BASIC FIRST AID FOR DOGS

 an article from this wonderfully resourceful website: 

http://www.doggiestylesgrooming.com/selfhelp.htm

Though most of us try to be responsible pet owners, many people cannot distinguish between life threatening or non life threatening injuries. Many minor injuries or illnesses can be treated safely by the owner such as minor cuts and abrasions. However, if signs of inflammation develop or the dog develops a temperature from a wound it would be best to call your veterinarian.

This could be a sign of infection or other illness. For minor cuts and abrasions, clean wound thoroughly with mild soap and water. Clip away any unwanted or matted hair. Inspect the wound for any foreign matter, then apply an antiseptic ointment or cream. All wounds should be inspected and monitored daily in case an infection develops.

Non life threatening injuries or illnesses are usually accompanied by severe pain. These injuries can include burns, fractures or lacerations that may require stitches. Always approach an injured dog with caution. If the dog makes any attempt to bite, use a muzzle before beginning any treatment. Upon approaching an injured dog, if there are no signs of aggression then stroke the dog, talking calmly and softly. If the dog appears to be shivering or shaking, place a blanket , rug or coat over the dogs body. If the dog appears to be excessively hot, (for example, panting rapidly) cool the dog down by using a fan or an ice pack. Your main concern should be preventing the injury from becoming worse and also preparing the dog for transport to your veterinarian.

Life-threatening injuries or illness include severe bleeding where blood pulsates or flows freely from a wound. Other injuries include no sign of breathing or heartbeat.

As with any injury with your dog, stay calm, and approach the dog cautiously.

To control bleeding, immobilize the dog by holding them firmly. Apply pressure directly to the site with a cotton gauze., then apply a bandage firmly. Remove bandage and reapply with less pressure. If the site is inaccessible, apply an ice pack to the area. Do not dab or attempt to clean the site until the bleeding stops as this action tends to encourage more bleeding. For severe bleeding, or very deep wounds take your dog to the veterinarian. Some words of caution with regards to assisting dogs in this condition. A dog may bleed to death if you panic or hesitate. Keep the dog still, moving them around will accelerate any bleeding. It is usually best for one person to immobilize the dog while the other person controls the bleeding. When a bandage is left on a limb for 30 minutes, always check the area below the bandage for swelling, signs of coldness or no reaction to pain if pinched. If any of these signs are evident, re- apply the bandage with less pressure.

How to check for a heartbeat and pulse:

A normal pulse of a dog varies according to the breed, age, weight and so on.

The normal pulse rage range is from 80-120 beats per minute. The pulse is a reflection of the heartbeat and is an indicator of blood circulation. To obtain the correct reading, the dog must be calm. This is an ideal time for you to learn where and how to take the pulse and record this in their record book. Place your finger on the inside of the thigh near the groin and feel gently in that area for a pulse from an artery just under the skin. Use a watch with a second hand and count how may beats you feel in one minutes time. You can feel for a heartbeat behind the left elbow between the third and sixth rib. The beat can be observed as a regular, slight movement of the chest wall on the left side of the dogs body, where the heart is located. If the heart beat is between the 80-120 beats per minutes range, than the circulation system is normal. If it is outside this average range, than consult with your physician. (You may also contact your vet for information on pulse rates for very small breeds).

Another thing that you should be become acquainted with and mark in your dogs record book is his normal temperature. The normal temperature range for a dog is between 37.8 degrees C (or 100 degrees F) and 39.2 degrees C (or 102.5 degrees F). If your dog 's temperature is outside that range consult with your veterinarian as this could be an indicator of an infection or other illness.

An ordinary household thermometer may be used. Shake the mercury down below 37.8 degrees C or 100 degrees F. Smear the thermometer with a non-irritating lubricant such as petroleum jelly. Secure the dog and insert the thermometer into the dog 's anus about 2 inches (5 cm) in holding the bulb against the rectal wall. Check the reading after 1-2 minutes time. Wipe the thermometer clean and disinfect, then wash your hands thoroughly. You will be ahead of most situations if you know what your dogs normal pulse rate and temperatures are. Being able to obtain this information can be vital to your veterinarian.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN

Call your veterinarian immediately

*When there is heavy bleeding from any part of the body and it will not stop, Apply pressure to stop the bleeding while waiting for or while on the way to your vets.

