A First Aid Kit for dogs should be in every family’s home that includes a dog as a member of their family. Just as children get into mishaps that require antiseptic and bandages, so do your four legged family members.
Not so long ago, we would have settled for human first aid supplies but as the pet industry has grown, we have become aware of a pet’s sometimes unique needs.
A First Aid Kit For Dogs Is A Necessity
The impact of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters since has made dog owning families more aware of the need for a dog first aid kit. Many dogs needed to suddenly be evacuated to areas that had no immediate access to veterinarian care. And, even once they returned home, professional medical care was not readily available.
Most mishaps are usually minor in nature such as cuts, bee stings or perhaps cutting a nail a bit too close. Rather than rushing about trying to gather the necessary supplies when this type of event happens, it is so much better to be prepared. First aid kits for dogs are available for purchase from some pet supply stores. Or, with a little effort, you can make your own dog first aid kit.
*This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase from a link on this site, I will earn a small commission. This helps to support the site and keep it going but you will not pay a penny extra.
Ideally, you would have two first aid kits for your dog. One to keep at home, in a convenient place, such as under a bathroom cabinet or in a cabinet in your laundry or utility room. It is important to make sure all members of your family know where your first aid kit is kept. The second kit should be kept in your vehicle for those mishaps that occur when your dog is on an outing with you, such as a dog park or on a hike. Actually, a third scaled down version of the kit is also recommended. Place a few emergency items in this mini first aid kit.
A little pre-planning on your part will go a long way in helping to keep your four legged family member safe and healthy. And your own first aid kit for dogs will contribute to that greatly.
If you have questions about a dog health issue use this link to get advise directly from a real Veterinarian. When you need to talk to a vet help is just a click away. A dog health problem due to illness or injury can happen anytime. Through the JustAnswer program veterinarians are available for online consultation 24/7/365.
You can get an answer to your dog health problem fast. In as little as a few minutes you can have the information you need from a veterinarian. You don’t have to wait until your Vet’s office opens.
Why pay for an expensive office visit? You can get the advise you need for far less than you would have to pay if you go to your vet’s office. There is no need to pay for office and equipment overhead if you just need to have a question answered or need good advise about a dog health problem and unlike an office visit, you don’t pay unless you accept the answer.
Ask a Veterinarian Your Health Question
Worried About Your Dog? Has your beloved friend suddenly developed worrisome symptoms? Is your Vet closed or maybe you’ve recently moved to a new area and not obtained a Vet yet?
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online dog health advise from certified Veterinarians.
You describe your dog’s health problem or ask your question and they reply with expert advise. The fee is very reasonable (far less than you would pay at the Vet Clinic). You will usually receive an answer in less than an hour, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
Of course, if your dog is having a real emergency, either illness or accident, call your local emergency Vet. or any regular Veterinary office immediately!
“$1,000 spent at his vet, and I finally get the correct diagnosis from Nancy Holmes for $15”
Choosing a veterinarian for your best friend takes planning and research.
We have been very fortunate to have the same wonderful veterinarian for the last sixteen years. She has seen our dogs from puppyhood to their final breaths. She was there at two am when our three year old Yorkie found a box of tampons in the linen closet and proceeded to swallow one whole as we chased her to try and retrieve it. We were sure it would swell up in her stomach and cause major problems. All we had to do was leave a message on the Vet’s answering machine (which she has forwarded to her home) and within a very short time she called back and calmed our worries along with telling us what to watch for.
Choosing a Veterinarian involves a lot more than credentials. A Veterinarian could graduate at the head of his/her class but if they do not love their profession and truly care for the animals they treat, you can get just as much help from a book or on-line.
You want to choose a Vet that you and your pet are compatible with. And the Veterinary staff are just as important.
Consider the follow when choosing a Veterinarian:
Get recommendations from friends with dogs. your groomer or dog trainer. If you are new to the area, you can go on-line to www.pets911.com.
After you narrow your search, visit the Veterinarians with a criteria list:
Is the office clean, friendly and organized?
