Dog Health

The last part in our safety series are two things BBS never hopes you have to do, but once again, we want all of you to be ready for any potential doggie emergency. CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and the Heimlich maneuver are two live saving techniques that could potentially save your dog.  

We could have easily written a very lengthy article about how to complete both of these procedures, but we decided to show off the great potential of the internet and show two instructional videos. These videos are very informative and concise and you’ll have a good understanding of how these should be done by the end of each. 

CPR 

Heimlich Maneuver 

We hope this series has in the least prodded you to begin thinking about first aid for your beloved furry family member, and at most, truly prepared you for any potential emergencies. 

This week in our 101 Dog Tips Dog Safety series, Best Bully Sticks focuses on treating bites on your dog and any reaction they might have. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, so bites may be unavoidable. Bites and stings come from other insects and animals such as flies, spiders, ticks and snakes. Most of these critters can find a way into your house as well, and as unpleasant as that thought is, if you’re dog is bitten you’ll want to know what actions to take to treat your pup.

Insect Bites

Insect bites can range from flies, to spiders, to ticks.

Flies don’t cause much of a problem, but can leave you dog with red sores or scabs. Most commonly, dogs who live near farms or livestock have more of a problem with deer flies or horse flies, which are more painful.  Flies also tend to bite on dog’s ears. To treat a dog with small fly bites, usually a bit of antibiotic cream will help. If the dog’s ears have been bitten, use warm water and antiseptic soap to clean the bites and then use antibiotic ointment afterward to treat the wounds.  Prevention of these bites can include applying a topical insecticide to the dog’s ears, spraying the dog’s outside living quarters with a non-toxic bug repellant and keeping food waste and garbage cleaned up as not to attract bugs.

Spider bites are more severe and usually the culprits are black widow and brown recluse spiders.  Both of these spiders are venomous, but the severity of these bites depends on the location of the bite as well as the species and its size.  Here are signs to identify which type of spider bite and the symptoms.

A black widow spider bite causes immediate tenderness to the location of the bite and numbness and abdominal swelling and sensitivity. Seizures are possible as well as respiratory problems. If you notice any of these and you see a bite, it’s best to call ahead to your vet and then go there as well. Read more

Last week we started a dog safety series, which started with creating a first aid kit for your dog.  We also covered what to do to be prepared for any household or natural disasters. Best Bully Sticks knows that you can never be too prepared when it comes to you or your dog's safety. That's why this week we continue our safety series with treating burns that your dog might receive and how to treat them.

Burns & How to Treat Them
There are three different types of burns: thermal, electrical and chemical. Because of a domesticated dog's typical environment, household accidents are the most common cause of burns. For instance, if your dog is curious, electrical cords could become chew toys. Household cleaners could cause chemical burns and irritate your dogs skin or eyes.  Let's go over the different types of burns and what to do if they occur.

Different Burn Types & Stages of Burns
Thermal burns are heat-related burns and include open flames, hot air dryers, heat lamps, boiling liquids, semi-hot liquids or even sunburn. A chemical burn is any burn that comes from a chemical and there are two different types; acids and alkali's.  Electrical burns occur after a dog has come in contact with electricity, like as stated before, chewing on electrical cords.

Just as in humans, these burns can reach different stages of severity and are categorized as 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns.  A 1st degree burn is called a superficial partial thickness wound and only involves the top layer of skin.  Minor pain and redness are the symptoms but they usually heal quickly. Sunburn is a classic example of a first degree burn.  A second degree burn is called a deep partial thickness wound and involves the deeper layers of skin. These burns produce blisters on the skins surface.  Second degree burns are more painful, take longer to heal and introduce a risk of infection.  These burns require veterinary attention.Third degree burns involve complete destruction of all skin layers. Charring is easily seen and no sensation is left in the area of the burn. With third degree burns, a dog is highly prone to infection. This kind of burn is very serious and life-threatening and require immediate and extensive veterinary care.