*Obvious blood in the urine

*Blood in vomit and or severe diarrhea that includes blood or putrid smell or fluid like.

*Burns that are fairly extensive.

*Choking when the dog appears distressed, who extends their head and neck, salivates, coughs or paws at the mouth.

*Sudden collapse or loss of balance, staggering or knuckling over, walking in circles, down and unable to get up, muscle tremor, rigidity, paddling movements of legs, depression, coma shock or overreaction to external stimuli that may cause these symptoms.

*Pain whether spasmodic, continuous or severe

*Poisonings due to exposure to chemicals (such as anti-freeze) snake or spider bites, plant ingestion. If possible, retain a sample for vet to identify further.

*Self-mutilation such a continual uncontrollable scratching, biting or tearing at skin causing broken skin and or/bleeding

*Severe breathing distress Where dog is gasping for air, noisy breathing or blue tongue.

*Severe injure including severe pain, lameness, cuts with the bone exposed puncture wounds to the eye, chest or abdomen, fractures or other injuries deemed serious.

*Straining continually with failure to urinate or defecate.

*Birthing difficulties, when no pup appears after straining or bitch gives up, or if only part of the pup appears after 20 minutes of straining.

*Swallowed object that causes distress or choking.

Call the vet the same day and monitor if

*Afterbirth is retained for 8 hours

*Breathing is difficult, labored, rapid shallow breathing with or without cough.

*eye problems with tears streaming down cheeks and eyelids are completely or partially closed, cornea is cloudy opaque or bluish-white in color.

*Frequent vomiting and if the dog becomes lethargic

*Frostbite or hypothermia causing low body temperature.

*Injuries, not urgent but may become infected. a cut through the full thickness of the skin needing stitches., puncture wounds in leg, head or acute sudden lameness.

*Mismating - termination of an unwanted pregnancy can be safely done within 72 hours after intercourse.

*Severe diarrhea. Soft or fluid stool with putrid odor and abdominal pain and/or straining.

*Severe itching, biting or scratching the skin causing inflammation, and hair loss.

*Swellings that are hot, hard and painful or discharging.

Wait 24 hours if

*There is appetite loss, not eating with no other symptoms.

*Diarrhea soft stool with no abdominal pain, blood or straining.

*Itching, moderate with no damage.

*Lameness with the ability to bear weight and does not affect eating or other functions.

*Occasional vomiting, on 2 or 3 occasions with no other symptoms

*Unpleasant odor from the coat (other that normal.)

*Thirst, excessive drinking, often with excessive urinating and apprehension.

HOMEOPATHIC EMERGENCY REMEDY LIST FOR DOGS

ACONITE:

For all EMOTIONAL TRAUMA,SHOCK, mental anxiety with restlessness, early stages of all feverish states and inflammations accompanied by fever. All effects of exposure to cold dry wind or heat.

APIS:

All ALLERGIC REACTIONS, SWELLINGS in reaction to vaccinations, insect bites, thorns, hives, rashes, bee stings, welts, joint swellings. All aggravated by heat, better cold. Swelling of eyelids, ears, throat, lungs, limbs, etc.

ARNICA:

ALL PHYSICAL PAIN AND TRAUMA from accidents, bruising, muscle strain, joint injuries, broken bones. Tooth extractions, gum pain. Physical over exertion. Mental anxiety from trauma.

ARGENT NIT:

MENTAL AGITATION, ANXIETY, PANIC accompanied by diarrhea, trembling. CLAUSTROPHOBIA loss of balance and coordination.

ARSENICUM:

POISONING from chemicals or spoiled rotten meat, moldy foods accompanied by foul smelling diarrhea. Lung disorders.

BELLADONNA:

SUDDEN ONSETS of fever, ear aches, heatstroke, throat inflammations with dilated pupils, staring wide open, glazed eyes. Heightened sensitivities. Fever with sweat and full pulse.

