Keep Your Dog Smiling With Preventative Dog Dental

Keep Your Dog Smiling With Preventative Dog Dental


What should pet owners know about dog dental care
and periodontal disease?

An important aspect of the good dog dental care is
proper dental hygiene. One of the most common
ailments treated by veterinarians is periodontal or
gum disease. Gum disease is progressive. It starts
out with the formation of plaque, a sticky bacterial
film that forms in the mouth at the gum line. If not
removed plaque will harden into tartar above and
below the gum line. This build up causes the gums to
become red and swollen, a condition known as
gingivitis.

If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to
advanced gum disease. Red swollen gums will begin to
recede as the infection travels down into the root
of the tooth and the jawbone. Once the gums have
receded the damage is irreversible and the gums will
not grow back. This is known as periodontal disease
and results in loss of bone and loss of teeth. At
this advanced stage the bacteria from the oral
infection may now enter the bloodstream. This can
lead to more serious problems such as heart, liver
and kidney disease. These conditions if left
untreated can eventually become life threatening.


These problems can also be prevented by implementing
a good dog dental care routine.

Why should I routinely inspect my dog's mouth?

By two or three years of age many pets start to show
signs of oral disease. By implementing a home dog
dental care routine you can assure that your dog's
mouth stays healthy, clean and pain free. Start by
routinely inspecting your dog's mouth. A healthy
mouth will not smell offensive. The teeth will be
clean and will not have any yellow or brown spots.
The gums will be a healthy pink color and will hug
the teeth.

What are the signs of gum disease in dogs?

Persistent bad breath, brownish deposits around the
gum line, especially on back teeth, red swollen
gums, loose teeth, painful and or bleeding gums are
all indicators of oral disease. Although bad breath
or "doggy breath" is the most obvious sign of a
problem, many pet owners fail to recognize it as an
indicator of dental problems until it's too late. As
part of a good dog dental care routine check your
dog's mouth at the slightest sign of a persistent
offensive odor. Other indications can be decreased
appetite and weight loss, a change in chewing
habits, lethargy, and pawing of the mouth or the
face.

What should I do if my dog's mouth shows signs of
gum disease?

Dog dental care starts by checking your dog's mouth
regularly. If you see any of these signs call your
vet to schedule a dental exam. Your dog may just
need a routine cleaning. The cleaning process is
performed under general anesthesia. If the condition
is minor, it's not much different than a dental
cleaning that you or I would have done. Your dog's
teeth will be scaled to remove tartar above and
below the gum line and then they will be polished.
Since your dog can't rinse and spit the mouth area
will be flushed to clear it of any loosened debris.

If the condition is more serious your vet may need
to administer an antibiotic to clear up any gum
infection before cleaning your dog's teeth. Blood
work will usually be taken so that your vet can
determine if the infection has spread into the
bloodstream. If the disease is in the advanced
stages your vet may also need to extract some teeth.
Whatever the outcome, your dog is sure to feel a lot
better after receiving some much needed dog dental
care.

Remember to regularly inspect your pet's mouth,
schedule periodic dental check ups, and perform
routine home dental care.






How important is home dog dental care?

Regular cleanings by your vet followed up by a home
dental care program can help keep your dog's mouth
healthy and disease free. Even if your dog's teeth
are currently in good condition a preventative home
dental care routine is essential to your dog's
health. If not regularly removed, plaque and tartar
build up can progress very quickly into full blown
periodontal disease.

If you're new to dog dental care ask your vet to
show you how to brush your dog's teeth. Also find
out if there is anything else that your vet would
recommend adding to your dog's preventative home
dental care routine.

One recommendation is to entice your dog to chew.
Daily chewing exercises will help remove food debris
and prevent tartar build up. They're also great for
relieving boredom and separation anxiety. So put
your pet to work. Give your dog plenty of fun and
yummy real bones, dental dog chew toys, and edible
dog chews as part of your home dog dental care
routine.

Do I need to brush my dog's teeth?

The most direct method of preventative dog dental
care is brushing your dog's teeth regularly. Vets
usually recommend that you brush your dog's teeth at
least two times a week. If your dog is prone to
dental disease you may need to do this more often.

What should I use to brush my dog's teeth?