What Burns Look Like & How To Treat Them
Thermal Burns
The most common thermal burn is sunburn and usually happen when a pet's coat is trimmed too short and leaves skin exposed.  Prevention is better than treatment, so if there is any non-pigmented (white) skin showing on your dog when they are outside for long periods of time, apply sunscreen that contain PABA and avoid those using zinc. Try to prevent your pet from licking off the sunscreen.

Other thermal burns will usually be contact burns and are usually 2nd or 3rd degree burns. The treatment for these contact thermal burns are as follows:

• Extinguish all flames. If electricity is involved, make sure the power is turned off.
• Avoid being bitten. You may have to muzzle your pet.
• Apply cool water compresses with a clean (sterile) cloth. This may prevent the burn from penetrating deeper into the tissues. Change the compress frequently, and keep the site cool and wet. If the burn involves only one part of the body, you can submerge the area in cool water.
• Do not break any blisters that may have formed.
• Do not apply any ointments or butter-like substances.
• Do not apply ice to the burn.
• Carefully transport the animal to your veterinarian!

Chemical Burns
Burns caused by chemicals may be hard to see because your dog's coat may hide the burn.  A strange odor usually a sign that a chemical burn has occurred and again are usually 2nd or 3rd degree burns.

• Avoid being bitten. You may have to muzzle your pet.
• Make sure the area is well ventilated.
• If the burn is from a dry chemical, brush away as much of the substance as possible. Be sure to protect the mouth, nose and eyes of you and the pet.
• If you KNOW the chemical was an acid, wash away with a solution of baking soda dissolved in water.
• If you KNOW the chemical was alkalis, wash away with a solution of vinegar and water.
• If you don't know, wash the contaminated area with large amounts of warm (not Hot!) flowing water. Protect yourself with appropriate safety equipment.
• If the chemical has gotten into the pet's eyes, flush with clean water or sterile saline for 15-20 minutes.
• Do not apply any ointments or butter-like substances.
• Do not apply ice to the burn.
• Carefully transport the animal to your veterinarian! If possible, bring the chemical's container with you.

Smoke inhalation is another type of chemical substance that can be toxic to dogs.  If your pet is around fire, or fumes from burring materials such as plastics, rubber or other synthetic materials it can be very harmful to your pets respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is another dangerous chemical you dog could inhale. If your dog encounters any of these, go to the veterinarian immediately.

Electrical Burns
Electrical burns are most often found near the mouth from chewing on electrical cords.  The dog's mouth will have burns at the corners or on the tip of the tongue. However, the burns aren't usually as serious as the shock they receive from the electricity.  Serious shocks can cause a dog to go into cardiac arrest.  If a dog doesn't go to the vet immediately, brain damage or death can occur. Do not attempt to treat the dog at home in any way. Take your dog to the vet immediately.

As always, prevention is key. Keep your chemicals and electrical cords out of the way of your pets. Also, be conscious of what to do if any of these should happen. In most of these situations, home remedies aren't recommended.  Go to the vet as soon as possible and call ahead and let them know you're on your way so they can be prepared as well.

You never have to be prepared for your dog's happiness. Happiness comes naturally to dogs with loving families.  However, if their safety should be compromised, you should be prepared.  The first step in being prepared for any pet emergency is knowing your dog.  If you know how your dog acts in normal day-to-day activities, you will know when something isn't right.  Best Bully Sticks knows that you would never want to be without your favorite pup, so over the next three weeks we are running a "Preparing for Dog Safety" series on our blog.  We want you to be able to think through emergency scenarios now so on the off-chance something goes wrong in the future, you'll be prepared. Today we'll talk about creating a pet first aid kit and disaster preparedness.