BELLIS PERENNIS:

Effects of over exertion STRAINS, BRUISES to deep tissue due to blow. Soreness or injury to groin and or pelvic area.

BRYONIA:

ALL incidents where the dog is WORSE WITH MOVEMENT, area is painful and better with pressure. Arthritis, rheumatism with hard tense joints. Exhibits great thirst, irritability and fatigue.

CALENDULA:

ANTISEPTIC, AIDS IN HEALING TISSUE For all open wounds, cuts, stabs and surgery. Stimulates healing of torn muscles, ligaments, cartilage. Use topically and or internally.

CANTHARIS:

BURNS, burning pains, kidneys pain, urinary tract infection, blood in urine, straining or difficulty urinating. Burns, scalds in mouth, throat, external burns. Use topically and or internally.

CARBO VEG:

SUDDEN COLLAPSE, almost lifeless body becomes icy cold. Pulse becomes thready weak. Effects of violent sickness, exhaustion, starvation blood loss or abuse. Corpse-like.

CHINA (Chin.)

DEBILITY DUE TO PROFUSE EXHAUSTION FROM LOSS OF VITAL FLUIDS, loss of blood with weakness. Anemia in foals, dehydration, diarrhea, dropsy from bleeding. Inflammation of organ after hemorrhaging.

COCCULUS:

MOTION SICKNESS (from car rides)exhibiting dizziness, vomiting from motion, vertigo. Exhaustion after dog has returned from a run-a -way ordeal.

GELSEMIUM:

(Gels.) ANTICIPATED FEAR. Bad effects from fright, fear (fear of person, animal or vet) worse emotion or excitement, anxiety. Diarrhea from sudden emotions such as a fright or anticipation of an ordeal.

EUPHRASIA:

EYE INJURIES, or infection from colds, injury. Irritating watery eye discharge. Onset of cloudiness of cornea. Abrasions or scratches. Use topically as a eye wash and internally.

GLONIUM:

HEATSTROKE, COLLAPSE from over exposure to heat or sun. Throbbing pulse, sometimes convulsions.

HEPAR SULPH (Hep.)

ABSCESSES with sensitivity to touch. Thick yellow ropy pus or discharge. Smells like old cheese. BOILS, inflamed sinus, bad infection from open wounds, scratch. Better warmth. Chills easily. Unhealthy skin that every little injury suppurates. Skin ulcers, ear cankers.

HYPERICUM (Hyper.)

NERVE INJURIES, from lacerations, animal or insect bites. Tail bone pain from injury. Bone pain. Injury to brain or spinal cord. Jagged wounds involving damage to nerve endings. Toenail pain from injury of clipping too short.

LEDUM (Led.)

PUNCTURE WOUNDS, puncture wounds that do not bleed, cold to touch, with general lack of body heat. Worse with warmth, cold discoloration of skin surrounding puncture. Better ice. Deep joint inflammation, foot abscesses. Lameness where dog hangs leg or foot. Infection of site after a vaccination. Tetanus.

MERCURIUS (Merc.)

DISCHARGES free secretions with foul smell, thick greenish-yellow. Cough with lots of moist thick nasal discharge, swollen glands, diarrhea, shivering restlessness. Nasal discharge from colds or flu. Abscesses in gums, mouth ulcers.

NUX VOMICA (Nux-v.)

INDIGESTION, digestive upsets, MILD COLIC caused by error in diet or weather change. CONSTIPATION with small hard mucus covered stools in small quantities. Rectal uneasiness.

PHOSPHORUS (Phos.)

OVERSENSITIVE to effects of lightning, loud noises. Eye and ear disorders. Sudden onset of pneumonia, passing large amounts of urine. HEMORRHAGING of bright red blood. Flu, when eyes are glazed. Dogs with diabetes, overweight with ravenous appetite. THIRSTY.

PULSATILLA (Puls.)

TIMID, EMOTIONAL ever CHANGEABLE nature, either physically or emotionally. Dog fears abandonment of being left alone. Great dryness of mouth and generally THIRST-LESS, loss of appetite without thirst. Arthritis with timid emotional nature better gentle movement.