Ask if the Veterinarian will be readily available for emergencies. We can’t always expect the Vet to be there 24/7 but within reason they should make themselves available.
Will they work you in immediately if needed? Just like kids, dogs don’t get sick on schedule.
Are there other Vets or Vet Techs in the office or will the Vet have a referral Vet available if she is out of town?
While all professionals want and should have their fees immediately, will she work with you in an emergency? Of course, this arrangement usually comes with time as you build a relationship. You just don’t want a Vet that refuses to treat without payment.
Does the staff show love and concern for the animals?
Does the kennel room smell and look clean?
Can they do x-rays, ultrasound, blood work and other diagnostic tests in-house or work with an outside specialist?
Is their fee schedule reasonable?
Will the Vet take time to explain each diagnosis and procedure or rush you through to get to the next appointment?
Do they have an overnight staff to keep watch over pets that need to be hospitalized?
If you are interested in holistic medicine, does the Vet share this approach?
If you are interested in pet insurance, does the Vet accept it?
Take time when choosing a veterinarian for your dog. Introduce your dog to each prospect and observe the interaction. Don’t hesitate to ask for references and check them. Your dog’s health care is an important decision. Take it seriously and choose a veterinarian before you really need his services. Make sure the Vet you select is as concerned for your dog’s health as you are.
Boy, that is a question I must have asked a million times! Hard to believe that our Jake, the relaxed, without a care-in-the-world dog pictured below, could have ever been anxiety-ridden. But, it is so true and we’ve got the scratched drywall, chewed woodwork and destroyed hardwood floors to prove it.
However, thanks to finding some good dog separation anxiety solutions, we are now able to start repairing all the destruction with a certain amount of confidence that he will not tear it all up again. At least not as badly. Jake is still not happy when all his family leaves at the same time. He still hangs his head, mopes and usually refuses to say goodbye. As we back out of the drive he can be heard barking his displeasure. But now when we come home, we are not met with total chaos. There is still drool in front of the door and his water and food have gone untouched. He truly is in mourning until his people come home. When that happens, watch out! He is flying about the house, grabbing toys and challenging us to chase him. And he will then drink enough water to float a boat. Life is good again. It wasn’t easy getting to this point.but so worth it. These are some things that have helped us in dealing with dog separation anxiety.
Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions:
*This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase from a link on this site, I will earn a small commission. This helps to support the site and keep it going but you will not pay a penny extra.
Make your departure as uneventful as possible.Resist the urge to hug, kiss and make over your dog in an attempt to soothe your guilt. This lets him in on the idea that something big is about to happen and he probably won’t like it. I’ve done this and it never ended well. Instead, keep everything as low key as possible. Pet him if you must but make it a quick pat and just move right out the door as if it is no big deal. You can cry in the car if the need arises (and I have.) Overcoming dog separation anxiety requires you to be tough.
Leave lots of his toysabout to give him something to amuse and distract. Be cautious of any toys you choose to leave when you are not at home. Leave nothing with small parts or made of material that can be chewed off and potentially cause your dog to choke. A good choice I like is the Kong Extreme Dog Toy. This toy is a hard, durable rubber. Your dog will love to chew on it and it also has openings on each end to hide treats for your dog to shake loose and enjoy. It comes in an assortment of sizes, shapes and strengths, to meet each dog’s needs. Also, an old piece of your clothing can provide some comfort to him. Your scent is one of his favorite things.
Try crating your dog or confining him to a small room. Allowing him the run of the house can be overwhelming.
Leave a piece of your unwashed clothingwith your dog. Your familiar scent can be comforting.
Start out with short absences. Try 10 minutes to start, gradually increasing by 5 minutes increments. He’ll realize each time that “Hey, they do come back!”
Make your return as uneventful as your departure.Enter the house calmly and greet him but do not hug, make baby talk and generally display your guilt to him. After in the house for a short time, then you can play and have some fun.