If you have a young puppy introducing a tooth
brushing routine will probably be much easier then
if you have an adult dog. In either case start slow,
keep the sessions short, and be very gentle while
working in your dog's mouth. Use lots of praise and
reassurance to reinforce good behavior. You will not
want to give your dog treats during this task for
obvious reasons.

Since a dog will swallow whatever you use never
brush your dog's teeth with "people" toothpaste.
This toothpaste is not formulated to be ingested and
can upset your dog's stomach. It's also designed to
foam which is not desirable when brushing a dog's
teeth. So use a pet toothpaste formulated for dog
dental care that does not require rinsing.

You will also need a pet toothbrush. There's a great
triple sided pet toothbrush that will get the job
done faster than a traditional style toothbrush. Or
if you have a small dog you may want to try a pet
finger toothbrush. Finger toothbrushes slip right
onto your finger and are easily controlled to reach
the common trouble spots up near the gum line. Add
some specially formulated tartar removing toothpaste
and you're all set. Dog toothpaste is even available
in all-natural formulas and yummy flavors like
chicken and vanilla.

If this is your dog's first toothbrush look for a
pet dental care kit to get you started. These kits
typically include a pet toothbrush, a tube of pet
toothpaste and a pet finger toothbrush.

Pet dental wipes are great for use on dogs that
resist brushing. These easy-to-use pet teeth
cleaning pads help remove food debris and plaque,
kill germs and help to control bad breath. If your
dog will not allow you to use the toothbrush method
try using dental wipes regularly as part of your
dog's home dental care program.

You may also want to try to increase the amount of
time your dog spends chewing on real bones, dental
dog chew toys and edible dog chews.

This type of chewing helps remove food debris and
prevents tartar build up. If your dog chews enough
you may be able to reduce how often you need to
manually brush your dog's teeth.

How do dog's in the wild keep their teeth clean and
healthy?

Dogs in the wild are generally much more active than
our domesticated pets because they must hunt for
their food. They also spend much more time chewing
and gnawing on fresh bones, which helps to keep
their teeth clean and healthy.

Our domesticated dogs can spend a lot of time
sleeping with their mouths closed while passing long
period of time alone. It is commonly believed that
the lack of fresh air circulating over the teeth and
gums can encourage certain types of bacterial growth
in the mouth. And since our pet dogs get their daily
rations served to them in bowls it isn't necessary
for them to spend much time chewing. Although
gnawing on bones is how dogs in the wild keep their
teeth free from food debris, bacterial accumulation
and tartar buildup, our domesticated friends rarely
spend as much time at such pursuits.

Encouraging your dog to chew will make a big
difference in the effectiveness of your dog dental
care routine. Real bones are nature's edible dog
chews. But if you prefer not to give your dog real
bones there are plenty of wonderful dental dog chew
toys and edible dog chews that will get the job
done.

Will real bones help keep clean my dog's teeth?

Give your dog some real bones - Nature's own edible
dog chews. Most people don't provide their dog with
quantities of real bones, so as to avoid the mess
and unsanitary residue. It's great if you have an
environment in which your dog can indulge in working
on a fresh bone. But if not, you can buy some
natural sterilized marrowbones. These hollow bones
are also available pre-filled with tasty treats like
beef, chicken, cheese, and granola.

If you get some unfilled bones you may want to try
filling them with your dog's favorite treats. Try
peanut butter, cheese or one of the yummy pre-made
fillings available at pet shops and online stores.

If you would rather not give your dog real bones
there are many enticing dental dog chew toys and
edible dog chews available that will encourage your
dog to chew.

Besides real bones what other types of dog chews
will help keep my dog's teeth clean?
Traditional chew toys are still available and are
just as popular as ever. But there are also a
variety of very good dental chew toys, rope bone
chew toys and edible dog chews designed to keep your
dog engaged, with the added benefit of cleaning the
teeth. These toys will entice your dog into
playfully attending to the required dental hygiene.
They can also keep your dog entertained and out of
mischief during those times when you must leave your
dog alone.

Rope Bone Chew Toys -
Try a dental rope chew toy for great flossing
action. As your dog happily chews on these toys the
rope fibers clean between the teeth. Spray on some
dog dental care spray or rub on a little flavored
pet toothpaste to really enhance the cleaning action
of this enticing dental chew toy. Check out a pet
dental care spray & rope chew toy kit and get your
dog dental care routine going today.