RHUS TOX (Rhus-T)

ARTHRITIS, physical and emotional disorder that is ALWAYS BETTER WITH MOVEMENT or exercise. Acute rheumatism, stiffness, lameness from over exertion or straining. Stiff muscles and or joint soreness that loosens up or swelling reduces with exercise.

RUTA GRAV (Ruta)

LAMENESS, damage to tendons, ligaments, cartilage, BRUISING to bones, sprains with joint weakness, injury to flexor tendons, contusions, tears, blow, fall or twisting of effected joints.

SEPIA (Sep.)

ALL HORMONAL DISORDERS in females. Moodiness, irritability , indifference to pups.

SILICA (Sil)

SKIN DISORDERS. Expels foreign bodies from tissues (Slivers). Restores connective tissues, reduces scar tissue formation. Ulcers inside corner of eyes. EMACIATION from cancer, abuse.

SULPHUR (Sulph.)

ANTI-SPORIC remedy. Has reoccurring or relapses of condition. Stubborn cough, colds, skin conditions that don 't seem to heal. Great reabsorbent used after acute illnesses.

SYMPHYTUM (Symph.)

BONE DISORDERS, pain, fractures, stress fractures. Injuries/blow to the eye.

QUICK REFERENCE

HEATSTROKE

Glonium - Heatstroke, collapse from over exposure to heat or sun.

Belladonna - Heatstroke with dilated pupils, staring, wide open, glazed eyes, full pulse.

Carbo Veg - Collapse, lifeless, corpse like.

PHYSICAL TRAUMA

Arnica -Pain and trauma . Bruising or overexertion Blows resulting in injury.

Rhus Tox - Lameness that is better with movement

Ruta - Sprains from twisting

Ledum - Lameness where horse hangs leg balancing on toe.

Apis - All swellings in legs, build up of synovial fluids from strain.

Hypericum - Nerve injury from trauma.

FEAR, FRIGHT, ANXIETY

Rescue Remedy for all emotional and physical anxiety.

Aconite - For all fear fright and anxiety of unknown origin.

Gelsemium - Anticipated anxiety.

Ars - Anxiety and restlessness due to toxicity.

Cham - Anxiety due to irritability and temperamental.

CUTS and WOUNDS

Calendula - Internally and topically to aid in healing.

Calendula & Hypericum mixed for injuries to eyes.

FEVERS

Belladonna - Fever with glazed eyes, full pulse, sudden onset.

Bryonia - Fever worse with movement , hot shiny skin.

Aconite - Early stages of all feverish states. Isolated inflammations.

BURNS

Cantharis - All burns physical and internal.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Apis - Swellings of any kind and/or due to insect bites, vaccinations, etc.

Plants that are harmful to your dog

This list doesn't cover everything!!  

Always do your research!!

