Basic healthcare at home for your pet
by Tarryn Nelson
Carla & Tarry run Raslouw Puppy School In Pretoria and are one of our Recommended Puppy Schools. CLICK HERE to find out more about them
Carla & Tarry run Raslouw Puppy School In Pretoria and are one of our Recommended Puppy Schools. CLICK HERE to find out more about them
Spending time with your dog is one of the most important things one can do. Not only is it good for the both of you, psychologically and emotionally, but also to gain a better understanding of your dog’s moods, habits and behaviour.
Most animals show a change in behaviour or miss a meal when something is wrong. For example: Your dog may want to sleep, when he would usually play or turn up his nose at his favourite treat.
Most owners have instinctive awareness when something is not right with their pets, but sometimes it is not always recognized quick enough. Get to know your dogs’ body by checking the teeth and gums and making sure they are clean. Check paws and toes for damage, tears or thorns. Stroke the back, tummy, neck and tail. Not only will your dog love the extra TLC, but you will be able to spot any changes or unwelcome lumps or bumps sooner rather than later.
Signs to look out for
* Loss of appetite.
* Lethargic.
* Mucous membranes should normally be a pinkish colour.
* If your dog is feeling warm, take her temperature. Normal temperature is 38,5 degrees. If you are unsure about how to do this, your vet can show you how.
* Your pets’ skin should be elastic and fall back into place after it is lifted away from the animals’ body. If the skin does not fall back immediately, then it is a sign of dehydration.
* Vomiting.
* Diarrhoea.
* Abnormalities in the urine (e.g.: Blood).
* Limping or lameness.
* Wounds of raw areas on the body.
* Lumps, cuts or abrasions.
IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE SIGNS, YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE VET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Some tips for basic home care
* Make sure to give your dog a good quality dog food.
* Control ticks and fleas by using products sold at your veterinarian.
* De-worm every three months. Inquire at your vet for the best available product.
* Make sure that your dogs’ vaccinations are up to date.
* Keep your dog clean by bathing him every two weeks to once a month; this of course will depend on his lifestyle. Dogs spending most of their time indoors will not need a bath as often as dogs staying outdoors. Always use a shampoo that is best suited to your dogs’ skin and one that is only used for dogs. Human and cat shampoo’s are not suitable for dogs and can cause itchiness, dry skin and a skin irritations.
* Depending on the coat length, you will have to brush your dogs’ coat at least once a week for shorthaired dogs and more often for medium to long coats.
* Teeth can be brushed every day with toothpaste especially formulated for dogs. Do not attempt to brush your dogs’ teeth with human toothpaste as this can cause nausea and diarrhoea.
* Multivitamins can be given every day.
* If you notice that your dogs’ skin is dry or flaky, you can use oil with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid and pour the measured amount over their food. However, a dry or flaky skin may have an underlying health cause so make sure to speak to your veterinarian first.
Tips and ideas for a pet first aid kit
* Thermometer.
* Electrolytes.
* Bandages.
* Wound disinfectant and ointment.
* Pain medication. Make sure to give the right pain medication and the correct dosage for your dogs’ weight. If unsure, contact your vet before administering any medication. (Never use any pain medication made for humans. It could be fatal!)
* Regularly check expiry dates on medication.
* Always keep your vets emergency number available and have a back up number if your vet is not available.
* Keep a collar and lead ready as well as a muzzle in case your dog needs to be handled and is in pain or scared and likely to bite.
* Make sure everyone in your household knows where the first aid kit is and how to use these items. Keep the kit with you when travelling.
For any medical queries or advice, contact your veterinarian. They will be more than happy to assist you.