Dogs

Sleeping a lot could be perfectly normal for a pet, or it could be a sign of an illness, anxiety, or other problem.

Learn how to give first aid to help save your dog’s life

Read Time: 5 minutes

A vital part of keeping your dog safe is knowing how to respond in emergencies. Administering first aid can help save their life, especially in instances when waiting for a vet might take too long. Let’s break down the most common types of emergencies and what to do to help your dog.

What to Do When Your Dog Has an Emergency

The most important thing to do when your dog has an emergency is to remain calm and act rationally. This can be difficult when you are panicked or scared, so it’s best to be prepared. First aid will not always solve your dog’s underlying problem. The main purposes of first aid are to preserve your dog’s life, reduce their pain and discomfort, and minimize any risk of disability or disfigurement.

Start by taking the following steps:

• Assess the scene: Determine what is affecting your dog and ensure there are no ongoing threats to your pet’s or your safety (such as an attacking animal or fire)
• Keep your dog safe: Make sure your dog is as warm and quiet as possible by using blankets or clothing, and keep their movement to a minimum, especially if they are injured
• Contact your vet: Call your veterinarian or local animal hospital and tell them what happened. If immediate care is needed, they can offer you advice over the phone

Restraining a Dog

Sometimes you will need to restrain your dog if they are panicking. Be as calming and gentle as possible. You may have to muzzle them (unless they are choking or experiencing heat stroke) to prevent them from biting you. You can use a leash, belt, sock, or rope to create a makeshift muzzle. Then wrap them in a blanket or towel, keep the head exposed, and do not block the dog’s airways. If you are nervous about a spinal injury, immobilize the dog using cords or straps, but be careful around their head and neck.

How to Respond to Different Emergencies

Your next steps will depend on what type of emergency your dog is experiencing.

Injuries Such as Fracture or Broken Bones

If your dog appears to have fractured or broken bones, follow these steps:

• Try to immobilize the dog as quickly as possible. If your dog is small enough, you can put it in its carrier – but put it in through the top, not the side door, to prevent further injuries. Larger dogs might need a makeshift stretcher, which you can make out of a large piece of wood.
• Use a blanket to move the dog onto the stretcher or into the carrier.
• Carefully transport your dog into the car and to the vet.

Bleeding

If your dog is bleeding, utilize a dressing, piece of clothing, or absorbent bandage to apply pressure and stop the bleeding. Hold the dressing with pressure for several minutes before checking to see if the bleeding has stopped. If it continues, get to a vet as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of infection. In severe situations, you can apply a tourniquet using an elastic band or gauze.

Shock

Sometimes dogs go into shock, which is a reaction due to emergency situations such as trauma, loss of blood, or heart failure. Symptoms include:

• Rapid breathing
• Elevated heart rate
• Pale mucous membranes (lips, gums, eyelids)
• Cold feet and/or ears
• Shivering
• Vomiting

Shock can be fatal, so it is vital to take action as quickly as possible. Your dog might become quiet and unresponsive as the shock continues. Follow these steps:

• Restrain the dog as described earlier
• Keep the dog warm and quiet
• Keep the head level with the rest of the body if the dog is unconscious
• Transport to a vet immediately

If your dog is in shock, they also risk choking or not breathing. We describe how to respond to these problems below.

Choking

Choking is a serious hazard to your dog’s health. Symptoms include retching, excessive pacing, and pawing at the mouth. Your dog might not produce any sound if the airway is totally blocked. Follow these steps:

Clear the Airway

• Open your pet’s mouth to view their airway, carefully avoiding panicked biting.
• If your pet is still breathing, it’s best to start driving to a veterinarian or call one to you at this point.
• Look for obstructions such as vomit or foreign bodies.
• If you see an object, remove it with tweezers or forceps. Try not to use your fingers as you can more easily push the object further in this way.
• Note that some dogs have an additional cavity at the top of their mouth that you should check.
• If you can’t remove the object, can’t see it, or believe there is something large stuck in your dog’s airway, you can place your thumbs underneath their jaw at the base of their throat, apply pressure and push forwards to dislodge the item.
• If this doesn’t work, lay your dog on their side and gently pump the chest with the palm of your hand.
• You can also try removing an object by turning the dog upside down, with its back to your chest, and applying five sharp thrusts to the abdomen to expel the object.