PLANTS	TOXIC PARTS	PLANT TYPE
Aconite	roots, foliage, seeds	garden flower
Apple	seeds	cultivated tree
Arrowgrasses	leaves	marsh plants
Atropa belladonna	entire plant esp. seeds, roots	garden herb
Autumn Crocus	entire plant	garden flower
Azaleas	entire plant	cultivated & wild shrub
Baneberry	berries, roots	wildflower
Bird-of-Paradise	pods	garden flower
Black locust	entire plant esp. bark, shoots	tree
Bloodroot	entire plant esp. stem, roots	wildflower, herb
Box	entire plant esp. leaves	ornamental shrub
Buckeye	sprouts, nuts, seeds	tree
Buttercup	entire plant esp. leaves	wildflower, garden herb
Caladium	entire plant	house plant
Carolina jessamine	flowers, leaves	ornamental plant
Castor bean	entire plant esp. beans	house plant
Chinaberry tree	berries	tree
Chockcherries	leaves, cherries, pit	wild shrub
Christmas berry	leaves	shrub
Christmas Rose	rootstock, leaves	garden flower
Common privet	leaves, berries	ornamental shrub
Corn cockle	seeds	wildflower, weed
Cowbane	entire plant esp. roots	wildflower, herb
Cow cockle	seeds	wildflower, weed
Cowslip	entire plant esp. leaves, stem	wildflower, herb
Daffodil	bulbs	garden flower
Daphne	bark, berries, leaves	ornamental shrub
Day lily	entire plant is toxic to cats	garden & wildflower
Death Camas	leaves, stems, seeds, flowers	field herb
Delphinium (Larkspur)	entire plant esp. sprouts	wildflower
Dumbcane	entire plant	house plant
Dutchman's breeches	roots, foliage	wild & garden flower
Easter lily	entire plant is toxic to cats	flowering house plant
Elderberry	leaves, bark, roots, buds	tree
Elephant's ear	entire plant	house plant
English Ivy	entire plant esp. leaves, berries	ornamental vine
European Bittersweet	entire plant esp. berries	vine
False Flax	seeds	wild herb
False hellebore	roots, leaves, seeds	ornamental flower
Fan weed	seeds	wildflower, herb
Field peppergrass	seeds	wildflower, herb
Foxglove	leaves	wild & garden flower
Holly	berries	shrub
Horsechestnut	nuts, sprouts	tree
Horse nettle	entire plant esp. berries	wildflower, herb
Hyacinth	bulbs	wild & house plant
Iris	leaves, roots	wild & garden flower
Jack-in-the-pulpit	entire plant esp. roots, leaves	wildflower
Jatropha	seeds	tree, shrub
Jerusalem Cherry	unripe fruit, foliage	ornamental plant
Jimsonweed	entire plant esp. seeds	field plant
Laburum	seeds, pods, flowers	ornamental plant
Lantana	foliage	house plant
Larkspur	young plants	wildflower
Laurels	leaves	shrub
Lily of the valley	leaves, flowers	garden & wildflower
Lupines	seeds, pods	shrub
Manchineel Tree	sap, fruit	tree
Matrimony vine	leaves, shoots	ornamental vine
Mayapple	unripe fruit, roots, foliage	wildflower
Milk vetch	entire plant	wildflower
Mistletoe	berries	house plant
Monkshood	entire plant esp. roots, seeds	wildflower
Moonseed	fruit, roots	vine
Morning glory	seeds, roots	wildflower
Mountain mahogany	leaves	shrub
Mustards	seeds	wildflower
Narcissus	bulbs	garden flower
Nicotiana	leaves	garden flower
Nightshade	leaves, berries	wildflower, vine
Oaks	shoots, leaves	tree
Oleander	leaves	ornamental shrub
Philodendrons	entire plant	house plant
Pokeweed	roots, seeds, berries	field plant
Poinsettia	leaves, stem, flowers	house plant
Poison hemlock	leaves, stem, fruit	field plant
Potato	shoots, sprouts	garden plant
Rattle box	entire plant	wildflower
Rhododendron	leaves	ornamental shrub
Rhubarb	leaves	garden plant
Rosary pea	seeds	house plant
Sago palm	entire plant esp seeds	ornamental plant
Skunk cabbage	entire plant esp roots, leaves	marsh plant
Smartweeds	sap	wildflower
Snow-on-the-mountain	sap	field plant
Sorghum	leaves	grass
Star of Bethlehem	entire plant	wildflower
Velvet grass	leaves	grass
Wild black cherry	leaves, pits	tree
Wild radish	seeds	wildflower
Wisteria	pods, seeds	ornamental plant
Woody aster	entire plant	wildflower
Yellow jessamine	entire plant	ornamental vine
Yellow oleander	entire plant esp. leaves	garden plant
Yellow pine flax	entire plant esp. seedpods	wildflower
Yew	bark, leaves, seeds	ornamental tree

