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Every household must have a first-aid kit. A well put together kit can be used for human and pet emergencies equally. They can be purchased or homemade. I have 2: one for the house and one I keep in my car.
1. A muzzle that fits your size dog. No one wants to think that their dog will ever bite them, however, when a dog is in pain it will lash out. Again, this may also be used for humans;)
2. Roll gauze; this could also be used as a muzzle in a pinch. This is used to secure bandages.
3. Large sterile gauze pads, tape, antibiotic ointment, and wraps to clean a wound and cover it so you can get to an emergency room.
4. An assortment of Band-Aids.
5. Non-latex gloves
6. Bleeding can be a serious problem. Consider purchasing Quick Clot or Kytostat online. These are special chemically-treated dressings that help blood clot instantly.
7. An inexpensive stethoscope is great to have to listen to the heartbeat or abdomen for increased belly noises.
8. Cloth to be used as a triangle bandage to make a sling, cover an injury, or hold on a larger wound to control bleeding.
9. Tweezers to remove small splinters, big scissors to cut clothing or gauze, and self cling style Vetwrap.
10. Benadryl and aspirin should be in every HUMAN first-aid kit. Benadryl can be used in case allergic reaction is suspected in dogs upon advice from you vet. An aspirin should be chewed if a human heart attack or stroke is suspected. is one inexpensive item everyone should have in their first aid kit, but most people don't.
11. Petroleum jelly and plastic cling wrap
12. Eye wash
13. Rectal thermometer
14. Hydrogen Peroxide- to induce vomiting in case of toxic ingestion
15. Copy of vaccines/current labwork, emergency directions, emergency phone numbers
A first-aid kit is to be considered first line treatment until you can get to a veterinarian.
Chris
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A Vomit By Any Other Name Would Be... Regurgitation?
So you go to the vet and you say "My dog has been vomiting." The vet turns to you and says "Are you sure?"
Well, I think I know vomit when I see it.....Don't I? Stuff comes out the wrong way. Isn't it all the same?
Actually, there is a big difference in vomit and regurgitation and they point to two very different disease pathways. One path takes us down food intolerance, irritable bowel, obstruction, etc. The other can take us down the path of acid imbalance, esophageal abnormalities, or neuromuscular issues. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between vomiting and regurging.
Vomiting is a rather forceful expulsion of stomach contents. With regurgitation there may be little warning and the food just seems to fall out of the mouth. There is a great video model at
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=17&A=2809&S=1 . There more informed you are, the quicker we can make a diagnosis and get your pet help.
Chris
Well, I think I know vomit when I see it.....Don't I? Stuff comes out the wrong way. Isn't it all the same?
Actually, there is a big difference in vomit and regurgitation and they point to two very different disease pathways. One path takes us down food intolerance, irritable bowel, obstruction, etc. The other can take us down the path of acid imbalance, esophageal abnormalities, or neuromuscular issues. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between vomiting and regurging.
Vomiting is a rather forceful expulsion of stomach contents. With regurgitation there may be little warning and the food just seems to fall out of the mouth. There is a great video model at
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=17&A=2809&S=1 . There more informed you are, the quicker we can make a diagnosis and get your pet help.
Chris
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Just Kind of Cool Links
Some things are trivial in the grand scheme of the world, however some things are just flat out cool or ridiculous and need to be shared.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytedC1heY_8&feature=related : Let's face it; if a dog and cat can be best friends, by the world a coke, hug, whatever you gotta do, but love each other.
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/14/gerbil-gymnastics/?icid=main|main|dl3|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2009%2F10%2F14%2Fgerbil-gymnastics%2F This is just too ridiculous not to go viral. For all of you performance junkies who can't get enough agility this one's for you!
Chris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytedC1heY_8&feature=related : Let's face it; if a dog and cat can be best friends, by the world a coke, hug, whatever you gotta do, but love each other.
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/14/gerbil-gymnastics/?icid=main|main|dl3|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2009%2F10%2F14%2Fgerbil-gymnastics%2F This is just too ridiculous not to go viral. For all of you performance junkies who can't get enough agility this one's for you!
Chris
Friday, October 16, 2009
It Takes A Village
Working at a veterinary clinic is not all playing with puppies and kittens. Many times we have to give people very bad news. Sometimes this news is that their pet has a disease that will seriously impact their life. Sometimes that news is that they will be losing their pet soon.
