How to Get Rid of Canine Acne



As humans we experience skin problems like acne at least once in our lives, but what most don't realize is that we aren't the only ones who need attention when it comes to annoying acne. Believe it or not, our dogs also have the tendency to develop what is commonly known as canine acne, a skin problem caused by the blockage of hair follicles due to substances like keratin and sebum that are plugging debris within the pores.

This kind of skin disorder is common among certain breeds, particularly for 5 to 8 month-old English bulldogs, Boxers, Great Danes, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.

So how can you tell if your dog has acne? Dogs that have this kind of skin problem develop multiply blackheads or comedones in areas like the muzzle, lips, and chin. If left untreated, canine acne can develop swellings, scabs, and more blackheads, which normally do not affect the dog unless these develop into a secondary skin infection that could cause irritation, itching, and of course pain. If you think your dog's lips or chin have blackheads and swellings that might develop into a chronic type of skin disease, the best solution is to take him or her to the local vet for treatment.

Unfortunately, most canine acne cases cannot be cured entirely but it can be controlled with proper treatment and medication.
The vet would normally base his or her findings on the dog's blackheads, but for further assurance he or she might perform a skin biopsy on the dog. This is also to ensure that the canine acne isn't caused by more severe problems such as mite infestations (demodecosis), ringworms, puppy strangles, and other allergies that could be causing the blackheads and swelling to develop.

Here are some options for canine acne treatment:

- The vet will usually recommend regular cleaning of the infected areas with anti-acne products such as benzoyl peroxide or mild anti-seborrhea shampoos in order to lessen and rid the dog of the bacteria that causes the plugging of debris within the skin and to remove such debris effectively.

- Antibiotics may be needed and prescribed if the canine acne becomes worse due to secondary skin infections that could cause incessant itching, scratching, and pain on the dog. The antibiotics are usually needed for 3 to 4 weeks, but there is a possibility that a swab test would be required for further observation. Make sure that the medications used are prescribed from a well-rounded veterinarian so as to prevent further pain and damage from happening to your pet.

- Of course, if things have gotten worse and you see your dog scratching endlessly on the infected parts (especially the face), it would be best to use an anti-inflammatory drug, which usually comes in the form of either a steroid cream or injection that will be able to lessen the discomfort your dog feels. Again, consult the veterinarian first before buying these drugs to ensure the safety of your dog's health.

I also recommend you check out products that naturally help to clear up canine acne by working with your dog's immune system. Some of these products will also help to relieve scratching and itching that may develop as a result of the acne.
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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners. Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter atwww.K9KlearUp.comand receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

What Causes Dog Dermatitis & How to Help Your Hurting Hound





There are a lot of diseases that dogs are prone to and one of them is the infamous itching problem known as dog dermatitis. Dermatitis is basically the general term used to describe transient or chronic itching in dogs that causes not only their coats to become flaky, scaly, and painful but can also affect the overall health of the dog entirely. Since dermatitis is a general term, there are different types of the disease which could either be transient (short-term and can be treated) or chronic (long term and can be fatal to the dog) in nature. If you've noticed your own dog scratching and biting off bits of his or her fur incessantly, it could be a case of canine dermatitis, which means you should take him or her to your local veterinarian for medications and treatments to cure the skin disease.

Causes

To better understand the nature of dog dermatitis, it is important that you know what factors can cause this skin disease in many dogs. In truth, the causes can vary from mere sunburns and flea bites to actual skin cancers and diseases for dogs. In most cases, the most common causes of dog dermatitis include allergies, irritating substances, seborrhea, reactions to drugs or toxins, fungi, bacterial, and parasitical infections, bad reactions to certain kinds of food, and the like. Another factor could be the dog's breed as some are more prone to such skin infections.

Types

As mentioned previously, there are different kinds or types of dog dermatitis, each with their own set of characteristics and symptoms that make them identifiable. Here are some of the most common:

- Canine atopy: this is a very common cause of chronic itching in most dogs and is caused by an allergic reaction to substances in the environment, especially in grassy areas. This also affects mostly dogs between one and five years and that have a weak immune system to resist such substances. Atopy can be identified if the dog itches and scratches a lot, especially in the face and feet that causes skin to become red, moist, and irritated.