Dog Park Etiquette

Dr. Kathy Babbitt

2010-04-21 17:30:16

The weather has been wonderful in the past week. I am sitting in my office with the windows open and I am already thinking about the end of the day. I often try to think of things to go and do with my dogs. Many of my clients are now taking their dogs to dog parks. Dog parks can be a great place for your furry friend to get some exercise and socialization, but I must remind everyone that there is etiquette to be followed.
1. Dog parks are for dogs and dogs only. It is best to never bring any other type of animal to the park. Introduction of other types of animals can lead to fights. This does unfortunately include children. Dogs and children can easily frighten one another and bad things can happen. It is best to take the kids to the kid park and the dogs to the dog park.
2. Only take your dog if it has been fully vaccinated. Many very deadly diseases are easily transmitted from dog to dog. Dogs should have their full compliment of vaccines by 4 months and should be seen yearly for recommended boosters at your veterinarian.
3. Use good parasite control. Fleas, ticks and intestinal worms abound in places were there is a high density of dogs and dog excrement. Some of the intestinal worms can be transferred to humans. These “worm” infections in kids can cause serious problems. Make sure your dog is on veterinary approved preventive measures and make sure to pick up your poop. It is not only unsightly but can be dangerous to everyone’s health.
4. Dogs should not go to a dog park if they are not already polite and friendly with others. A dog park is not a place to rehabilitate a fearful or aggressive dog. If your dog is fearful or aggressive seek professional help and advice before going to a dog park. If you are unsure of how your dog will behave it is OK to use a basket or wire muzzle the first few times. It is better to be safe than sorry.
5. Before entering the dog park sit and watch the group that is already there. Are there a large number of big dogs and yours is small? Is there a large number of small dogs and yours is big? Does there appear to be a bully in the mix? You may want to go home and come back later if there is a concern.
Once in the dog park do not let other dog threaten or bully your dog and the opposite is true. If the bully does not leave then you will need to leave. Do not stay thinking that your dog needs “to get over it” or “learn to stand up for himself.” This will only make the problem worse.
6. Do not take toys or treat to the dog park. Toys and food may cause competition between dogs and may result in a fight. It is best to leave all food, even yours, and toys at home.
7. Be safe. Do not attempt to break up a dog fight by yelling at your dog, grabbing their collar, or putting yourself in harm’s way. An air horn or a non toxic citronella spray, such as Direct Stop may be your best bet. Also keep a cell phone on hand with the phone numbers of your veterinarian, the dog warden, and the police programmed in case of emergency. Aggressive dogs and people that will not leave need to be reported.
8. Be knowledgeable about dog behavior. Learning body postures, social signals and communication can allow you to assess a situation for stress, aggression, fear, play, threats, etc. This will allow you to more easily predict a bad situation and to prevent injury to your dog. If you do not understand dog communication educate yourself prior to going to the dog park.
9. Supervise your dog. It is not the time to be socializing or engrossed in a book. You need to be paying attention to your dog’s behavior as well as the behavior of the dogs around them. This is another good reason to not bring the kids as it is hard to fully supervise both.
10. Realize there is a risk. Taking you dog to the dog park is fun and rewarding. Do not be naïve, though; injuries do occur. Any time dogs (or kids for that matter) are allowed to play in large groups injuries can happen.
Please remember these basic dog park rules to make you day out with your furry friend as enjoyable as possible.
Dr. Kathleen Babbitt is the owner of Lima Animal Hospital. If you have questions please email her at babbittDVM@wcoil.com.

Make Wise Choices When Choosing a Pet

by Dorothy Miner

Who can resist the appeal of a young puppy? How can you not fall in love with those pleading eyes and wagging tail? It seems that the little guy is just begging you to pick it up, take it home and love it. Many people do just that — their hearts melt, reason goes out the window, and they bring the youngster home. Many times this arrangement works just fine. Sadly, sometimes it doesn’t. Many of the problems clients bring to a dog trainer could have been avoided if the person had made an informed decision prior to obtaining a dog. Unfortunately, too many pets are impulse purchases, and that can lead to problems.

