Page 332 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

332 C ARE AND TR AINING

Identifying when your dog is ill
Different dogs react to illness in different ways. As an owner,
you know how your dog behaves day to day and are in the
best position to recognize any changes away from this norm
as soon as they occur. If health problems are recognized and
diagnosed early, treatment can start without delay and is
more likely to have a successful outcome.
If your dog is in pain, he will probably make this
immediately obvious by limping or yelping when he moves
or is handled. Other physical signs of ill health include
breathing difficulties, such as coughing or heavy panting, for
no apparent reason. Unusual discharges from the eyes or
nose are also signs to be noted, as are excessive scratching,
hair loss other than normal shedding, an unwillingness to
exercise, or a sudden change in eating or drinking habits.
However, not all indicators of ill health are physical signs. SECURITY BLANKET
Changes in temperament or behavior can also mean that A warm blanket can be beneficial in treating many conditions,
your dog is not well. For example, if your dog becomes including shock or hypothermia. It also comforts your dog if you need
to leave him at your veterinary surgery. The scent of the blanket will
unusually aggressive, this may be a protective mechanism remind him of home and help reassure him until you return.
because he is uncomfortable or in pain.
It is also wise to keep track of your dog’s toilet habits so
that you learn what is normal for him. Any sudden change in Minor injuries and first aid
amount, appearance, or frequency of production of urine or Your first response when dealing with any injury should be to
feces can indicate a health problem. Similarly, vomiting may take your dog to the vet. However, in some situations, you
be a sign of ill health. Remember, however, that as natural may be able to administer first aid before having to move the
scavengers, dogs have a dog. In the case of severe injury, call for veterinary help and
very active vomit reflex then put your dog in the recovery position. Lay him on his
to protect them from right side and straighten his head and neck to keep the
anything toxic they airway free. Pull his tongue forward and to one side of the
may have eaten. mouth so that the airway is open. Monitor his breathing and
pulse until help arrives.
If there is extensive bleeding from a wound, this must be
controlled until a vet can take over. Apply a piece of clean,
absorbent material, such as gauze, to the site of the injury

TOP TIPS
■ Check for dehydration
Gently pinch the loose skin
on your dog’s back, lift it
slightly, then let go. In a
well-hydrated dog, the skin
springs back quickly into
position. A dehydrated dog’s
EMERGENCY skin returns more slowly.
EAR BANDAGE
To protect an ear wound ■ Check gum color Pale
and prevent your dog from gums can indicate shock or
scratching it, bandage the ear internal bleeding, and very
flap flat against the top of the red gums can be caused by
head. A pair of old tights can heat stroke or fever. Blue
make a suitable bandage that gums suggest a shortage
goes around the neck and is of oxygen in body tissues.
not too constricting.

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