- Pyotraumatic dermatitis: usually known or referred to as a "hot spot", this kind of dog dermatitis is usually identified with a red, moist, hairless, and painful sore on the dog's body that appears suddenly. This kind of skin infection is usually common among dog breeds like Golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick coats and long hair. Pyotraumatic dermatitis develops when the dog licks and scratches his or her skin raw because of something that causes such irritation.

- Contact dermatitis: this is a dog skin disorder that usually develops due to direct contact with certain materials such as fertilizers, flea collars, carpet cleaners, or other corrosive substances used in cleaning the home. It also occurs to dogs that are overly sensitive to a particular substance that is normally not an irritant. It can cause itchy red skin in the parts of the dog's body that has been exposed to the irritant.

Solution

As previously mentioned, as soon as you suspect your dog has dermatitis, you should bring your dog to the vet and seek immediate treatment. I also recommend you consider purchasing specialized balms that help relieve dog dermatitis. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I've ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite.

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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners. Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter atwww.K9KlearUp.comand receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

What You Can Do to Help Your Pooch Stop the Itch!



There is nothing better to a dog owner than to see his pet healthy, active and happy. A common reason for the transformation of your dog from happy to sad is due to dog scratching. Dogs just can't stand being uncomfortable. They scratch every part they can possibly reach once that itchy feeling comes their way.

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Dog scratching is something a dog owner must address. It brings about much stress and trauma to your dog, especially when dog cuts come about. The itchy sensation makes the dog scratch and scratch, not being aware that he is making the problem worse. Of course, all he's thinking is, "Get rid of this irritating itch!".

CAUSES

A dog may appear active and playful, and yet be feeling very sore. There are various reasons for the dog scratching problem. It is likely because they have a specific skin issue, such as dermatitis.

Dermatitis can be environmental, nutritional, parasitic, infectious or bacterial. Now, what the dog owner must do first is to contact a veterinarian. As soon as it's noticed, the "dog scratching" problem must be given your full attention, as it may cause serious long-term skin problems if not dealt with early. A dog owner must work hand in hand with his vet, taking the full responsibility of relaying all the necessary information about his dog. With the cooperation of the owner, the vet would be able to identify the possible causes.

SOLUTION

As soon as the cause of the dog scratching is identified, the dog must be treated immediately. Of course, depending on the specific cause, the owner must make some changes in order for the skin problem to totally heal. For instance, dog scratching problems can happen to dogs that are allergic to lawn grass (strange but true).

You may also want to consider products that specialize in treating dog scratching. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I've ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite. You can search Google to find an appropriate product for your dog's scratching problem.
So there you have it, some simple solutions to help get rid of annoying scratching in dogs. Your dog will be wagging his tail again in no time!
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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at
www.K9KlearUp.comand receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

Understanding A Dog's Heat Cycle



As usual my new puppy is giving me something to write about. This time it is her first heat. By now a new dog owner should have made the decision to breed their female dog or not. Breeding is not a profitable endeavor, therefore it should be done only to propagate a breed of dog.

Having your dog go through the heat cycle is a messy stressful 3 week or more period. A dog usually experiences a heat cycle twice a year after she reaches 6 months of age. In larger dogs the cycle may be every 9-12 months. In some breeds like Basenji's it may only be once a year.

There are four stages to a heat cycle. The first is called Proesterus. The vulva swells and there is a bloody discharge. The bitch secretes pheromones which attract the males. This period lasts about 9 days and the dog will not allow a male to mount her. It has been recommended to me that even though some dogs may wash themselves frequently, to protect my carpet, clothes, and furniture, it would be wise to purchase protective panties and use mini-pads. The second stage is called Estrus. The female still has a discharge, but now she will allow a male to mount her. This stage lasts another 9 -12 days. The third stage is called the Luteal stage. It lasts 2-3 months whether or not the dog is pregnant. Some dogs who are not pregnant will experience a false pregnancy. Their mammary glands swell and will secrete fluid. They get nesting instincts and become possessive of their nesting or bedding area. The last stage is the Anestrus cycle. It is a stage of reduced hormonal or ovarian
activity. It's the calm before the next heat. During this period, if you are not planning on breeding, you should again consider spaying your dog. Always consult your veterinarian and your breeder for a course of action that is best for you and your dog.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson,

Visit www.k9klearup.com today...

.Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at

Visit www.k9klearup.com today...

and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

Male Dog Neutering And Female Dog Spaying: When Should It Be Done?


Every year thousands and thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized because they lack a home and family to adopt them. We humans are to blame for this situation. Every year the newspapers are full of articles submitted by the S.P.C.A. relating to the number of animals they have had to kill.

As responsible pet owners we have to make the decision whether or not we want to contribute to the problem or do our part to keep unwanted pets out of the shelters and off the streets. So when do we need to neuter or spay the animals? We need to decide by the time our pet is 6 to 8 months old whether or not to sterilize him/her.

Being a responsible breeder is no easy task and there is no profit to be made. Breeding is done strictly for the betterment and continuation of the breed. The costs of the stud service, the buying or making of a whelping box, the veterinarian bill for the care of the mother dog, possible fees for delivering the pups, puppy food, veterinarian checkups for the puppies, eye exams, worming, fees for docking of the tails, vaccinations, etc., etc., quickly eat up any profits to be made. Then there are the countless sleepless nights waiting for the moment of birth, worrying about the newborn puppies, the noise from yelping puppies keeping you awake. It's simply a labor of love for a responsible breeder.

Whether or not you have a mixed breed or a purebred dog you need to take the precaution so that accidental breedings do not happen. If you have an unspayed female dog you dog will every 6 to 10 months go into heat that lasts about 3 weeks. A heat is also known as an oestrus period. During this time the female will have menses or a period, where she will secrete blood from her vagina. This is a messy situation for a house pet. There are protective garments that may be purchased to contain the mess, but also help deter unwelcome entry from male dogs. Also during this time your dogs behaviour may change and she will be less obedient.

Unsterilized (un-neutered) male dogs can become aggressive and may show overt sexual behaviour when there are in-season females nearby. The male dogs will mark territory in the neighbourhood or in the home by urinating small amounts. Adolescence, is a trying period. Your male dog and you will likely have confrontations over whom is the alpha personality. Now is the time to remember, that you love your dog, but you are the master.

To spay a female dog, a veterinarian removes it's uterus and ovaries. A male dog is neutered when the veterinarian removes the dog's testicles. Both operations are usually safe and require one nights stay at the clinic.

The benefits to sterilizing your dog not only include unwanted off-spring, avoiding temperament problems, but also can benefit your dogs health. Having your pet sterilized will decrease the risk of developing tumors in the genital area. Males can develop problems with the prostate gland. Females can develop problems with the mammary glands. Consult your veterinarian before your pet becomes 6 months old. Take a trip to your local S.P.C.A. and take a look at all the homeless cats and dogs before you decide to leave your pet unsterilized.
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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter atwww.K9KlearUp.com and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

When It's Time To Say Good Bye



The decision to euthanize a pet is for most owners a difficult choice. Consultation with your veterinarian will help you make the right choice. Some pet owners are unable to cope with the daily care of an ill pet. The tasks around the care, cleaning, feeding, and expense can build resentment towards the pet and would rob them of happy memories. Some pets are euthanized because of behaviour problems such as aggression and barking. Rather than consult their veterinarian or an animal behaviorist, the owner opts for an easy out. They are focusing on the possibility of law suits or eviction rather than the love for their pet. Healthy dogs are also euthanized because the owners housing situation has changed. The owner finds that they are moving to an apartment where no pets are allowed. Rather than consulting their veterinarian or a pet placement service the owner opts for euthanasia. They either do not feel they can trust someone else to love their pet, have a distrust of the pet
placement services, or do not want the expense and trouble of finding someone to adopt their pet.

We've all heard the phrase "Quality of life, not quantity." When a dog becomes old, or ill, or is in pain, it may be the best and kindest thing to let the pet go in peace and with dignity. Your veterinarian should always be consulted before and during this decision. He/she will know when the time is right for you and your pet so than neither your nor your pet will suffer excessively physically or emotionally.

The act of euthanasia is never as bad as we fantasize. We can choose to be present or not during the actual euthanasia. The shot is painless and many veterinarians will tranquilize the pet before hand as many pets will react to the nervousness of their owners and react likewise. Being with your pet gives you a chance to say your final good-byes and put closure to your relationship. If grief seems unbearable ask your veterinarian for some brochures dealing with loss of pets. Be assured that if you have been consulting your veterinarian all along during your pets life and illness, that you have now made a wise, informative, and correct decision. Be at ease and turn your thoughts to happy memories.