Getting It Together: Gathering Supplies For the Kit. The first thing you'll want to do for your doggie first aid kit is purchase the items for the kit and container that will hold them.  Good containers for the kit are water-proof plastic and have a snap lid. If you can find a plastic, snap-lid container that has compartments, even better. This will ensure that you aren't searching frantically through items when you need them in an emergency. Items for the container include:

• Cotton Pads for clean up and topical applications
• Cotton Swabs for topical applications and clean up
• Towels (atleast 2)
• Paper towels
• Blanket (compact thermal blankets work well. These keep an injured dog from going into shock.)
• Bandana for muzzling or securing a torn earflap
• Little socks to cover or protect wounded paws
• Flashlight
• Matches
• Gauze for swabbing, padding or wound cover
• Bandages for compression and dressing
• First Aid tape
• Vet Wrap (sticks to itself but not fur)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Sterile Needle to remove splinters and tick heads
• Turkey Baster or bulb syringe for flushing wounds or force feeding
• 10cc Syringe with no needle for administering medications
• Eyedropper
• Tongue depressor to examine mouth
• Rubber Gloves
• Nail Clippers
• Comb
• Rectal Thermometer
• Disposable Safety Razor for shaving fur from around a wound
• Worming Treatments
• Antiseptic for small grazes and wounds
• Antibiotic oinment
• Sanitizer for cleaning your hands
• Anti-bacterial Wipes or pads
• Hot/cold pack
• Hydrogen Peroxide for induced vomiting (Make sure you check the expiration date every so often.)
• Activated Charcoal Tablets (effective for absorbing many toxins)
• Rubbing Alcohol for a cooling agent for heat strokes or fevers, help break down oils, drying agent between toes and skin folds, but DO NOT use on woulds as it can damage skin and not an appropriate antiseptic)
• Musher's Cream for treating paw pads
• Sterile Saline Solution
• Milk of Magnesia for upset stomachs
• Benadryl for bug bites and allergic reactions (regular variety only)
• Gentle Pet Sedative like all-natural Bach Rescue Remedy
• Aspirin (for dogs only, 1 tablet per 60 pounds; do not use acetaminophen or ibuprofen; do not give aspirin to cats; since aspirin and other pain relievers can be toxic to any pet, consult your vet and first aid books)

There is a lot in this list, but to be truly prepared, you never know what your going to need in an emergency.  You may never have to use any of these items, but each could be helpful and potentially life-saving.

Making the right list: Vital Information To Keep Handy. You will want to make sure you also include some vital information in your kit.  Writing your name, your dog's name and your phone number on the front of the box in permanent marker is a good idea. Placing a list of all your vet's information, including phone number and name inside of the box is also necessary.  A list of all other pertinent pet information including your pet's allergies, existing medical conditions and pet records will also be helpful to you or a helper during an emergency.

Disaster Preparedness: Making a Plan. Making a plan ahead of time for any potential natural disasters, household emergencies or quick evacuations is necessary.  Here are a few tips to prepare ahead of time.

1. Don't leave your pet's behind! Your pet most likely won't be able to fend for itself during a disaster and if by some chance they do, there is a very imporobable you will be able to find them when you return.

2. Get a Rescue Alert Sticker. This sticker is a notification to rescue workers that there are animals in the household.  You will want to make sure it is visible to rescue workers and includes the number of pets and type of pets in your home as well as your vet's phone number. If you evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the sticker.  You can receive a free emergency pet alert sticker from the ASPCA or purchase one from your local pet supply store.

3. Find Shelter. This is just as important for you as it is your dog. It's important to not that public heath shelters don't accept pets because of health reasons. Many hotels and motels don't allow pets either, so check ahead of time to find out which ones do. Ask friends and relatives outside of your area if they would be willing to take your pet for a short time. Check with animal shelters in your area to see if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. If you do stay in your home through a natural disaster, bring your pets inside, immediately.  If you have a "safe room" place all your pet's emergency supplies there. Make sure you close off any openings such as a fireplaces, vents, pet doors, etc. Provide newspaper for sanitary reasons. Keep your pets calm. This may mean separating dogs and cats because animals can be very anxious or irrational during emergencies. Make sure you have fresh water available and food for you and your dog.