Dental Chew Toys -
For long lasting chewing fun, and a great dental
workout, get your dog a dental chew toy. Some brands
are manufactured with grooves that make these dental
toys real winners for cleaning your dog's teeth.
Some dental chew toys can also be stuffed with your
dog's favorite treats for hours of stimulating
chewing. And for smaller dogs there are dental chew
toys that not only have teeth cleaning grooves but
also are combined with a rope chew. Just add some
pet toothpaste to the dental grooves and your dogs
will eagerly participate in their daily dog dental
care routine.




Edible Dog Chews -
Are you concerned about giving your dog rawhide
chews because they can "ribbon" and cause your dog
to choke? Many pet hops and online stores now carry
a variety of composite chews. These all natural
rawhide dog chews can't ribbon, are easy to digest
and dogs love the baked in flavor. There is even an
edible dog chew treat available that contains no
animal by-products.

Dogs, like people, have different tastes and
preferences. Choose whichever dental dog toy or dog
chew treat that will keep your dog happily chewing
his or her way to clean and healthy teeth and gums.

And remember that there are many convenient dog
dental care products available that will help you to
keep your dog's teeth and gums in great shape
between regular visits to the vet and grooming
salon. Unattended dental health problems cannot only
distress your beloved pet, but can lead to serious
conditions and ailments. Many of these problems can
be prevented by implementing a regular home dog
dental care routine.

Dog Ear Problems

Importance of Regular Home Dog Ear Care

Routine home dog ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Performed between your regular checkups with the veterinarian, it will help keep your dog's ears healthy and pain free. If you see signs of trouble you may be able to head them off before they require an extra visit to the vet.

Excessive wax, foul odor, redness, constant scratching, excessive matting of hair in the external ear, rubbing the ears against other objects, head shaking, and disorientation can all be signs of ear problems.



Inspect Your Dog's Ears Regularly By Using Your Eyes; Your Nose!

By performing a home dog ear care inspection; you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. If you need help seeing inside your dog's ears you may want to invest in a pet scope. A tool very similar to the kind your doctor uses to check your ears. Check for redness,excessive wax build up or any other foreign matter.






Sniffing your dog's ears is another way to detect problems early. Normally a dog's ears shouldn't smell foul in any way. If you see a dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. On the other hand, if you see a pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this may be a sign of a bacterialinfection. Allergies are also known to cause some dogs to have smelly ears. If you're new to this andare unsure have the vet check your dog's ears. Right after the vet gives your dog a clean bill of health make sure you inspect your dog's ears. This way you will learn how your pet's ears should normally look and smell.



Is Your Breed of Dog More Susceptible To Dog Ear Care Problems?


Due to the warm, damp, and dark environment, as well as poor air circulation, your dog's ear canal can be the prefect breeding ground for mites, yeast or bacterial infection. This is why, for certain breeds, home dog ear care is even more important.

Some pets may require routine applications of dog ear care products to keep their ears free of mites, yeast or bacterial infections.



Some dog's ears stand straight up which allows for more air to flow into the ear canal. Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are veryprone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals. There are also breeds, like the Lhasa, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. This hair must be routinely removed as a prevention against chronic ear problems.



If Excess Ear Hair Is A Dog Ear Care Problem Learn

How To Remove It

If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to pluck the hair that grows inside your dog's ears. This is a routine dog ear care task that can be performed at home and is much easier then it sounds. You will want to apply dog ear powder to the inside of both ears. Make sure that the hair is completely covered, especially at the base. Once the powder has dried start plucking a few hairs at a time with your fingers or a tweezers.

Plucking just a few hairs at a time will be less irritating for the dog.


You may want to stop a few times to give your dog's ears a good rub. Make sure you give your dog lots of praise and a few dog treats too. Once all the inside hair has been removed, follow up by cleaning and inspecting the ears. If you are unsure about this dog ear care procedure, have your vet or a professional groomer show you how to do it.



Things You Should Know About Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Some vets recommend that owners routinely flush their dog's ears with warm water at the slightest hint of odor. Other home dog ear care cleaning remedies include mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or a combination of equal parts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. If your dog has open sores it's best not to use the vinegar and alcohol because it will cause a burning sensation.



