First Aid Archives - Page 5 of 5

Dog Care

Can Your Dog Catch The Flu?

By Nicole Pajer UPDATE, January 30, 2018: Time.com recently reported on a breakout of dog flu in several states, including California. The strain affecting dogs is canine H3N2, a different strain than the similarly named human H3N2. Flu season has arrived—for humans and for dogs. As people march into medical centers to nab their annual vaccination, veterinarians across the country are recommending that dog owners consider a similar immunization for their four-legged companions. The canine flu (H3N8) aka “the dog flu” is a contagious respiratory infection that was first discovered in 2004 when the virus jumped from horses and began

June 18, 2015 No Comments

Dog Care

Bleeding

Dr. Sherry Weaver Apply firm direct pressure over the area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10 straight minutes. Continually releasing the pressure to check the wound will hamper the clotting. If bleeding is severe, apply at tourniquet between the wound and the heart. Avoid bandages that cut off circulation. Keep the animal as warm and quiet as possible. Call your veterinarian immediately.

June 18, 2015 No Comments

A dog scratches a spot that is bothering him

Dog Breeds

Hot Spots, Bald Spots And Red Spots On Dogs

Question for the Vet: Three years ago I took my 18 month old female Pomeranian to the vet after a dime-sized scab came off her shoulder area. The vet said it was a “hot” spot, however, the hair has not only never grown back in that area but the spot has gotten larger. I can see tiny red spots around the perimeter of the hairless area. Any ideas or treatment options would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. The Vet’s Answer: The condition you are describing is focal alopecia which is a localized area of hair loss on a dog. Pyotraumatic

June 18, 2015 No Comments

older golden retriever is prone to hip and joint pain

Dog Care

Hip And Joint Problems In Dogs

Signs and Symptoms of Joint Discomfort in Dogs As the Pack Leader you must know if your dog is uncomfortable because of joint issues. Typical signs include: Trouble getting up and down Slow or stiff when moving Difficulty climbing stairs Joint swelling Excessive panting Limping Frequently holding a leg off the ground Favoring one leg Common Causes of Hip and Joint Discomfort in Dogs: Hip dysplasia in dogs In hip dysplasia the hip socket has not formed properly and this results in damage and arthritis from the poor fit. This condition is most often seen in breeds such as the

June 18, 2015 No Comments

dogs are at risk for heat stroke if prevention isn't taken

All About Dogs

Ask The Vet: Preventing Heat Stroke In Dogs

During the dog days of summer one thing to be wary of as the temperatures climb is heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs is a dangerous rise in body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit caused by prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures. This is typically the result of being confined in a car or left outside on a hot and humid day with inadequate shelter. Another form of heat stoke is exertional which occurs when dogs are exercised for too long on hot humid days. A body temperature of greater than 109 results in multiple organ dysfunctions and if

June 17, 2015 No Comments

A dog gets check out by a vet after eating something toxic.

Dog Care

Top 10 Household Items That Could Harm Your Dog

There are many dangers in and around the home that can spell disaster for your dog. Due to canine curiosity and their tendency to explore the world using their mouth they can ingest common household items that are potentially toxic. Toxicoses account for approximately 15 to 20 percent of animal emergencies at emergency facilities and listed below are the top ten categories of common household items that are most frequently seen. Harmful Items People Food Just because we can eat it does not mean our food is safe for our canine companions. Chocolate contains large amounts of caffeine and theobromine

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

How to Care for a Dog With Megaesophagus

Dear Dr. Weaver, I recently rescued a puggle from an animal shelter. I soon discovered that he has a condition known as megaesophagus, which, from what I understand, is serious and requires constant vigilance to control. I was assured by my vet that it is not the type of condition that will resolve itself over time and is something that could lead to pneumonia asphyxiation. He was placed on antibiotics, some type of throat syrup, and requires his food elevated to aid in digestion. Is there anything else that I could be doing to help him get through this disorder?

June 17, 2015 No Comments

a vet checks out a puppy during a routine check up

All About Dogs

Vet’s Advice For A Vomiting Dog

My two-year-old St. Bernard dog is not eating correctly. Every so often the dog will vomit her dinner two days in a row or maybe breakfast two days in a row. Never the same dinner and breakfast in the same day, and not all the time. It seems to be about every two weeks one of them will start and last two days. Any advice? Thank You Jeff Alger Vet Gives Clues as to Why Dog is Vomiting Dear Jeff, Dogs vomit much more easily than humans. If a dog vomits this frequently but maintains a normal appetite and weight,

June 17, 2015 No Comments

Dog Care

Granulomas

I am truly in need of help, please. I have an eight-year-old female Sheltie. She has helped our daughter overcome her phobia of dogs — she is our HERO! A month ago she developed a granuloma the size of a quarter on her back paw; she has been given an antibiotic injection and was prescribed cream… Everything appeared to be going well, and then a few days ago, it got very inflamed and started to bleed. She wears her cone when I am at work, but I am not sure how to get this to go away. She is normally

June 17, 2015 No Comments