Doggy Medicine Chest!

Hi Everyone!

Have you heard about the Doggy Home-Care Medicine Chest! First aid and home remedies for your pooch?

These remedies don’t replace proper veterinary care but they can keeps dogs more comfortable until medical care is available.

Did you know that there are 30 common human medicines that you can use on your dogs? I have been using some of these for years. I had a veterinarian in California ( I lived there for a while)  told me it was ok to use some people medicine on your dog. There is a list that you can now find on the internet

And…. Since we have our “little man” Duke at 11 weeks old, teething and getting into all kinds of trouble, I need to make sure I have some items on hand myself and thought I would share it will all of you.

These are just some things to keep around the house:

·       A&D Ointment: antibacterial for scrapes and wounds.

·       Anbesol: topical anesthetic for mouth pain

·       Aveeno Oatmeal Bath: soothing rinse for itchy skin

·       Benedryl: antihistamine for bug bites- also makes pets sleepy

·       Bufferin or Baby Aspirin: pain relief

·       Dramamine: helpful for car sickness

·       Ipecac Syrup: to make dog vomit

·       Neosporin: to help prevent wound infection

There are also things we can use for older dogs, and a whole list of other ailments. I will put some of those other items up at a later date.

10 Weeks of Puppy Joy

Hi Everyone!

It's been 2 weeks since Duke has been with us. He is growing so fast. He is a typical boy, very mischievous and likes to get into things. Being that he is part Border Collie he is very head strong! He has already started to go down the stairs....which I thought I would at least get a month out of him...but he started doing that a week ago already. He has learned sit, stay and come. He also knows that if he goes pee pees outside he gets a treat when he comes in... but he has also learned he does not get the treat unless he is sitting. All of my dogs need to sit if they want a treat. He is doing very well. And as for Ellie.....She is the best!! She is the best baby sitter ever!!

Our New Puppy

I am so in love...Ellie has a new baby brother. I know she introduced him to you last week. I have been enjoying puppy hood. You know the biting with the little teeth that are like needles, the stinky puppy breath that I absolutely love, the getting up in the middle of the night to take him out. Not to mention the potty training. This little guy is an absolutely joy. He is 10 weeks old today and very smart for his age. He is already sleeping through the night and no accidents!!! The other day he learned how to go down the stairs...I thought I would have at least another week to week and a half before he would learn how to do that.
Oh, and he just adores his big sister!! Ellie is the best big sister, she just lets him bite and nibble at her face, she plays with him very well, and is very tollerant (he can be obnoxious). She is a very good girl.

Losing Maggie was hard, I needed time to heal, and in time you do heal. She is with me always and still apart of us. I am now able to open my heart to this little guy and hope she is smiling down on us.

Introducing Duke

Hi everyone its Ellie.

Introducing my little brother Duke!

Mommy and Daddy said they were going to get me a brother to play with.  He is 8 weeks old and is a Border Collie/ Queensland Healer just like me. He is just a baby and he sleeps a lot… I mean a lot!  But I think he’s ok, when he is awake he plays with me and we run circles around the house.  He is really goofy. The day mom brought him home he found my toy box and already started taking my toys to play with them. I guess I have to share all my stuff.

Mommy says that I have to help teach him to go potty outside, stay in the yard, and play ball.  I am trying to be a good big sister and help mommy with him. Mom had to go out yesterday and she said I had to baby sit. He doesn’t like being in his crate yet and I don’t like to hear him cry. Baby’s are a lot of work…but mom to me I was such a good big sister and a very good dog.

So far he is ok…I hope he stays that way!



What?



Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs

Hi everyone!
I recently received a news letter from the clinic that I take Ellie to here in Pittsburgh, and I thought I would share it with you. I think it is important to know the signs of heat stroke in our dogs so that we re all aware. The whole country is experiencing such intense heat this summer, we need to protect our dogs the best we can.
I am posting the whole newsletter below

Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs

When a dog's inner body temperature starts to climb, and the dog's body is unable to release the extra heat, a series of symptoms will begin; if left untreated, these symptoms will continue to progress until a heat stroke occurs.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs

The initial symptoms of heat stroke in dogs are characterized by unanticipated restlessness. They include physical signs such as excessive or fluctuating panting, which may start, stop and then start again. Other physical signs are excessive drooling (hypersalivation), foaming at the mouth, dry tacky gums and labored or difficult breathing (dyspnea). Among common behavioral changes are agitation, whining, barking and other signs of anxiety. As the dog's core body temperature becomes dangerously elevated (called hyperthermia), the initial signs normally progress to include vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, lack of muscular coordination (ataxia), very red gums and uncontrolled tremors. In the end stages of heat stroke, a dog will become listless, dull, weak and recumbent. It may try to move to cool places but be unable to rise, will have increased difficulty breathing and ultimately will have seizures, collapse, lapse into a coma and die.

Very young and older dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke. Brachycephalic breeds, obese animals and long haired and dark-colored dogs are also predisposed. Dogs with hyperthyroidism, cardiopulmonary disease or thick hair coats are also at increased risk of developing heat stroke. If you notice these signs in your dog, take your dog to a veterinary clinic immediately.

Which Dogs are at Risk?

Dogs can be in danger from experiencing a heat stroke if they are acclimating to hot weather, confined in a hot space, or if they have worked or played too much without cooling down periods. Sadly this condition is commonly seen in dogs, especially in dogs that live in hot and humid climates. Dogs are able to pant to help control inner temperatures, but dogs are unable to sweat. In the case of a heat stroke, panting is not enough to cool the body down.

A heat stroke in dogs can develop into a potentially deadly situation in as little as 20 minutes. In this type of instance the dog is normally in a closed atmosphere, such as a car, where the temperature steadily climbs. In some instances a heat stroke can take hours to develop into a deadly situation. These cases usually involve dogs that are playing outdoors in the heat or dogs that are older or overweight and trying to acclimate to higher temperatures than they are used to.

To protect your dog from a heat stroke, take the time to learn the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs. Always ensure that your dog has access to water and shade in hot temperatures, and never leave your dog in a hot car even if it is only for "a few minutes".

Do you wash your dogs face?

Hi everyone!
I just came accross an artical that says most of us don't wash our dogs face! We do the ears, brush the teeth, give them a bath and clip their nails but we forget the face.  I hope that most of you are doing this... if not...start! I guess most of us don't realize the hair on your dogs face is just like the hair on their body's...it gets dirty...and all that dirt can cause bacteria to build up, get into their eyes. Let's face it you wouldn't take a shower and Not wash your face right?

If you don't want to put water onto your dogs face, I get that, I know one of my dogs hates any water running down her face, then just use a wash cloth with a little shampoo and wipe the dogs face.

Make it a fun and personal bonding between you and your dog.

I just didn't realize that so many of us don't do this one essential thing and it gets looked over so much.

HAPPY FACE WASHING!!

License That Dog!

Since it the time of year that we are all outside with our dogs. In the parks walking, going to softball games and all the other things that we love to do with our dogs...I am included in that. As you all know Ellie is my sidekick and I take her everywhere with me. But as I walk through the parks and look at the dogs I see NO TAGS!!!

I see harnesses on dogs...OK but where is the collar? You know the one that goes around the dogs neck and says Hey!! I belong to someone! the one that says I am registered with the city, and most of all the big one that says I do have my rabies shots!!

I have heard so many excuses that owners have about why they don't want to put collars on the dogs. 

If your like me...I want to know that the dog has had its rabies shots! And is registered with the city.

As a responsible dog owner we need to follow a few simple laws, one of them is registration and tags on the dogs.

I live in Pittsburgh and dogs need to be registered. There is a fine for not registering the dog which is now pretty expensive if you get caught. The registration fee is not expensive $6.00 if the dog is spayed or neutered. You can save yourself so much grief for doing one simple thing.

What do you think about this issue? I would love your feedback.