If your dog is prone to ear infections you may want to use a pet ear care product that is specifically formulated to clean and dry up excess moisture in the ear canal. A dog ear wash containing Tea Tree Oil, which is also formulated to dry the ear canal is an excellent choice. Tea Tree Oil's natural antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties can help keep your dog's ears problem free.



It's also a good idea to use a pet ear-drying agent after bathing or swimming especially if your dog's ears retain moisture and don't dry promptly. There are many good pet ear care products available for
routine ear cleaning that will dissolve wax, remove foreign debris and dry the ear canal. There are also home dog care treatments available that will kill pesky ear mites and ear ticks.



A dog's ear canal is L-shaped. It descendsvertically and it makes a 90-degree horizontal turn before it reaches the eardrum. Even though your dog's eardrum is better protected than a human's,

you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Many vets urge caution when inserting anything into the ear canal, especially cotton-tipped swabs. They can actually push dirt and foreign matter deeper into the ear if not handled properly. You can even lose the cotton tip in the ear canal.



Start cleaning the external part of the ear by swabbing inside the earflaps and all around the gnarled area at the entrance of the ear canal. If you choose to use a cotton-tipped swab you will need a long type since a dog's ear canal is much deeper than ours. If your dog will tolerate it, gently and carefully swab the inside of the ear canal. A much safer method is to fill the ear canal with a pet ear cleaning solution and gently massage the outer ear.

After a few minutes allow your dog to shake his head to help clear the ear canal. If you're using a commercial pet ear care product be sure to follow the instructions carefully.



Make Ear Inspections An Important Part Of Your HomeDog Ear Care Routine



Checking your dog's ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog's ears need a cleaning don't put it off. Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful for your dog and could even damage your dog's hearing.

Dog Worms

Dog Worms -- Don't Let Them Get Started

There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was about two AM, when beneath our bed the new puppy we'd brought home from the pound just a month earlier began screaming.

Not yipping or whining -- this was the kind of agonized screams that'll stand your hair up on end.

Our cute, playful new puppy was being eaten alive from inside.

He had worms, even though he'd received all theright shots just a few weeks before.



Now he was dying, right there under our bed, and we weren't able to save him. The worms were just too advanced.



He had been a happy little guy, playful and filled with fun. So that night -- and those screams -- have stayed with me a very long time.

An experience like that will change your attitude fast. It sure changed mine. Up till then I'd been a bit cavalier about health care for my pets.



However, dog worms are serious business. They need to be treated as soon as possible. And even if you're not sure, get your dog tested anyway, just to be safe. Being safe is far better than listening helplessly to your dog die in the night.






If your dog has diarrhea, the cause can be dog worms and you should make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.



To determine if dog worms are the problem you will need to take a stool sample to your vet. In some cases, however, dog worms can occur even when your dog has normal stools. A yearly stool exam is needed to make sure your dog doesn't have worms. Puppies should be checked more often.

There are several types of worms. Your vet can test for all kinds and give the appropriate treatment.

Roundworms are the most common, and are usually found in newborn puppies. Older dogs usually don't have problems with roundworms.

Hookworms are also common. This worm lodges in the small intestine of the dog. When your dog has hookworms he will often have vomiting and diarrhea.

In young puppies this can cause anemia and other complications.

Whipworms live in the junction where the large and small intestines meet. These worms cause inflammation in the lower part of the GI tract, and
the symptoms resemble those of colitis. Whipworms are difficult to diagnose, but your vet will usually treat your dog according to the clinical signs.

Some dog worms need a host in order to be transmitted. This type includes tapeworms. Fleas most often serve as the host to carry these worms.

The flea ingests the eggs and acts as host for the larvae. then the dog swallows the flea with its tapeworm already present.

Often dogs with tapeworms do not show clinical signs. With no obvious symptoms, this makes it hard to diagnose the problem. However, if you often see your dog rubbing his bottom along the ground or on the floor, he may have an infestation of tapeworms.

It's important to get your dog checked. You don't have to learn the hard way like I did.

Dog worms are a serious health hazard. They impact your dog's health and should be taken care of the minute you even suspect there could be a problem.

