Seldom Talked About Health And Safety Tips For Your Dog

The following information is designed to help you prevent your dog from having a problem.

It is not intended to be an exclusive listing of all things potentially harmful for your dog.

It is not intended to take the place of veterinary care or advice. If you suspect your dog is ill, please take him to your veterinarian or local animal hospital.

You can never have too much information…

These tidbits of information will help keep your dog safe and healthy…

I have chosen some tips that may seem a bit random, but they are things that are often not talked about, but important for you to know.

A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. A good rule of thumb is that if your dog’s body temperatures is at or above 103, or if they are exhibiting symptoms of illness, seek veterinary care immediately.

Your dog needs to be identifiable should he get lost.  Having your dog microchipped is great, but they also need ID tags that give as many phone numbers to reach you at as possible.  Good Samaritans who want to return your lost dog to you need to be able to reach you quickly and easily.

Dog collars and tags do carry their own hazards.  Collars left on while dogs are wrestling can be caught on paws, jaws and objects creating a choking hazard, broken jaws and injuries to limbs. The KeepSafe Break-Away Collar is the only collar that has a patented safety buckle that is designed to protect dogs from collar accidents and can be used securely with a leash. KeepSafe collars are available at my classes and are highly recommended.

Dog tags can also become caught in crates, on fences, in air vents and other objects creating a choking hazard.

Break-away collars are a great idea for all dogs, particularly those who are crated or frequently play with other dogs.

Leaving a dog unattended outdoors can lead to disaster. Many dogs become neurotic from feeling that he/she is trapped in a yard or outdoor kennel while millions of stimuli bombard them. Not to mention, there are also problems of boredom, digging, and nuisance barking. Dogs are better off indoors, crated, than left alone outside unattended until they are trusted with your house, not outside where they can escape or get into trouble. Our classes can help you make your dog an indoor dog.

Heat Stroke

A parked car can quickly become deadly-hot for a dog shut inside. Even with windows partially opened, and even on a cloudy or overcast day, a car’s interior can climb to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few minutes. With only hot air to breathe, your dog’s natural process of cooling by panting fails. A body temperature of only 107° (normal range is 101-102°) can cause brain damage or death from heatstroke. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, vomiting, dizziness and listlessness are signs of heat stress.

First Aid for Heat Stress:

• Apply tepid (not cold) water all over your dog’s body or immerse him in tepid water.
• Gradually apply cooler water.
• Seek immediate veterinary care!
• Elevate the feet and legs if possible should the dog go into shock.

As a dog trainer, I believe that the most effective method of dog training revolves around teaching your dog what you want them to do, how to behave, how to act in their environment, and what appropriate behaviors are, under given circumstances and situations.

If you’re having a difficult time training your dog, don’t have the time to train him properly, or you would like to learn along with your pup, Contact me or check out my family friendly classes.