By Denise Fleck
Head-to-Tail check Look your dog over from head-to-tail every week feeling for lumps and bumps. Notice if his skin his dry, his coat dull or shiny, if there is evidence of parasites (flea dirt or the actual critters), burrs or foxtails. Anything you find early (especially a lump) may prevent a nightmare from occurring, so bring it to your veterinarian’s attention at onset. Know your pet’s baseline vitals and pay attention to what he looks like when he stands/sits and how often he asks to go out. The more quickly you spot something ‘not quite right,’ the better chance of fixing it. Never miss annual vet exams as each calendar years is equal to almost 7 years in the life of your dog, meaning a lot can change. Pet First-Aid Kit Just like a carpenter or plumber, pet owners must have the right tool for the job. So that you are prepared to bandage a wound, pull a tick or soothe an upset tummy, at the very least, have the following items on hand in an easily accessible place: Á Á 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting Á Á Eye Wash (saline or purified water) Á Á 4” X 4” Gauze Squares and Gauze Roll Á Á Adhesive Tape of Self-adhering Bandage Á Á Cold Pack Á Á Antibiotic Ointment Á Á Needle-less Syringe or Eye Dropper
Á Á Digital Thermometer (dogs normally run 102.5° F) Á Á Styptic Powder to stop bleeding toe nails Á Á Scissors & Tweezers Á Á Antihistamine & Antacid Tablets Á Á Portable Water Bowl, Bottled Water & Electrolytes Á Á Leash to wrangle or muzzle a pet (flat faced breeds require a special muzzle) Á Á Towel or Blanket to wrap an unruly puppy or use as a stretcher Á Á Phone Numbers/Addresses of your Veterinarian & Animal ER Á Á Pet First-Aid Handbook Animal ER Drive there before you need to, so that you know where to enter, what services are offered and how they accept payment. Don’t just program the number into your cell. When you have an ill or injured pet, you want to know which side of the street it is on and where the closest entrance is. Quality Time Daily Pets are part of the family! That’s why we bring them into our hearts and homes, so unplug from electronics when you take Rover on a walk, don’t mindlessly pet Fluffy while you’re reading a book. Animals are in the moment with us. Give your best friend the same courtesy. He’ll love you even more for it!
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