Gift Ideas for Your Dog

Your dog has been good this year, here are some gift ideas for your dog.


Here are some of the most wished for treats for your dog this Christmas.



or maybe you plan on taking a vacation with your dog, here are some of the travel supplies you may need.


Your dog deserves a treat this years, hope you've enjoyed some of these gift ideas for your dog.

How often should my dog have a bath?

Bath Time

Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge.

There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and

temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so you'll be prepared for your dog bath and grooming session.



How often should you bath your dog?



How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is
involved in. It's best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose - that
tell tale doggy smell will let you know it's time for a bath.

If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog's skin. You may also want tofollow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.

Where's the best place to bath your dog?

In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet.
It's a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few
inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast.

If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.






Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient,
back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely
solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you'll be able to save your back and control the
water temperature of your dog's bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your
existing washing machine water supply. At bath timejust connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve
assembly and run it outside to the bathing area.

This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.
If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn't be a problem. But
deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a
sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower
stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.

Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?
Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog
grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that's comfortable for you and keeps your dog
securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. You'll get the job done in half the time,
save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online
stores will also save your dog stress at bath time.

No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface.
This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their "Notable Products for
the New Millennium".

Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?

Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It's funny how your dog will
cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past
you when you don't want him to jump into the water at the beach.
If you're washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see
an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you'll have an easier
time getting him back in the tub to finish the job.
It can be a challenge bathing a dog that's wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when
your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you
may want to consider restraining your dog.

Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injuryto you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs
come with restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will
be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.

Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?
Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the
bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be
less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.

Things to have on hand at bath time:
Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. It's ergonomically designed for both you and
your dog's comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their
shop. If you're thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out
their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.



Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher

A Pet Shower is great, but if that's not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.

Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen.

Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog's ears.

Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry

itchy skin, inflamed or dry scaling skin, fleas

Canine Bloat

 What is Canine Bloat?




Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach.

Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach

which is unable to be released. Bloat with Gastric

Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach

fills with gas and twists 180 to 360 degrees on it's

axis between the esophagus and duodenum or the

entrance and exit parts of the stomach. Bloat is a

very serious problem in large breed dogs. When

combined with the complications of GDV, bloat is a

leading cause of death of dogs, second only to

cancer.



The exact cause of bloat is still unknown.

Generally, it is believed that excessive eating and

drinking of water followed by exercise can cause

bloat. It is thought that exercise causes food or

fluid in the stomach to cause a build up of gas. The

severity of the conditions is more serious when the

stomach twists upon itself within the abdomen in a

clockwise rotation causing the inlet and outlet of

the stomach as well as blood vessels which supply

the stomach to become constricted at both ends. As a

result, the constriction will cause the stomach

tissue to die. In a very short time, the stomach

becomes restricted of nutrients and oxygen. If not

treated, the dog can die.



.

What Are the Symptoms of Canine Bloat?



- Anxious, restless

- Distended abdomen

- Attempting to vomit

- Excessive drooling

- Whining

- Pale gums

- Increase in heart rate.

- Difficult breathing



What Causes Bloat?



The stomach becomes filled with gas and because of

several possible factors; the dog is unable to

relieve the pressure. Bloat, with GDV, is when the

stomach goes in to a Atwist.@ This closes both the

esophagus and pylorus, preventing the dog from

relieving the gas pressure which can quickly build

up after a large meal. This condition is extremely

fatal, causing shock, coma and eventually death.

Like many other conditions which affect our dogs,

the actual cause of bloat is still unknown. Several

factor seem to contribute to a dogs chances of

getting bloat



- Stress

- Eating or drinking too fast.

- Exercise before and immediately after eating

- Having a large deep chest

- Elevated food bowls

- Hereditary

- Disposition



Are All Dogs At Risk Cannine Bloat?



Canine bloat and GDV usually only effects large

breed dogs, but smaller dogs are still susceptible..

It is thought that some lines of breeds are

genetically at a higher risk. Though bloat can occur

in puppies, it is a condition which usually occurs

in adult dogs. Furthermore, male dogs are more

likely to suffer from bloat than female dogs. Here

is a list of some breeds that have a higher chance

of being effected by bloat and GDV.



