A healthy dog is alert, active and happy. He or she should have clear eyes (unless clouded by cataracts) which are free from discharge, a shiny glossy coat, and an alert attitude. Responsible dog owners must insure their dogs receive all necessary vaccines and are on heartworm prevention year round (in our area it does not get cold enough long enough to skip the winter months). By law, every dog needs to be vaccinated against rabies. In addition, dogs should also receive yearly vaccines for distemper; coronavirus; parvovirus; leptospirosis; canine hepatitis; and parainfluenza. If your dog frequently comes into contact with "non-family" dogs or is kenneled you should also vaccinate your dog against Kennel Cough (Bordatella). The cost of annual vaccines and heartworm prevention is a fraction of the cost of treatment should your dog contract one of these illnesses. Treatment is not always available and can sometimes be fatal.
Your dog's stool should be checked by your veterinarian annually. A convenient time is at the time of the annual vaccinations. Any change in the size, shape of color of the stool can indicate problems. It is important to be familiar with what a normal healthy stool looks like to be able to observe any changes. Sometimes changes in the stool can be an early sign of an illness or problem.
Parasites can sometimes (but not always) be observed in the stool. Roundworms are long, thin, white or grayish worms which resemble spaghetti. Tapeworms have long segmented bodies. The segments are passed in the stool and resemble grains of rice. The segments can sometimes be observed in the dogs britches before they are seen in the stool. Tapeworms come from ingesting fleas. If your dog has fleas (and it only takes one) he or she can have tapeworms. Pay particular attention to the stool if you dog has fleas. In addition there is a host of other parasites which cannot be observed in the stool but can be detected with a fecal check. Persistent vomiting, poor coat q uality and/or an unexplained weight loss could be signs of parasites. If you suspect an infestation, take a stool sample to your veterinarian. As all parasites require specific medication a stool sample is necessary to determine the type of parasite present.
A monthly check for tumors should also be performed. This can be done while you are brushing, bathing or grooming your dog. ANY growth or tumor, regardless of size, color or location, should be checked by your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait until the next scheduled appointment. Cancer is more common in dogs than you may realize. Mammary tumors are common in bitches, so it is important to check. A typical bitch has 10 mammary glands, 5 per side. As a point of interest, a bitch spayed before her first heat cycle has a 0% risk of developing these tumors. As with humans, the key to survival is early detection followed by the proper treatment.
The normal rectal temperature for a dog is between 101 and 102.5. The only way to determine an elevated temperature is by checking with a thermometer. A rectal thermometer can be purchased for $3 to $4. To take the temperature, insert 1/3 of the thermometer into the rectum of the dog. BE CAREFUL as some dogs can tense their muscles and draw the thermometer completely into the rectum. Hold in place for 2 minutes before removing and reading. If you feel your dog is ill call your veterinarian. If it is after normal hospital hours, there are veterinary emergency clinics on both the southside and the peninsula. Do not put off seeking treatment during normal hours as these clinics are for emergencies only and are not for routine or non-emergency situations.
SIGNS OF ILLNESS CAN INCLUDE: lethargy; change in eating habits; dull or lifeless coat; discharge from eyes or nose; change in the amount of water consumed, and/or frequency of elimination. Any change in your dogs normal behavior should be watched. If you have ANY question about your dogs health call your veterinarian or the emergency clinic for advice.
PILLS: Put your hand over the muzzle and life the head up, wrapping your fingers around and pushing the lips over the upper teeth and into the mouth. With your other hand, place the pill between your forefinger and thumb, use your middle finger to push down the tongue and open the mouth. Place the pill at the back of the tongue. Close the mouth and stroke the neck until the dog swallows. If this does not work try placing the pill into a bit of hot dog or cheese. Wrapping the pill in a little peanut butter sandwich should also work.
LIQUID: Hold jaws closed with one hand around the muzzle and lower jaw, tilt the head back. Pull one corner of the closed mouth, put the medicine filled syringe into the mouth and depress. Keep the mouth closed until the dog has swallowed.
EARDROPS: Ear medication goes down the largest visible opening in the ear. Squeeze the appropriate amount of medication into the ear canal and massage to help work the medication down into the ear canal. Don't worry if the dog shakes his or her head, they will not lose the medication.
EYE MEDICATION: Steady the dog with his head against you. Hold the eyelid open with your forefinger and thumb and put the medication into the open eye, being careful not to touch the eye with the applicator. The reflex blinking will spread the medication over the entire eye. Some dogs can be intimidated by something coming at them. If this is the case, try placing your dog in a sit-stay and stand just behind them. Gently hold the muzzle and come over the top of the dog with the dropper and try applying the medicine to the eye.