Check for Breathing and Pulse

• If you fear your pet is not breathing, check for a heart or a femoral pulse. This pulse is found in the upper third of the back leg, near the groin. Use your fingers instead of your thumb since your thumb has a strong pulse of its own.
• If your dog is not breathing, perform rescue breathing.

Perform Rescue Breathing

If your dog is not breathing, you should begin rescue breaths before beginning CPR. Follow these steps to perform rescue breathing:

• Ensure there is an open airway by pulling out the tongue and extending the head and neck in a straight line unless the dog has severe head trauma.
• Close your dog’s mouth shut and extend the neck.
• Blow into the dog’s nostrils, 2-3 breaths at a time, until you see the dog’s chest expand. Then continue with a rescue breath once every 4-5 seconds.
• If the chest does not rise, reposition the neck and search again for airway obstructions.
• If your chest has no heartbeat, start CPR (read below) while continuing rescue breaths.

How to Give a Dog CPR

If your dog has no pulse or heartbeat, you should begin administering CPR.

• Make sure there is no major bleeding.
• Lie the dog on their right side.
• Bend the dog’s left forearm. The place where the elbow touches the chest indicates the middle of the ribcage, where the heart is.
• Place one hand on either side of this part of the ribcage. For small dogs, you may use one hand with the thumb on one side and the fingers on the other.
• Compress the chest 80-120 times per minute for larger dogs and 100-150 times per minute for smaller dogs.

Note: you should not perform chest compressions and rescue breathing at the same exact time. You should alternate between them or work with another person. One person can do the chest compressions for four to five seconds, then stop long enough for the other person to give one rescue breath. Continue until you hear a heartbeat and the pet is breathing normally.

Burns/Scalds

If your dog has been burned or scalded, cool the burned area with cold water as soon as possible. Cover the burned area with damp towels. If the burn was caused by something potentially hazardous, rinse for 15 minutes and call your vet ASAP. If the dog was exposed to smoke or fire, give them water to drink as soon as possible.

Eye Injuries

If your dog has something in its eye, try to rinse it out with an eyewash or a contact saline solution, as long as saline is the only ingredient. Don’t let your dog rub its eye and get it to the vet as soon as possible.

Seizures

Keep the seizing dog in a dark, quiet, and confined area away from furniture or other dangers until you can get medical attention. Do not try to get into their mouth as they will likely bite you. Time the seizure. After it is over, keep them as warm as possible until you get to the vet.

Sometimes, nursing mothers can seize due to eclampsia. If this is the case, take the nursing puppies off the mother as soon as possible.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a largely preventable ailment, but it’s important to know how to respond if it does happen. Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting and obvious distress. Follow these steps:

• Get the dog into a cool and shaded place as soon as possible.
• Reduce the dog’s body temperature using cool – but not ice-cold – water. You can pour water over the dog or use cold, wet towels.
• Keep the dog wet during transport to the vet.
• Keep the car’s windows down as evaporation can help reduce your dog’s body temperature.

Your Dog May Have Eaten Something Poisonous

Call your vet immediately, do not make your dog throw up, and do not let them groom. Read our blog post on potential poisoning for detailed instructions.

How to Prepare Yourself for an Emergency

To prepare for future dog emergencies, keep your vet’s number and address in your phone and somewhere easily accessible in the house. Keep a pet first aid kit in your home and your car. Additionally, consider taking a pet CPR or first aid class to learn life-saving skills.

Concerned about your pet’s health?

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If you have any questions about your cat’s behavior, please call our clinic at (407) 352-2579. We’ll help you through it.