- German Shepherd

- Great Dane

- Standard Poodle

- Rottweiler

- Akita

- Bloodhound

- Great Pyrenees

- Irish Setter

- Old English Sheepdog

- Boxer

- Golden Retriever

- Irish Wolfhound

- St. Bernards

- Labrador Retriever

- Newfoundland

- Doberman



What Is the Treatment of Dog Bloat?



Canine bloat is a very serious problem. If you

suspect your dog of having bloat, contact your vet

immediately. Every second counts! If caught and

diagnosed quick enough, initial treatment will

involve inserting a tube or tochar in to the stomach

wall to remove the gas. If necessary, the vet will

then operate, attempting to untwist the stomach.

Secondary treatment will involve treating shock,

dehydration, fatigue, and other complications

resulting from the distension of the stomach.



Is There Any Way To Prevent Dog Bloat?




Prevention of bloat can be difficult. Because there

are so many possible causes for this condition,

prevention must be examined on an individual basis.

If you have a dog that is at risk there are a couple

of things that you can do to decrease the chances of

this fatal condition. Since bloat is believed to be

connected with genetics and hereditary, these

preventive measures can only decrease the chances of

bloat.



- Do not overfeed. Feed 2-3 small meals a day.

- Do not use elevated food bowls

- Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of

water after eating.

- Add an enzyme product to your dogs food

- Keep emergency veterinary contact handy

- Gastropexy surgery

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and
symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not
only relieve their loved one's suffering but may
also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to
the veterinarian. Not only is it important to
recognize these signs early to relieve pain and
suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an
illness when it is detected early.

The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed
account of their dog's symptoms to help the
veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively
treat the dog's illness or condition. Most canine
illnesses are detected through a combination of
various signs and symptoms:

Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate
A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F.
which will eventually reach the normal adult body
temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old.
Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies
temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken
off in the canine's rectum. Also any form of
excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º
when the dog is actually in normal health. If your
dog's temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or
below please take him/her to the emergency vet
immediately!

An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20
breaths per minute (depending on such variables as
size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats
per minute. You can feel for your dog's heartbeat by
placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage just
behind the elbow. Don't be alarmed if the heartbeat
seems irregular compared to a human's heartbeat, it
is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it
out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.

Behavior ChangesAny behavior changes that are not associated with a
change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy
over a new pet or child may be an indication of an
illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be:

-Depression

-Anxiety

-Fatigue

-Sleepiness

-Trembling

-Falling/Stumbling

If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs
to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or
even a few days, until positive signs develop or
he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to
exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation
that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want
for you to keep track of when the symptoms first
appeared, whether they are getting better or worse,
and also whether the symptoms are intermittent,
continuous, or increasing in frequency.

PainDogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they
are suffering by giving you clues as to where the
area of discomfort is. For instance, a dog that has
abdominal pain will continually glance toward their
belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to
leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over,
or take the 'prayer position' which is when a dog
gets down on it's forelegs with the hind legs still
standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.

Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry
real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a
different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as
being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain.
This also happens when an external injury or
internal injury (such as an organ) is touched.
Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be
caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds
of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have
a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more
closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain
tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without
vocalization.

Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A
dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression.
Please take note of this before concluding that a
dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian
know so that the correct treatment can be
administered. Also females in general (even humans!)
have days when they are just in a bad mood for no
obvious reason. Take note of days of times that
these mood swings occur as well as any events that
might have triggered them.

Other signs that your dog may be sick:

-Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted
tips, twitching or shaking.

-Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.

-Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge,
crusty.

-Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.

-Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or
prolonged/heavy panting

-Evidence of parasites in the dog's stool, strange
color, blood in the stool, or lack of a bowel
movement (constipation).

-Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as
normally would.

-Weight Loss.

-Strange color of urine, small amount of urine,
straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as
normal.

-Bad odor coming from mouth, ears, or skin.

-loss of hair, wounds, tumors, dander or change of the
skin's color.

-Biting of the skin, parasites, scratching or
licking the skin frequently.

The preceding article was meant to help educate you
to the signs and symptoms of probable pain or
sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur
over a prolonged period of time, please seek the
help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article
will help stress the importance of keeping watch
over your dog's health patterns and the importance
of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for
your veterinarian's convenience.