Page 333 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

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and cover this with bandaging to hold it in place. Take care ELIZABETHAN COLLAR
not to apply too much pressure if you suspect that there is This protective plastic
debris in the wound, since you may push it in deeper and collar prevents a dog from
cause more damage. Do not attempt to pull any large licking or biting a wound.
Dogs wearing the collar
foreign body, such as broken glass or metal, out of need supervision to ensure
a wound since you could cause severe bleeding. they can eat, drink, and
move around easily.
Home care after surgery
A dog that has had surgery needs plenty of
affection and care when he comes home
from the vet. He may be very lethargic if he
is still recovering from the anesthetic. On
the other hand, he may act as if he is perfectly
fine and try to behave as normal, to the
detriment of his recovery. Jumping up may pull out
stitches or displace broken bones, so encourage your
convalescent dog to remain calm by settling him on a blanket
in a quiet area of the house, perhaps with a toy to chew, if
his vet allows. Make sure children in the household
understand that their playmate cannot romp energetically
or be allowed to exercise off-leash until he is fully recovered.
After surgery, a dog will almost certainly be given some
sort of medication and probably have bandages or stitches.
He may have to wear a special collar, called an Elizabethan
collar, to prevent him from touching the wound. If your dog
was well handled as a puppy, you are unlikely to have
difficulty in giving him any prescribed treatment. There is
a good chance that he will just enjoy the extra attention.

CONCEALED PILL
The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide it in his food.
Watch your dog while he eats, and check the bowl afterward to
make sure the “hidden” pill has been eaten.

GIVING YOUR DOG MEDICINE
Liquid medicines are best given using a syringe. Gently holding
your dog’s mouth shut with one hand, insert the syringe under
the side of his lip and slowly squirt the medicine into his mouth.

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