Be sure to doggy-proof the housebefore you leave, for his safety and your sanity.
Another thing that proved to be effective to stop my dog separation anxiety is the ThunderShirt. The shirt fits snugly on the dog’s body, creating a sense of security. The Thunder Shirt is also helpful for dogs with a fear of thunderstorms. It worked well in helping one of my other dogs to get over her fear of the storms.
It may seem impossible at the moment but take it from someone that has been there; dog separation anxiety can get better with a little effort. It’s worth your sanity and your dog’s happiness to try these dog separation anxiety solutions.
Dog separation anxiety can turn your home into complete chaos. Life at Mostly Mutts is usually pretty hum-drum; same old sit, fetch, roll over, stay out of the trash. And for this I am generally thankful. It means all is well. No one is hurt, sick or in major trouble. But this was not always so.
Just a few short years ago, our black lab Jake suffered from major dog separation anxiety. We found Jake living on the streets in an inner city neighborhood. Our Vet. estimated him to be about a year old. Gangly and dirty, his paw pads were quite worn and his body sported some marks indicating he had most likely been involved in some dog fights. Whether human initiated or of his own doing, we don’t know. Because of the condition of his paw pads, we knew he was an outside dog.
Since we already had six canine residents at our house, our daughter Tina volunteered (after much coercion) to take him home. Within two hours of his taking up residence in her home, we received a call to please come get him, NOW! Jake is quite the alpha dog and as such, he deemed it to be a good idea to mark all walls, furniture and generally anything else that held still long enough. Tina has a gentle Golden Retriever named Joey and Jake knew it was important to let Joey know straight off who would be in charge. Isn’t it amazing how well urine conveys this message?
Once Jake was in our home, he never again urinated in the house, either accidentally or on purpose. He seemed quite content and sure he belonged here. All of our dogs obliged him in his alpha-ness. All was right with his world. That is until we his humans and subjects decided to leave the house without him. In comes the separation-anxiety. We took him to work with us on a daily basis but restaurants, theatres and such frowned upon his presence. And as much fun as it was to be with him, sometimes it was nice to get away for a while.
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Upon arriving home from our first outing without our boy, we were greeted with much enthusiasm, wagging tail and body, and lots of slobbery kisses. But along with the good stuff, we also encountered woodwork that had been scratched and chewed, hardwood flooring that had deep gouge marks from his digging to get to the other side of the door and torn and scratched drywall. Separation-anxiety overload. What a mess! It seems our guy missed us. This behavior continued despite our efforts to control it.
We tried crating him while we were away (he escaped). We read behavior books, consulted our Vet. about medication and mostly just stayed home more and learned to live with destroyed walls and doors for a couple years. Jake is now seven years old and he has been pretty much non-destructive for several years. This mostly happened gradually as he realized we do come back. There are some dog separation anxiety tips we discovered that helped with Jake’s separation anxiety and I’ll share them with you.
*This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase from a link on this site, I will earn a small commission. This helps to support the site and keep it going but you will not pay a penny extra.
Ah summertime, and the livin’ is easy! Endless days of sunshine and outdoor activities. After a long winter we are all ready for some summer relaxation. Unfortunately, the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer are fraught with danger for our canine friends. Winter can be equally hazardous to your dog. Extreme cold and potential frostbite are ever prevalent during winter months. Precautions are necessary year-round in order to keep your dog safe and healthy.
HEAT
Sweating is the primary way the human body controls it’s temperature. Dogs lack this ability and must rely on cooling down through panting and the pads of their feet. Not terribly effective. Because of this we need to be very conscious of the following to keep your dog safe:
Always make sure your dog has an ample supply of fresh clean drinking water. Automatic waterers are great for this but if you don’t own one or are not ready to purchase one, make sure to use a non-tip bowl. Empty and refill it several times a day and more often if it is getting low. Keep the water in a shady area if it is outside. Adding a few ice cubes will help to keep it cool longer and keep your dog safe from the heat.