Before succumbing to those eyes and that adorable coat of puppy fluff, think about what the pup is going be when it grows up. Are you ready for a 90-pound shedding machine? Does the very thought of long strings of doggy drool make you cringe? Are frequent rounds of sustained yapping going to drive you or your neighbors nuts? Will you be able to keep your frustrated shepherd from attempting to herd cars on the street? Will you be able to keep your four-legged explorer safely contained in your house and yard? Are you strong enough physically and temperamentally to handle one of the big, potentially tough breeds? Do you have the time and ability to provide the significant amounts of exercise most medium and larger dogs need? Are you ready for a dog who may have an extended puppyhood of up to three years before beginning to settle down a bit? Are you ready to deal with the possible health problems that come with this breed? Is everyone at home going to be happy with the acquisition of this dog?
If you did your homework and have decided on a suitable breed, you still have work to do. It’s relatively easy to find any breed of puppy, especially now with the Internet, but locating a puppy is only the first step. Pretty much any breeder and his dogs look good on a Web site or in a magazine or newspaper ad, but the reality may be quite a bit different.
You’ll want to know how the pups were raised and socialized. Have they had lots of handling by the breeder and carefully supervised contact with other people? Have they spent at least seven or eight weeks with their mother and littermates? Have they and their mother had good nutrition and veterinary care? Prior to mating, were the parents tested for the genetic problems inherent in the breed?  Are the sire and dam dogs you would be able to live with? Many breeds have family lines that are completely different in temperament and energy level and you’ll want to choose wisely.
How do you find that perfect puppy or dog for you and your family? If your heart is set on a purebred, go the parent club’s Web site. Each breed of dog has a parent club that oversees the breed in this country, and they can provide you with a list of member breeders who have agreed to conform to the club’s code of ethics. The American Kennel Club will provide contact information for the parent clubs for each breed that can be registered with them.
If it’s a rare breed you want, you can find its parent club with a little research on the computer. Rescue organizations are a great source, too. Many dogs in rescue have lived in foster homes for a while and the good people caring for them can give you helpful background information on their charges.
This advice is not limited to purebreds. Mixed breeds and “designer breeds” will inherit their temperamental makeup from the breeds that are behind them. Would each of the breeds in the combination make a good choice for you?
A puppy bought on a whim may turn out to be the best pet you ever had, but it could also be a nightmare ending in the re-homing or even the death of the dog. Make your choice with your brain as well as your heart and most likely you and your dog will enjoy a happy relationship for many years.
Dorothy Miner is a long-time dog trainer, obedience and tracking instructor and judge of canine events. She is a published author and contributes regular columns to several dog publications. Dorothy currently teaches at the Hollowell Academy of Dog Training and, with Diane Laratta, teaches weekly classes for the Allen Correctional Institution PETS Program.

Cold Weather Tips For Pet Owners

 

During the winter months water bowls left outside can fill with autumn leaves or freeze. Doghouses need "winterizing," cleaning and replacing bedding to stave off the chill of autumn and winter. Doghouses should be up off the ground with at least a pallet/skid between the floor of the doghouse and the cold/damp/frozen ground.

Everyone wants a warm place to sleep in wintertime, a place that's cozy, comfy and not drafty 

Short haired dogs may need extra calories if they spend much time outdoors, because they do not have the thick winter coats of Siberian huskies or Alaskan Malamutes.

Water should be clean, available and in liquid form

Water bowls, unless heated, need to be monitored regularly. When temperatures dip below freezing -- and when they stay that way more often than not -- your outside pets need water that is not rimmed with ice or frozen solid. Eating snow lowers your pet's core temperature. Yes, animals with hair can and do freeze to death.

When snow and ice become a factor, check things like doggie paws (for ice and/or snow that can pack in between the pads and make your dog sore and/or lame). Older and/or less active dogs should receive correspondingly more warm bedding and "care checks."

For those with outside cats -- even though some cats tend to be more self-sufficient than most dogs -- kittens and elderly cats need more groceries and a supply of non-frozen water. A place 'out of the weather' that's kept just for them -- a box with nice, warm bedding -- is appreciated.

Care Checks

For those great-hearted folks that check on and care for homeless dogs and/or cats, a huge thank you! This is the time of year when unplanned, unwanted litters of puppies and kittens suffer most from the elements -- and why spaying/neutering is a lifesaver. Eartips can get frostbitten; a minor summer cold can spell death in the winter months.