Is Your Dog Sick?

How do you tell when your dog is sick?

Here are a few tips

When dogs are not well there are ordinarily certain signs that indicate that the pet is indisposed. The most constant symptom is a lack of appetite. This is accompanied by depression, change of disposition, indifferent response to commands or other stimuli, a ruffled and dull hair coat, or a fever.

The normal temperature of dogs is about 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of puppies and excited dogs may go up as high as 102 degrees and still be considered within the normal range. Any deviation from this norm should be accounted for.

The temperature of dogs may be taken with an ordinary human rectal thermometer. The thermometer should be shaken down until the reading is no more than about 96 degrees, the mercury tip is covered with vaseline, the thermometer is inserted into the rectum and allowed to remain in this position for about one or two minutes, then removed and read.

There are many manifestations that point to bodily dysfunction. The eyes may bear an expression of pain, listless-ness, or discomfort; their membranes may be a deep red; and a watery or pussy discharge may be apparent. The nose may be warm, dry, and encrusted, and it may bear a discharge of variable nature. There may be intermittent sneezing attacks.

The membranes of the mouth and gums may be inflamed or eroded, and the teeth may be dirty, infected, loose, or encrusted with tartar and emitting a foul odor. There may be a cough; labored, quick, or very slow breathing; or exhaustion after mild exercise.

Vomiting and diarrhea are very common symptoms. There may also be manifestations or obvious signs of injury. Swellings of various sizes and descriptions may appear on any part of the body. There may be expressions of pain, hysteria, or fear.

There may further be nervous twitchings, convulsions, partial or complete paralysis. The urine elimination may be dribbling, painful, bloody, excessive, or insignificant in quantity.

The animal may have painful bowel movements or strain excessively or unsuccessfully to pass the stool. The animal may rub on its bottom, shake its head excessively, dig at its ears, have inflamed ear membranes, or be infested with observable external or internal parasites. The skin may be laden with dandruff or scurf and show variable degrees of irritation.

These are the paramount signs of disease in dogs. It is hoped that this concise summary may serve as a simple guide to assist the owner in determining when the pet is not in a normal state of health.

Of course you should always consult your own vet if in any doubt any oyur pets health

HOW TO GIVE A DOG MEDICINES

The simplest and most common way of administering medicine to the dog is by mouth. The pet owner will be called upon to perform this task at some time or other, so it is advisable that he master the basic technique at the earliest opportunity.

In giving a dog a pill, the animal is first placed in a sitting position. The left hand is then put over the bridge of the animal’s nose, and with the thumb from one side and the fingers from the other, gentle pressure is applied to the animal’s cheeks so that they press against the teeth of its upper jaw.

The pill is held between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand. While the pressure of the cheeks against the teeth is maintained with the left hand, the dog’s mouth is gently forced open with the middle finger of the right hand. Ordinarily the dog will not attempt to close its mouth because it would be biting down against its own cheeks.

The pill is then quickly thrust far into the mouth onto the roof of the tongue. The dog will then swallow the pill by reflex action. This can be encouraged by tickling the throat region from the outside, with the thumb and the forefinger, after the mouth is closed.

It is best to administer liquid medicines in a small glass vial or bottle. With the animal in the sitting position, the open end of the vial is placed in the pouch of loose skin between the animal’s teeth and the corner of its lips (buccal pouch).

The medicine is given slowly, and the speed of administration should be gauged by the rapidity with which the animal swallows. Care should be taken not to have the dog’s head raised too high. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate these simple procedures.

In addition to giving oral medication, the veterinarian may administer medicines by way of the rectum; on, into, or under the skin; into the nose directly or by inhalation; into muscles, the trachea, veins, joints, and the spine; and on mucous membranes.