with proper knowledge and equipment. These supplies can be used to help in a pinch until you can get to a veterinarian.

Here is what Animal Medical Center in New York recommends for your kit:

Tweezers: For splinter or foreign object removal

Nail trimmer: Ask your local pet supply store for the style of trimmer right for your pet.

Scissors: Handy for hair clumps and foreign object tangles. Take special care not to cut the skin – this can be accidentally done.

Betadine Sponges: For cleaning of cuts and wounds, to be used with an antibacterial cleanser

Sterile Vaseline for eyes: If you're bathing your pet, this will prevent soap and water from getting in their eyes

Saline Solution: Regular human contact lens saline solution can be used to flush out dirt, sand, or other irritant - just gently squeeze the contents directly into the eye.

Peroxide: To only be used to induce vomiting when Animal Poison Control says to do so. You should call Animal Poison Control when your dog or cat has consumed something from the "no" list. Not to be used for cleaning wounds.

Triple antibiotic ointment: To place directly on a cut

Sterile telpha pads (no stick): Sticky bandages and fur don't mix. Wrap the wound with the nonadherent pads before placing on the bandage.

Bandages


Remember, proper immediate first-aid is only the first step in the treatment of a dog injury or emergency. While your intervention may prevent serious harm, you must always seek veterinary care as soon as possible to assure the best outcome for your companion.