Regardless of the news the message should be the same. You are not alone. We are here for you. Whether it is to point you toward outside resources, provide medications and services, or just to listen to stories, we are here.
Illness is an insidious thing. It robs you of quality of life, cheats you out of good memories, and steals away what you love. It makes you terrified, unsure, and insecure. Yet in that frame of mind many import decisions still must be made. There is not time out button. Our place is to be the ground and help you catch your breath and make clear, good decisions that suite your family. Our place is to help you to prepare. You have already been given devastating news. Now we have to guide you through the healing or end of life process.
There are many times when we can improve quality of life. This does not always mean complete healing. Sometimes it is only giving you a few days to say goodbye. Sometimes it is giving hope when all seems hopeless, but we can achieve healing. No matter what the outcome, if you hear only one thing; You are not alone.
chris
Regardless of the news the message should be the same. You are not alone. We are here for you. Whether it is to point you toward outside resources, provide medications and services, or just to listen to stories, we are here.
Illness is an insidious thing. It robs you of quality of life, cheats you out of good memories, and steals away what you love. It makes you terrified, unsure, and insecure. Yet in that frame of mind many import decisions still must be made. There is not time out button. Our place is to be the ground and help you catch your breath and make clear, good decisions that suite your family. Our place is to help you to prepare. You have already been given devastating news. Now we have to guide you through the healing or end of life process.
There are many times when we can improve quality of life. This does not always mean complete healing. Sometimes it is only giving you a few days to say goodbye. Sometimes it is giving hope when all seems hopeless, but we can achieve healing. No matter what the outcome, if you hear only one thing; You are not alone.
chris
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Doggie Daycare and You
There have been some amazing advances in our time. The computer-I'm a big fan. The cell phone. GPS! The doggie daycare.
What, daycare? You read my right, folks. The doggie daycare is a resource beyond resources. It has so many applications it is difficult to cover all of them.
It has become a great boon to the dog that suffers from separation anxiety. These dogs often cannot be crated, are destructive, and can put a massive strain on the pet/human connection. Daycare gets these dogs into a safe environment that helps keep the peace at home. It is also a healthy environment since all dogs must be current on vaccinations. Puppies that are just beginning to learn how to relate to the world are socialized to both people and other dogs. It is a phenomenal confidence booster for the shy, introverted dog to learn how to develop doggie friendships. For the wild child we all know and love it is a great way to burn off excess energy and have a tired pooch at the end of the day. This is especially great if you have physical limitations and cannot take Fido for a good hard run yourself, or are just too tired at the end of a long day at work.
This is a great, safe place to temporarily "stash" your dogs if you are showing your home for sale, having a large party where people will be going in and out of your home, or if you are having loud home improvements done. If you are going on vacation you don't have to feel guilty about leaving your dog couped up in a cramp boarding kennel.
It is imperative for a well rounded dog to have the ability to mouth, use their strength, and crash into other dogs. They cannot get this mental and physical stimulation from us. Many daycare facilities offer 1/2 day rates and frequent buyer cards to help defray costs. Dogs are supervised at all times to ensure everyone plays nicely with others. Some even have webcams so you can peek in and watch the fun.
Tour a daycare near you today. Your dog will thank you for it.
chris
What, daycare? You read my right, folks. The doggie daycare is a resource beyond resources. It has so many applications it is difficult to cover all of them.
It has become a great boon to the dog that suffers from separation anxiety. These dogs often cannot be crated, are destructive, and can put a massive strain on the pet/human connection. Daycare gets these dogs into a safe environment that helps keep the peace at home. It is also a healthy environment since all dogs must be current on vaccinations. Puppies that are just beginning to learn how to relate to the world are socialized to both people and other dogs. It is a phenomenal confidence booster for the shy, introverted dog to learn how to develop doggie friendships. For the wild child we all know and love it is a great way to burn off excess energy and have a tired pooch at the end of the day. This is especially great if you have physical limitations and cannot take Fido for a good hard run yourself, or are just too tired at the end of a long day at work.
This is a great, safe place to temporarily "stash" your dogs if you are showing your home for sale, having a large party where people will be going in and out of your home, or if you are having loud home improvements done. If you are going on vacation you don't have to feel guilty about leaving your dog couped up in a cramp boarding kennel.