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Keep your dog’s teeth healthy with regular dental checkups

Read Time: 4 minutes

Does your pet have bad breath? It might be a sign of hidden dental problems or the need for a dental cleaning performed by a veterinary professional. To keep your pet’s teeth in check between annual exams you can use dog-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental treats and bones, chew toys, and water additives. But, even when using these extra measures, prepare to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned. You’ll likely need to have your dog’s teeth cleaned more often if they are a small dog breed due to crowding in the mouth or if they are a senior canine.

Techniques for Keeping Your Dog’s Mouth Clean

The main techniques for keeping your dog’s mouth clean are by brushing, using dental treats, and having your veterinarian perform dental cleanings as needed. There are also a handful of supplemental teeth cleaning options for maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene. These options include tooth wipes, chew toys, dental bones, and water additives.

Preventative dental care for dogs costs a fraction of the price tag on treating tooth-related diseases. This realization has shown a spike in dental care-related spending by pet owners. And with 8 in 10 dogs showing signs of oral disease by their third birthday, it makes sense to put in the upfront effort to maintain your dog’s oral health.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

While 76% of pet owners agree that oral hygiene is important for overall health in their canine companions, only 10% brush their dog’s teeth at least once weekly. But brushing your dog’s teeth is the most effective way for you to fend off plaque before it turns into tartar, a process that takes 24 to 48 hours.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

You’ll want to use a dog-specific toothbrush. If you can’t locate one made for dogs, try a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush or a finger toothbrush. You’ll pair this with dog-specific toothpaste. Never use toothpaste meant for people. Baking soda and salt should also never be used as dog toothpaste-supplements as they can be harmful to your dog. Plus, your dog will be more receptive to dog toothpaste which is usually flavored to taste like poultry or another dog-approved taste.

#1

Position yourself non-threateningly

To begin the toothbrushing process, kneel or sit by your dog’s head. You don’t want to crowd or restrain your pet. This will only make them fearful and associate toothbrushing with being held down.

#2

Start by getting your dog used to light pressure on their teeth and gums

If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth or handled their mouth, start by rubbing your finger along their teeth and gum line. This is to help your dog become familiar with have their teeth touched. Don’t be surprised if your pup isn’t a huge fan of this. If they are especially resistant, try slowly warming them up to have you touch their teeth over multiple brushing sessions before ever using the toothbrush.

#3

Allow your dog to taste the dog toothpaste

Once your dog has accepted having their teeth touched by you, let them test out the taste of the dog toothpaste. If they aren’t a fan of the type you’ve picked out you can test out different flavors and brands until you find one they enjoy.

#4

Begin brushing, being careful not to apply too much pressure

Now it’s time to begin brushing. Gently place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle of the gumline. This will better clear away plaque than placing the toothbrush flat against the tooth. Use gentle circular motions across all top and bottom teeth. Throughout the process, be gentle, reassuring, and always end with a treat and praise.

Note: Some bleeding may occur during this process. Monitor the status of bleeding to ensure it is not severe. While minor bleeding is normal, severe bleeding could be a sign your dog is developing periodontitis. If major bleeding occurs contact your pet’s vet as soon as possible.

Toothwipes as Alternatives to Toothbrushes

If your dog says no way to toothbrushes, you might be able to get away with using toothwipes. These premoistened wipes can be used daily to wipe the surface of the teeth. Toothwipes are textured specifically for use on dog’s teeth to clean but not damage gums. They are convenient and quick to use with no need for rinsing.

Offering Dental Treats to Your Dog

Dental treats are lining pet store shelves and they can be great, convenient ways to slip in an extra oral health-conscious decision into your dog’s everyday life. Some dog dental treats on the market today can reduce your dog’s plaque by up to 70%. This is achieved by larger diameter treats with a coating called polyphosphate. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHL) gives its seal of approval on products able to reduce plaque by 10% to 20% depending on the specific uses. A full list of products that received their seal of approval can be found here.

But even with a better doggy smile in order, you’ll want to limit the number of dental treats your dog receives. You don’t want to trade out dental problems for weight problems.

Chew Toys, Bones, and Diets for Dental Cleaning

If you’re trying to watch your dog’s weight, there are other ‘fun’ ways to practice oral hygiene with your pup.