Many people trim their dog’s fur down in the summer. Just make sure it is not shaved too close or sunburn will be a painful result. The best advice is to keep your dog inside a cool house during the hottest part of the day. Limit your walks with your canine friend to early morning or evenings after it has cooled down. Best for you and him in keeping your dog safe from the heat.
One of the greatest dangers from heat lies within one of dog’s favorite activities, the coveted car ride. Head out the window, fur flying in the breeze (and all over the car and you), nothing could be finer in a dog’s mind. And, all is fine as long as the air conditioner is running. But summertime rides are best kept to short non-stop jaunts. Once the car stops and the air conditioner is off, the temperature starts to rapidly rise. The temperature inside the car can reach 120 degrees within a few minutes, even with the windows slightly open. A dog’s normal temperature is 101.5. At 107 brain damage can occur and at 120 he can suffer from heat exhaustion and die.
COLD
Dogs are not meant to endure exposure to very low temperatures any more than humans are. Take every precaution to shelter your dog from the elements. The best and most recommended way is to allow your dog to live indoors with you. Being social creature, dogs need the companionship of their family. If you must (and there is rarely a situation where you must) keep your dog outside, provide him with a warm, safe shelter).
Purchase an insulated dog house for your dog. Place it in an area blocked by the wind, such as behind your house or surrounded by a fence. Never, Never, under any circumstances, chain your dog. Provide him with a fence for safety so he can move about freely. Position the opening of the house away from the direction the wind is blowing. Keep warm, dry blankets in the house or better yet, a heated dog kennel mat and surround the house with bales of straw to provide further insulation against the wind and cold. Check regularly to assure that the bedding is dry.
Provide your dog with a heated water bowl to protect the water from freezing. Keep the water clean and free of debris and change it daily. Check throughout the day to be sure your heated dog dish stays full.
INSECTS
Bugs and bees can create a serious problem for your precocious pooch. Just as curiosity killed the cat, butting into a bug’s business can injure the dog. Bees may appear busy but they are never too busy to notice when a dog’s nose is checking out the same flower they have an interest in. A nasty sting is the likely result. This calls for first aid. Make sure to keep some antihistamine on hand to help keep your dog safe, should he be allergic.
Ants flies and spiders can also cause some discomfort or even death in the case of a poisonous spider bite. There are some obvious symptoms that can indicate a bug bite. These would require first aid and possibly a speedy trip to the Vet. And of course, the annoying mosquito cannot be ignored. This warm weather pest can infect your beloved pet with the deadly heartworm if he is not on a heartworm prevention medication.
Flea infestation also escalates during the warm weather months. These pests love hot dry weather and multiply rapidly. Check your dog’s skin and coat thoroughly after each venture outdoors. There are many good products that can help to prevent these buggers from becoming a problem for your pet.
PLANTS
Many summer plants, while pretty to look at, can be irritating or deadly to eat or touch. There is a long list of plants that are dangerous for your pet because of their poisonous qualities. And there are those that are dangerous simply due to their structure.
Thorns from roses can become lodged in a sensitive paw and possibly cause infection if not swiftly removed. Check you dog’s paws regularly, especially if you notice him limping. If a thorn is found, remove it promptly and watch the dog closely to be sure his walking returns to normal. If not, a Vet. visit is the next step.
Even a harmless looking vine can become a hazard if your dog becomes tangled in it’s grasp. Better to keep them trimmed back.
The best prevention is to do a thorough scan of the area your dog plays in and eliminate any potential hazardous elements. In general, anything that would be a harmful plant to a child would also be harmful to your dog. Maybe even more so since dogs tend to scamper into smaller areas and are never cautious about anything.
Any season can be a great fun time for you and your dog with just a little thought and planning on your part. ENJOY!
Travel with your dog by car can be a great experience with some thoughtful pre-planning. Just the mention of the words car, go or bye-bye and many dogs are running to the door and ready to go. Many of us cannot bear to leave our canine family members at home when we vacation. But, while they may be ready to take off at the drop of a bone, we need to take time for a little planning. It can make the difference between a vacation delight and a vacation disaster.