4. Evacuating with your dog. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. Make sure you have all your pet's emergency supplies. A crate or kennel will be helpful as well.  Keeping your leash on your dog at all times during evacuation is necessary. Dogs tend to act very anxious during emergencies, so keeping them restrained is very important. This may even mean using a muzzle. It's important all tags and identification are up to date as well. Again, make sure you have fresh water available and food for you and your dog, so carry spare bottles of water and a bowl in your car. It's always good to carry a spare leash in your vehicle as well.

After a disaster or emergency, your dog's behavior may change, so keep an eye on their actions and reactions. Also, if a disaster has affected your home or area, keep your dog on a leash when you return to your location. Stray pets or wild animals may be in the area and familiar scents and landmarks have changed, so you will want to keep your pet close. As always, love on your dog and remember, what's best for you during an emergency will be best for your dog. If you have any medical issues you cannot handle, take your dog to a vet immediately.

Does Your Canine Display Signs Of Phobias?

A lot of dogs display fears without seeming to have a reason. Similar to the way in which some people react when they observe a spider, many canines react suddenly to a host of stimuli. The reasons vary and can range from a negative episode experienced early in life to a lack of proper training and socialization. Whatever the cause, canines can - and do - suffer from phobias that influence their behaviors.

For owners, these phobias can become deeply frustrating since they may prevent them from enjoying their canines' company. In severe cases, many owners give up, abandoning their pets to shelters. This article will briefly describe several phobias that affect millions of dogs.

Fear Of Being Separated From You

Separation anxiety is a heartbreaking disorder to observe in canines. When left alone, they become distraught, barking, whining, drooling, and pacing the ground, waiting for their owners to return. Sometimes, the fear motivates them to escape in an attempt to rejoin their owners.

This is one of the most difficult fears to address. It involves desensitizing the dog to his owner's absence, a process that requires substantial time and patience.

Anxiety Over Thunder

A lot of dogs are easily frightened by sudden, loud noises, such as gun shots and car backfires. Distress over thunder is slightly different. Experts believe that canines can sense a change in atmospheric pressure, causing them to be more on edge than normal. When claps of thunder occur, the animals become frightened. In response, they might hide or display destructive behavior.

Distress About Car Rides

Many pets become anxious when riding in vehicles. Some will refuse to even enter a car, backing away from it or barking when their owners attempt to force them in. This might stem from an early experience during which the animal was taken to a place he disliked. Or, the rumble of the engine and sensation beneath his paws while on the road may have seemed unpleasant to him.

Apprehension Around Kids

Young kids can scare dogs, creating a phobia in them that lasts for years. This can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, a child may pull on a dog's tail or ears, causing him pain. Or, a child may not realize that approaching a canine suddenly may be misinterpreted by the animal as an act of aggression. Or, the pet may have had little to no exposure to young people early in his life, and is thus unfamiliar with them.

It is important to always supervise the interaction between a dog and child. Otherwise, the animal's fear could prompt a reaction that results in the child's injury.

Anxiety About Visiting The Vet

For dogs, a veterinary clinic is rarely a pleasant place to visit for the first time. Not only is everything unfamiliar, but the animals are usually subjected to poking, prodding, and on occasion, vaccination shots. It's common for canines to develop an aversion, often to the point of recognizing the roads taken to the vet's office. With time, however, this phobia tends to dissipate as dogs become more familiar with their veterinarians.

Fear Of Unfamiliar People

A lot of canines become tense whenever strangers are nearby. Sometimes, their stress is mild, causing them to remain alert. Other times, the stress is severe, prompting the animal to bark and growl at the person.

This problem often develops in dogs that receive little to no exposure to new people. It may also develop as the result of mistreatment by strangers in the past.

Most canine phobias can be treated successfully with desensitization training. Although the process is long and sometimes exasperating, owners are rewarded with less anxious companions.