Chew toys and bones give your dog something to gnaw on that will work at the buildup on his teeth and in the crevices of his teeth. This helps to kick plaque to the curb before it hardens and becomes tartar. You can also opt for a dental-specific diet to replace his current kibble. But check with your vet before you make the switch. They’ll be able to guide you to the best brand for real results.

While dental treats, chew toys, bones, and dental health-specific diets can all help to improve your dog’s oral hygiene, it can’t replace brushing and professional cleaning. These products can clean the surface of your dog’s mouth, but they aren’t able to clean under the gumline. This is where plaque really gets established and starts wreaking havoc. So while these dental hygiene options are beneficial, they shouldn’t be the only measure you take to ensure your dog has a healthy mouth.

Cleanings by Your Veterinarian

While you can practice every other method of canine dental hygiene, professional dental cleanings shouldn’t be skipped out on. Your veterinarian and their trained staff will remove tartar and make any necessary teeth extractions to get your dog’s mouth back to tip-top condition.

You should prepare for professional dental cleaning once a year. But speak with your vet to develop the best plan for your pup. Some dogs may be able to wait longer between cleaning while some may need them more frequently.

How Often Should Your Dog’s Teeth Be Cleaned?

Professional cleanings once per year is recommended by most veterinary professionals. However, your veterinarian will assess your dog and determine the best treatment plan for your pet.

Your pet may need more frequent cleanings if they are older, have advanced dental problems, or are a small dog breed. Small dog breeds are notorious for their bad teeth. This is caused by their mouths being smaller and becoming overcrowded. Their overcrowded teeth are then more susceptible to periodontal disease.

What Does a Healthy Dog Mouth Look Like?

If you take a peek into your dog’s mouth you can potentially spot developing problems before they worsen. Healthy dog gums are pink or mottled. Their gums shouldn’t be red, swollen, or oozing. Also keep an eye out for pale pink, white, blue and purple gums. Basically, if they’re not a healthy pink, it’s time to call your vet.

While your dog’s breath will never revert to its puppy breath stage, you can still spot a rising oral health problem. If your dog’s breath is particularly pungent they may have a dental disease.

Healthy dog mouths will not have any broken teeth or obvious, significant plaque buildup around the gumline.

Common Dental Problems to Watch For

Knowing what to look for and what can happen to a dog with unmaintained oral hygiene can help dog owners stay on top of keeping their dog’s mouth properly managed. Here are the most common canine dental problems to watch out for.

Cysts

Sometimes lumps and bumps will form in your dog’s mouth. While these might be nothing to worry about, you’d rather be safe than sorry. Have your vet check to see if the newly-formed bump is a tumor or cyst.

If it’s a cyst, your vet may need to drain it. If it’s a tumor, your vet will likely suggest it be biopsied to determine whether it is cancerous or not.

What it looks like: Raised lumps on your dog’s gums. Will likely be one solitary lump.

Halitosis

Halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, is caused by bacterial buildup in the mouth. While you should start brushing your dog’s teeth more regularly, it doesn’t hurt to have your dog examined by their vet. Halitosis sometimes points to an underlying infection or kidney disease.

What it looks like: You’ll smell it rather than see it. It will be more intense than normal ‘doggy breath’.

Plaque

Plaque is the dark brown or yellowish buildup on your dog’s teeth. It will likely be concentrated around the gumline. Plaque will turn into tartar within 24 to 48 hours. At which point you won’t be able to simply brush it away.

If you notice an increase in plaque or tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth, it may be time for a professional cleaning. Contact your veterinarian for an exam to determine if and when your dog will need to be scheduled for a dental exam.

What it looks like: Dark brown or yellow buildup on dog’s teeth, concentrated around the gumline.

Proliferating Gum Disease

Proliferating gum disease occurs when the gums begin to grow over the teeth. Dogs with proliferating gum disease are more susceptible to developing infections.

What it looks like: Gums growing over teeth, more common in boxers and bull terriers.

Gingivitis

Dogs develop gingivitis just like people. Luckily, you can reverse this dental condition with a change in your pet’s oral hygiene habits. Begin brushing your dog’s teeth more often and making other small changes in favor of healthy teeth. Your veterinarian can help guide you in making the best decisions for your dog as you manage this dental condition.