Whether you are planning a short get-a-way or a full-fledged vacation, it is important to gather the right equipment and documents to help assure a happy, safe and fun trip when you travel with your dog.
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10 Basic Items You Must Have When You Travel With Your Dog:
In addition to the items you will need to gather before you travel with your dog, there is also information you will need.
Tips For Traveling With Your Dog:
Record phone numbers and locations of Emergency Veterinarian Clinics along your route and at your destination.
Locate dog-friendly lodging, dining, attractions, events, parks, campgrounds, beaches, etc.
Obtain information on kennels in the area you will be staying in. Even if you don’t plan on kenneling your dog, something may come up that you have to do so. Better to be prepared.
Check to see if the area you will be in has any restrictions on your breed. Check here for cities and states with BSL or Breed Specific Legislation.
Research your travel destination for possible hazards to your dog that you may not have in your hometown.
Bring several clear, recent pictures of your dog in case he gets lost and you need to copy and place in places such as veterinarian’s offices and on street posts as well as social media sites.
Plan to stop at least every three hours to walk your dog and give him water.
Make test runs in your car if your dog is not a frequent car rider. Start with short intervals of about 10 minutes, lengthening the time with each subsequent ride.
Do not allow your dog to ride in the front seat. He may be a great travel companion, but the front seat is a dangerous spot for him. Instead, set him up comfortably in the back seat, in a car seat for dogs and secured by a dog seat belt. Give him his favorite top and/or blanket to snuggle with to help him feel secure.
Traveling with your dog can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. Planning and being prepared for the trip will make all the difference between a wonderful, fun-filled trip or a potential nightmare. Traveling with your dog is much like traveling with a toddler; anything can happen. Surrounding your dog with as many familiar items as possible will help him to be less anxious and happy on his road trip.
Take the time, gather the proper equipment, records, and destination information before taking off to travel with your dog.
You’ve decided to get the kids a dog. Great! Now it is important to find the best dogs for children. There are many things to consider. We’ll help you with the information you need to make the best choice.
First, make sure you are getting a dog for the right reasons. Consider the following before moving forward:
Don’t get a dog to teach the kids responsibility. The dog deserves an owner that is already responsible, not one that is learning on him.
Don’t get a dog simply because the kids have “worn you down.”
Deciding on the Best Dogs For Children Requires Careful Consideration
Okay, so you’ve decided that you are getting a dog for all the right reasons. But how do you determine which are the best dogs for children? There is no clear-cut fool-proof answer to that but armed with the right facts, you will be on the right path to a good choice.
Although some breeds are known to usually be good dog breeds for children, each individual dog will need to be evaluated on it’s own. Consider the following:
Best Dogs For Small Children
Larger dogs can easily knock into a smaller child, pushing them to the ground. Though most kids will simply get back up, ready for more, some children will become frightened by this doggy enthusiasm.
On a similar note, small dogs can be injured when a rough and tumble child falls onto them.
Try to match the size and energy level of the dog to your child.
Sometimes it is just better to put off adding a dog to your family until your child is a bit older.
Can A Puppy Be Amongst The Best Dogs For Children
Can there be anything cuter than a puppy? YES, a puppy and kids, romping, rolling, running and playing together. But, puppies are also usually rambunctious, untrained and time consuming. Do you have the time to devote to obedience training and housebreaking? Are you prepared for the possibility of chewed furniture and shoes?
Puppies are best suited to households where adults are home most of the day to see to their needs. Raising your kids and dog together is a neat experience and can create a strong loving bond between child and dog as long as the parents have the extra time to devote.
Sometimes An Adult Dog Is The Best Dog For Children
Consider an adult dog also. Many of these more mature dogs have had some training, perhaps have previously lived with a child and have come through some of the rambunctious stage. They are usually calmer than a puppy and their temperament has already been established.
