Dog Lover Community

Most families have a first aid kit in their car and another at home. It is important because you never know when someone will cut a finger, bump their head or come down with a fever. Likewise most people would consider their dog as an important, loved member of the family. But what is in the human first aid kit could be of little use when your dog needs help. People medicines can even be deadly.

A portable Canine First Aid Kit is an important tool for all dog owners. And as your dog matures, it becomes essential. A well-stocked and organized box with supplies will be invaluable if your pet needs immediate care and may save you from having to make a trip to the vet. It could even save your dog’s life.

Remember that when giving a dog first aid, they are in pain and do not always understand that you are trying to assist them. Even if your pet has a great temperament and has never bitten anyone, you should put on a muzzle before trying to give first aid.

20 Essentials of a CANINE First Aid Kit

(And common uses for the items.)

1. Rubbing Alcohol (Tick and thorn removal.)

2. Antiseptic Lotion (Clean out cuts or scratches.)

3. Antibacterial Ointment (Prevent infection.)

4. Bandages or Rolled Gauze (Temporarily binding of wounds.)

5. Cotton Swabs (Remove debris from cuts. Antiseptic Application. Ear cleaning.)

6. Elizabethan Collar (Prevent dog from chewing bandages and licking wounds)

7. Non-sticking Adhesive Plaster (Apply to wound to keep dressing in place.)

8. Eye Wash (Wash debris from eyes.)

9. Rectal Thermometer and Petroleum Jelly (Take Temperature*.)

10. Muzzle (Prevent biting when treating the dog.)

11. Kaolin Pectate/Milk of Magnesia (Treat diarrhea.)

12. Top Quality Nail Clippers (Trim nails.)

13. Tweezers with rounded ends (Remove thorns or debris from wounds.)

14. Thermal or Regular Blanket (Maintain body temperature.)

15. Styptic pencil, cotton wool and gauze (Stop blood flow.)

16. Scissors (Trim hair near wounds.)

17. Flashlight (See in ears, throat etc.)

18. Eyedropper (Administer medications.)

19. Strong Packing Tape and pieces of wood or stiff cardboard (For Splints)

20. Towels–Paper and Regular (Stopping blood, drying etc.)

21. Veterinarian’s Phone Number/Emergency Number

It is also a good idea to ask your veterinarian for any recommendations on medications that should be kept on hand for emergencies.

*Normal Canine Temperature is 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3-39.2 degrees Celsius)

Copyright 2006 Dave Eckholm/Old Dog Paws

Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for his quality of life. As a senior dog, he started to have special needs. We searched for new ideas, resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information, including a national pet sitter directory, with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!

Tags: canine, dog first aid, dog health, old dog, older dog health, senior dogcanine, dog first aid, dog health, old dog, older dog health, senior dog

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Remember just how good a massage feels after a particularly hard day - those first pained responses as your muscles reacted to the beginning of the kneading, pulling and pinching motions - later followed by a more soothing and relaxed response to the rhythm of the massage?

Now, just think about your dog for a moment. Dont you think your pet would definitely enjoy a gift of massage as well? All sizes, from the smallest to the most mammoth dog would, and could, enjoy the effects of a good rubdown.

If you have never given your pet a massage you both have many benefits yet to enjoy. Before you begin,however, it is important to choose a quiet spot in which to work,one free of distractions If your pet is one that is responsive to touch then you should have no problem at all. If your pet is hyper-sensitive to touch then you must gain its trust over a period of time in order for this to be successful.

A good way to begin is with the types of strokes your pet is most used to then moving on to more feathery motions, scratches, tickles and rubs. Begin with one area and continue into the next area until each section has been completed. Mapping out what areas you have, or have not massaged, in your mind is one way to remember exactly where you have worked.Try concentrating on one area, such as the chest, stomach or a single leg, at a time.

Circular motions, light scratches, kneading and tickles are just a few suggestions to apply to your massage repertoire. Follow the grain of the coat then move lightly in just the opposite direction. Remember that your voice can have a positive and calming effect as well. Speak in a soothing voice throughout the massage.

Once you have begun try not to break the mood with sudden movements, such as readjusting yourself, and try to keep one hand on the animal at all times. Now, just observe your dogs reactions throughout the session. If you sense any grumbling it is best to discontinue the session. If your animal is still a limp, smiling pile of doggie flesh, then chances are you are doing everything right - continue. Dont forget the paws, pads or ears either.

Just how long should this continue? Well, that depends on just how long the dog is willing to relax for you and just how long you hold out to continue the massage. A few minutes to a half hour or more is not as important as the quality of time that you spend with your pet.

Once you have finished allow your pet to nap if it is sleeping. If it is awake and ready to play allow it to do that as well. Never end a session with an abrupt movement that may otherwise undue all the hard work you have both just completed. Let the animal enjoy the benefits while relaxing yourself and contemplating on a job well done.

Without a doubt, most animals enjoy and receive as many benefits from a good massage session as humans do. Elderly and active dogs may benefit from the improved circulation or tension release of a good massage. Puppies gain valuable socialization and touch therapy skills in addition to the massage as well. Overall, massage is a gift both you and your dog may benefit from over and over.

Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com and http://www.total-german-shepherd.com, is a lifelong animal lover and dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Interested in the German Shepherd Dog in particular? Check out http://www.total-german-shepherd.com for more information.

Tags: canine, dog, dog check ups, dog health, dog massage, dogs, first aid, health, pet, puppy, purebred dogcanine, dog, dog check ups, dog health, dog massage, dogs, first aid, health, pet, puppy, purebred dog

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More than ever before, owners are paying more attention to what goes in their dogs’ food bowls. The question of how and what a dog should be fed is often heatedly debated - premium kibble versus “look-alike” brands from wholesale clubs versus grocery store brands, raw, home-cooked, and fresh frozen. Should supplements be used, or is the food “complete and balanced”, as the labels state? Should grains be fed? Should bones be whole or ground? What about herbal supplements, joint supplements, vitamins, and probiotics? What about the special needs of the performance dog, older dog, or growing puppy?

The answers to these questions are obviously complex. There are many ways to meet a dog’s nutritional needs. For the show and competition dog, we are especially concerned that the diet supports peak physical and mental condition, as well as overall health. Many dogs have sensitive digestive systems, food intolerances, or other health concerns. The senior dog and the family dog who is not very active need good nutrition without extra calories that lead to weight gain. A sound nutritional program will enable all of these dogs live to long and healthy lives.

Whatever feeding plan is used, it must fit in the daily routine of the owner. The food chosen must be readily available, and in the case of the competition dog, be able to be easily fed on the road. The food must meet the nutritional needs of the individual dog, and be fed in a way to not provide excessive or deficient amounts of key nutrients. All foods should be clean and fresh, especially kibble that is naturally preserved with tocopherols and or citric acid. Natural preservatives are preferred to chemical preservatives such as BHA or BHT, but naturally preserved food that is stored too long may become rancid or moldy, as well as losing its nutritional value.

The vast majority of dogs in this country, whether family companions or competition/working dogs, are fed some type of commercial food. For the purposes of this article, commercial food will be divided into three categories: standard or grocery store foods, premium or pet store foods, and super-premium foods. The best way to understand the differences in these foods is to review the ingredients of a representative of each food category. (Food examples were chosen based on nationwide advertising and availability.)

Top 5 ingredients of common dog foods

Standard/Grocery Store Food

Kibbles ‘n Bits

Tags: canine, dog, dog food, dog health, dog training, holistic, natural, reiki, vet, veterinarycanine, dog, dog food, dog health, dog training, holistic, natural, reiki, vet, veterinary

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