What it looks like: Irritated gums and an excess of plaque.

Periodontal Disease

Dogs can begin to show signs of periodontitis as early as three years old. Given it’s the most common dental condition in dogs, you’ll want to take special precautionary measures to prevent your dog from developing it.

Dogs with periodontal disease will experience pain, loosening teeth, irritated and swollen gums, and in severe cases, nasal discharge.

Book an appointment with your veterinarian at the first sign of your dog developing periodontal disease. Your veterinarian will be able to develop a treatment plan to help manage your dog’s condition.

What it looks like: Yellowing or brown teeth, loss of appetite or difficulty eating, and irritated gums are all signs of periodontal disease.

Signs You Need to Take Your Dog to the Vet

If your pet is up-to-date on his exams but is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, contact your vet to have his teeth checked:

• Bad or worsening breath
• Buildup of plaque along the gumline
• Swollen and bleeding gums
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Pawing or scratching at their mouths consistently
• Unexplained lumps or growths on the gums
• Broken and discolored teeth

You want to tackle dental problems before they progress. By contacting your veterinarian as soon as you become aware of your dog’s symptoms you are more likely to resolve the problem before it becomes a major problem for your dog’s comfort and your wallet.

If you haven’t had your pup’s teeth checked in the past year or longer, schedule an appointment to get them on the path to lifelong oral health.

Pet GPS is a different technology from a microchip

Read Time: 2 minutes

What is a Microchip?

Microchipping your pet is one of the most effective ways to be reunited with a lost or stolen pet.

Very Small & Placed Under Your Pet’s Skin

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is placed under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It is placed in a sterile applicator and injected in the loose skin, causing no more harm to your pet than you normally feel with having blood drawn.

Helps Your Lost Pet Find You

While a microchip may not exactly help you find your lost pet, it works the other way around. If your pet is taken to a vet or animal hospital, the information on the microchip will allow them to reach out to your and reunite you both.

More Information than a Collar

While a collar is useful in reuniting you with your furry friend, it provides significantly less information than a microchip. It can also be easily taken off by your pet, another animal, or a person. That’s why we recommend equipping your pet with both a tagged collar and a microchip.

How Does a Microchip Work?

If your pet is lost or stolen and ends up at a vet or animal shelter, the first thing that they’ll do is check for a collar and microchip.

A scanner will be used on your pet to check for the microchip. It is placed outside of the skin near where the microchip was implanted. The chip will then use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to transmit your pet’s registration number.

As long as you have registered your pet’s microchip, the vet or animal shelter will be able to see your contact information and reach out about the whereabouts of your pet.

How to Register Your Pet’s Microchip

Your pet’s microchip is useless without up-to-date information in a registry. As soon as you get your pet microchipped, register them at any and all registrations that you can find. Some popular ones are:

• https://www.freepetchipregistry.com/
• https://microchipregistrationcenter.com/
• https://www.homeagain.com/lost-pet-database.html

It’s vitally important to update your information in the registries anytime that it changes. If you move, get a new phone number, change your last name for a marriage, or any other cause of information changing, remember to update your information so that your pet can get back to you safely.

Are There GPS Trackers for Pets?

While microchips don’t give your pet’s location, GPS options do exist. However, they’re extremely different from microchips. GPS devices for your pet:

• Are worn externally, usually on a collar
• Are large and heavy compared to microchips making them difficult for smaller animals
• Cost upwards of a couple hundred dollars
• Typically require a monthly subscription fee
• Have a limited range, typically of a couple miles
• Usually last a couple of days until the batteries need to be charged again

If your pet gets lost extremely often, a GPS tracker may work for you, but be aware of the ongoing cost and maintenance that they typically require.

Read more about how we can help with microchipping your pet.

Examples of GPS Trackers for Pets

Gibi Pet Location GPS Service Unit

Garmin Astro 320/T5 Sport Dog Tracking GPS Bundle

The Paw Tracker