It is imperative for a well rounded dog to have the ability to mouth, use their strength, and crash into other dogs. They cannot get this mental and physical stimulation from us. Many daycare facilities offer 1/2 day rates and frequent buyer cards to help defray costs. Dogs are supervised at all times to ensure everyone plays nicely with others. Some even have webcams so you can peek in and watch the fun.
Tour a daycare near you today. Your dog will thank you for it.
chris
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Is the News Friend or Foe
Turn on the news these days and Spinach will kill you, if the handshakes don't get ya first, or sprouts...sprouts are the enemy, no wait peanut butter- don't forget the peanut butter, unless you had piece of Chinese candy, or you where sharing kibble with Fido and ate Melamine. Whew!
Still with me? Must be a non-eater. Okay, so you made it past the land mines of the grocery aisles. Now you only have lead paint, those pesky handshakes again, the air you breath, the pigs you kiss, etc trying to finish the job.
Listen to the media or read the papers and the world is a terrible place. The newest thing is the massive parvo "outbreak". Are there diseases out there? Yes. Should you be terrified-no. Germs are a double edged sword-they cause disease, but they also build immunity. What can you do to stay safe? Do your best and leave the rest to karma.
Keeping pets healthy is much like keeping yourself healthy. It starts with great veterinary care. A pet that is properly vaccinated, parasite free, and in good overall health can fight off or recover from disease and environmental toxins more efficiently. Secondly, good food and clean water help build a strong immune system. Only you can define what "good food and clean water" means. Third is a happy, loved pet. A pet that has mental challenges, lots of physical exercise, and plenty of love and attention will be healthier than one that is neglected and ignored. Fourth comes down to common sense. Be careful of the areas you take you dog walking. If your neighbors don't care for their pets or vaccinate, take your dog to another neighborhood for walks. Be mindful of lose stool or vomit puddles on walks. If you pet shows signs of illness keep them home. These strategies are very similar to keeping a child healthy.
No matter how vigilant you are illness and man made disasters will still happen. However, there are precautions that can be taken to keep Fluffy and Fido as safe as possible. Listen for food recalls, disease outbreaks, and illness warnings. However, take everything with a grain of salt, and try to decipher fact from sensationalism. This just in: Chicken little called; the sky is not falling.
chris
Still with me? Must be a non-eater. Okay, so you made it past the land mines of the grocery aisles. Now you only have lead paint, those pesky handshakes again, the air you breath, the pigs you kiss, etc trying to finish the job.
Listen to the media or read the papers and the world is a terrible place. The newest thing is the massive parvo "outbreak". Are there diseases out there? Yes. Should you be terrified-no. Germs are a double edged sword-they cause disease, but they also build immunity. What can you do to stay safe? Do your best and leave the rest to karma.
Keeping pets healthy is much like keeping yourself healthy. It starts with great veterinary care. A pet that is properly vaccinated, parasite free, and in good overall health can fight off or recover from disease and environmental toxins more efficiently. Secondly, good food and clean water help build a strong immune system. Only you can define what "good food and clean water" means. Third is a happy, loved pet. A pet that has mental challenges, lots of physical exercise, and plenty of love and attention will be healthier than one that is neglected and ignored. Fourth comes down to common sense. Be careful of the areas you take you dog walking. If your neighbors don't care for their pets or vaccinate, take your dog to another neighborhood for walks. Be mindful of lose stool or vomit puddles on walks. If you pet shows signs of illness keep them home. These strategies are very similar to keeping a child healthy.
No matter how vigilant you are illness and man made disasters will still happen. However, there are precautions that can be taken to keep Fluffy and Fido as safe as possible. Listen for food recalls, disease outbreaks, and illness warnings. However, take everything with a grain of salt, and try to decipher fact from sensationalism. This just in: Chicken little called; the sky is not falling.
chris
Monday, October 12, 2009
Ode To A Fallen Friend
Today we lost a very special friend. Her name was Aggie and she was a very dear friend of Morris Hospital. Aggie was wiry little Terrier. Terriers are known for heart, courage, and tenacity. It was those traits that helped her to live past crisis after crisis in these last years.
About 2 years ago, Aggie started having neck pain. Aggie was evaluated and given the standard diagnosis for a dog suspected of having a spinal cord tumor; don't buy any big bags of dog food. Her family, whom were so dedicated to her, were heartbroken. We all figured she had weeks to live. Aggie had other plans.
Weeks went by, Aggie's family would call us up and ask for a refill of medications. When asked how she was doing, they would reply "Well, she's.......better." We all watched for signs that she needed to cross over, but they just didn't come. She became less painful. She got her bounce back. She got healthy.