Temperament and Personality Will Help Determine the Best Dog For Your Child
Opt for a laid back attitude when selecting your new dog. Some dogs are okay with anything and adjust well to whenever the kids want to play, run, bounce and jump. They may think it is great fun when their kid uses his doggy body for a toy truck ramp. Other dogs only want to play on their own terms and some dogs can be down-right irritated when the children of the house interrupt a doggy nap. (HINT: This later type may be better in a childless or older child home.)
Best dogs for children need to be ready (although maybe not thrilled) to participate in tea parties, dress-up and maybe even some nail painting sessions.
Kid’s dogs should have lots of energy to withstand hours of play. In short, the best dog for children needs to be a superdog because he’ll have the awesome responsibility of being a super best friend to the best kid in the world, YOURS!
Although there are many popular dogs that are known to be good dog breeds for children, everyone has their own idea on child friendly dog breeds..
Best Places To Get A Dog For Your Child
Dog Rescue Groups
– I believe rescue groups are the number one best place to begin your search for a dog for a child. Do your research for reputable rescue groups in your area. Ask around and gather information about the groups. Call the groups and/or visit their websites to find out how they operate. You want a rescue group that cares about their dogs and who they are placed with. The best groups will: temporarily house their dogs in good foster homes where the dogs will learn to live in a family situation, make sure their dogs are fully vetted, vaccinated and spayed or neutered before being adopted, require an extensive adoption application with veterinarian references
Dog Shelters
– Shelters are full of many wonderful dogs needing homes. Some shelters are very good and have workers and volunteers that work with the dogs to determine their personalities and suitability for children. Unfortunately, there are bad shelters who just bring the dogs in and send them out without much human contact or concern. Even the good shelters are often so understaffed that the dogs do not get as much interaction as they should.
Private Dog Breeders
– Although I firmly believe rescue groups and good shelters are the best places to look for a dog for your kids, private breeders can be another option, provided you check out the breeder carefully to determine they are not simply running an operation that continuously breeds their dogs to obtain as much profit as possible. If they are repeatedly advertising puppies for sale, chances are the breeder is a puppy mill, which is to be avoided at all costs.Dogs from puppy mill operations are born to mothers that are usually always caged and provided minimal care and contact. They are there as “breeding machines” to make the breeder profit. These dogs are usually never bathed, groomed, vetted or exercised. The moms are often discarded when they can no longer be profitable. The puppies born at these operations are likely to be sickly and have congenital defects. The Amish are huge contributors to the puppy mill industry. Behind their pristine perfect homes with the perfect green meadows, they will have a building full of puppies and pregnant females, living in their own waste and their feet will never be allowed to touch or run on that perfect grass.A responsible breeder will care about the breed and their puppies, caring for them within a family situation, where the will have family interaction. They will make sure their pups are vetted and vaccinated before leaving and obtain a complete reference and Vet check on potential adopters. Many good breeders will also require their adopters to sign an agreement to return the dog if for whatever reason they can no longer keep him. They care about their dogs!
DO NOT BUY A DOG FROM A PET STORE
Pet stores usually obtain their puppies from puppy mill operations. The puppies are often sick or will show signs of illness very shortly after purchase. If you are looking at the pet stores because you simply must have a purebred dog, remember; many rescue groups and shelters do have purebred dogs too. And, some rescue groups are breed-specific and as such, take in adult dogs and puppies of a specific breed. Do your research and google the breed you are looking for along with the words “rescue group.”
Also, keep in mind, a mutt can be the best “breed” you could ever add to your family. And, dogs with several breeds in their genetics are often healthier than purebred dogs since they will not have too much of any one breed, along with the genetic predisposition of that breed’s health problems.
With the proper planning and research, you can find your best dog for your children. Whether it turns out to be a purebred, mutt, large dog or small dog, he will give you many happy years of love. The best dog for children is different for everyone, depending on your situation. He will never stop loving you. Teach your children to respect and care for their dog in a loving way and he will be their best friend for life.