Then at the beginning of the year Aggie was rushed to the emergency room. She was diagnosed with a severe heart condition. Again, she was given a few weeks to live. Aggie had other plans.
Aggie responded to medication. Her breathing strengthened. She got her energy back. She still enjoyed eating, her walks......life. Every time we counted the little dog out, all 25 pounds of her bullied right back. Dr. Morris calls these little spirits energizer bunnies.
Today, at the ripe old age of 15, Aggie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Her pain is over, while ours is just beginning. Aggie never said "I can't. I hurt too much today." Aggie was always up for a stroll, a ball toss, a snuggle. We can learn much from Aggie. Her memories will remain with us for a lifetime. She will be missed. Rest well, old friend.
chris
About 2 years ago, Aggie started having neck pain. Aggie was evaluated and given the standard diagnosis for a dog suspected of having a spinal cord tumor; don't buy any big bags of dog food. Her family, whom were so dedicated to her, were heartbroken. We all figured she had weeks to live. Aggie had other plans.
Weeks went by, Aggie's family would call us up and ask for a refill of medications. When asked how she was doing, they would reply "Well, she's.......better." We all watched for signs that she needed to cross over, but they just didn't come. She became less painful. She got her bounce back. She got healthy.
Then at the beginning of the year Aggie was rushed to the emergency room. She was diagnosed with a severe heart condition. Again, she was given a few weeks to live. Aggie had other plans.
Aggie responded to medication. Her breathing strengthened. She got her energy back. She still enjoyed eating, her walks......life. Every time we counted the little dog out, all 25 pounds of her bullied right back. Dr. Morris calls these little spirits energizer bunnies.
Today, at the ripe old age of 15, Aggie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Her pain is over, while ours is just beginning. Aggie never said "I can't. I hurt too much today." Aggie was always up for a stroll, a ball toss, a snuggle. We can learn much from Aggie. Her memories will remain with us for a lifetime. She will be missed. Rest well, old friend.
chris
Sunday, October 11, 2009
It's in the Genes-How to Choose a Good Breeder
Ads in the paper, names on a list, numbers on bulletin boards; just how are you supposed to choose a good breeder? It can be difficult, but with some time and research you can make a good decision.
You start by researching you chosen breed. Do online reading, join breed chat groups, and read books on the breed. Once you have decided on the breed for your family, a local dog show can be a great resource. There you can see your breed in person, as well as network with breeders. The AKC is another resource. They can connect you to active breeders in good standing with the organization.
*The AKC is only a registry. They do not police nor endorse the breeders that register with them. Being AKC registered does not guarantee healthy, social dogs. It also does not mean that every breeder on your list will have the high ethical standards that you should demand.
Once you must visit the kennel-if local- or ask for pictures if not- where you will meet the dam and other dogs. Look for great temperaments, clean, social conditions, and a breeder that is willing to share what their breeding program is trying to accomplish. They should be able to tell you what is good AND bad in their lines, and offer a health guarantee for the puppy you are purchasing. The sire and dam must have passed necessary health clearances specific to their breeds. The puppies should be housed in clean conditions, kept in the house, and appear healthy and outgoing. Anything less than this and RUN to another breeder. Do not fall into the "puppy mill" trap and feel as if you have to rescue a puppy to get it out of a bad situation. This only leads to a potential lifetime of behavior and health problems.
A good breeder will welcome such scrutiny. They will be as careful about approving you as you are about approving them. A good breeder will also offer to be a source of support throughout the rest of the dog's life. They will welcome questions about feeding, training, health, and that breed that will compliment your veterinarian's care. When it is the right mix it will feel like relationship and not just a sale. Good luck and have fun with your knew little furry friend.
chris
You start by researching you chosen breed. Do online reading, join breed chat groups, and read books on the breed. Once you have decided on the breed for your family, a local dog show can be a great resource. There you can see your breed in person, as well as network with breeders. The AKC is another resource. They can connect you to active breeders in good standing with the organization.
*The AKC is only a registry. They do not police nor endorse the breeders that register with them. Being AKC registered does not guarantee healthy, social dogs. It also does not mean that every breeder on your list will have the high ethical standards that you should demand.
Once you must visit the kennel-if local- or ask for pictures if not- where you will meet the dam and other dogs. Look for great temperaments, clean, social conditions, and a breeder that is willing to share what their breeding program is trying to accomplish. They should be able to tell you what is good AND bad in their lines, and offer a health guarantee for the puppy you are purchasing. The sire and dam must have passed necessary health clearances specific to their breeds. The puppies should be housed in clean conditions, kept in the house, and appear healthy and outgoing. Anything less than this and RUN to another breeder. Do not fall into the "puppy mill" trap and feel as if you have to rescue a puppy to get it out of a bad situation. This only leads to a potential lifetime of behavior and health problems.
A good breeder will welcome such scrutiny. They will be as careful about approving you as you are about approving them. A good breeder will also offer to be a source of support throughout the rest of the dog's life. They will welcome questions about feeding, training, health, and that breed that will compliment your veterinarian's care. When it is the right mix it will feel like relationship and not just a sale. Good luck and have fun with your knew little furry friend.
chris
Monday, October 5, 2009
Love Means Sometimes Having to Say Goodbye:Details of the Euthanasia Process
When the heart hurts sometimes we go on auto pilot and loose our nerve to ask important questions. Sometimes people will shy away from euthanasia as a choice because of all of the little unknowns. You are already pre-grieving; it just seems barbaric to have to handle the "business" details of the procedure. Questions swirl that can feel dark. You may feel that we are going to judge you for putting "petty" earthly matters ahead of loving your pet.
Let me be the first to say BULL! If anyone judges you scoop your pet up and go somewhere else-it's a bad fit. There are many things in medicine that seem mysterious. If it brings you comfort, helps you to make decisions, or helps to minimize your pain then ask away. What happens during the death process? What are my options for burial? How much will everything cost?
The process of euthanasia will very from clinic to clinic. The goal of any clinic should be to create and environemtn that makes you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. We want to minimize the distress and fear that the pet must feel. Some clinics place an IV catheter so that the final injection can be giving easily. Some clinics give the pet a sedative so that they are unaware of the final moments. This also can ease much of the natural, but unpleasant to view, post death changes that can occur after the euthanasia injections is given. The actual injection is a very strong overdose of an anesthetic. It causes brain death often before it is completely given. This injection is painless and works quickly. Even with sedation, the electrical impulses leaving the body can cause muscle twitches or cause the pet to vocalize. This is known as the "death moan". These are not the pet "fighting death" they are just normal post death events. The pet will not close their eyes and urinate and defecate.
The clinic will also discuss burial options with you. You can choose cremation with the ashes returned to you. You can choose to have the pet buried in a plot, complete with funeral, at any pet cemetery of your choosing. You may also decide that group cremation is what is best for your family. This option is the most economical. The pet will be cremated with other pets and the ashes spread over the other pet's graves. No matter which option you choose, your pet will be treated with dignity.
This decision is never easy, but you make it from a place of love for your pet. Now that you know some of the behind the scenes stuff maybe it will be a little less scary.
chris
Let me be the first to say BULL! If anyone judges you scoop your pet up and go somewhere else-it's a bad fit. There are many things in medicine that seem mysterious. If it brings you comfort, helps you to make decisions, or helps to minimize your pain then ask away. What happens during the death process? What are my options for burial? How much will everything cost?
The process of euthanasia will very from clinic to clinic. The goal of any clinic should be to create and environemtn that makes you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. We want to minimize the distress and fear that the pet must feel. Some clinics place an IV catheter so that the final injection can be giving easily. Some clinics give the pet a sedative so that they are unaware of the final moments. This also can ease much of the natural, but unpleasant to view, post death changes that can occur after the euthanasia injections is given. The actual injection is a very strong overdose of an anesthetic. It causes brain death often before it is completely given. This injection is painless and works quickly. Even with sedation, the electrical impulses leaving the body can cause muscle twitches or cause the pet to vocalize. This is known as the "death moan". These are not the pet "fighting death" they are just normal post death events. The pet will not close their eyes and urinate and defecate.
The clinic will also discuss burial options with you. You can choose cremation with the ashes returned to you. You can choose to have the pet buried in a plot, complete with funeral, at any pet cemetery of your choosing. You may also decide that group cremation is what is best for your family. This option is the most economical. The pet will be cremated with other pets and the ashes spread over the other pet's graves. No matter which option you choose, your pet will be treated with dignity.
This decision is never easy, but you make it from a place of love for your pet. Now that you know some of the behind the scenes stuff maybe it will be a little less scary.
chris
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