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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson,Visit www.k9klearup.com today...
. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at Visit www.k9klearup.com today...
and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

How To Care For a Teething Puppy




It seems that no amount of rawhide bones, nyla bones, or chewy toys you provide will keep a teething puppy from finding something to chew on that they shouldn't chew on. I thought I had learned from experience to provide an abundance of chewy items. I thought I had provided my pup with so many items that it made my nocturnal meanderings a life taking risk. Yet, my pup found, chewed and punctured my tracking boots. Thus providing me with another topic to write about.

Puppies should have a full set of 28 baby teeth by the time they are 8 weeks old: fourteen teeth on each of the upper and lower jaws. During the next five months the baby teeth will be replaced by the adult teeth. There are 42 adult teeth, 21 on each jaw.

If you have a dog that you may be considering showing in conformation, you need to monitor the growth of the teeth ensuring that they do fall out and grow in on time. Like human children, if the baby teeth are not replaced on time it may cause deformities in the adult teeth. A veterinarian may need to extract a tooth so that the other teeth will grow in straight. Sometimes the owner of a dog may help by working on loosening a tooth, much the same way as a child works on loosening a tooth so that the Tooth Fairy comes.

Chewing on items is a form of massaging the gums for puppies. Not only does it reduce discomfort but it also helps loosen a tooth and also helps break the skin on the gums so that a new tooth can come through. Providing ample items to chew on will help. However, be careful what you provide. Do not give old shoes and socks, as puppies cannot differentiate between old and new items. Keep all chewable items off the floor and out of reach of the pup. Nothing is safe from a chewing pup including furniture and walls. When you cannot be observing your pup, it is wise to crate it. Provide plenty of chewy items so that it doesn't become bored and chew on itself or the crate.

If you have any concerns regarding the growth and development of your puppies teeth, contact your veterinarian who can provide you with advice and timelines for when to expect each of the teeth.

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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson,www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at www.K9KlearUp.com and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

How Your Dog Gets Fleas And How To Get Rid Of Them


Fleas are those nasty little insects that periodically infect our cats, dogs and homes. Fleas feed on the blood of our pets. They can irritate their skin not only from the bite and skin infections, but also some pets are allergic to fleas.

Fleas are the most common cause of skin problems in dogs and cats. If you notice your dog scratching and chewing the back half of its body, check for fleas around the base of the tail, the back side of the hind legs or the dogs stomach.

No matter how clean our homes are, our dogs can encounter fleas on their daily excursions outside. They then bring this insect home on their fur and the cycle of infestation starts. The adult flea lays eggs which drop off the dog all over the house: in the pets bed, on couches, in the carpet, around the baseboards, practically anywhere your dog is allowed to roam in the house and car. These eggs hatch, become larvae, and develop into cocoons where they develop into adult fleas, and the cycle begins again.

There are many over the counter preparations which can kill the flea, but do nothing to stop the cycle. Because there are still eggs, larvae and cocoons around the pets living environment. Through your veterinarian you can obtain either a topical or oral preparation. One method kills the fleas before they lay the eggs and the other kills the eggs that have been laid on your pet. Both are equally safe and harmless to the pet and its family. Both methods require monthly dosages of medication on a permanent basis to prevent re-infestation. Your veterinarian will prescribe the best medication for your particular pet and the dosage will be according to your pets weight. As your pet grows, the dosage will change. Not only will your pet and home be flea-free, but the chances for your pet being infected with tapeworms will also decrease.

Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to start a monthly routine to save your pet the irritations caused by fleas.

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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter a www.K9KlearUp.com and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

The Importance Of De Worming Your Dog On A Regular Basis

Owners of newly acquired pets should obtain the medical history of the pet and contact their veterinarian to set up a schedule for worming and vaccinations. Some breeders and pet stores have already started the worming and vaccinations prior to the adoption release and will provide you with the information. All pets adopted from the SPCA have been wormed and given vaccinations. They will also recommend you contact your veterinarian to follow up on worming and vaccinations.

Most reputable breeders initiate worming treatments at 2 weeks, and repeat at 4, 6, and 8 weeks, just prior to releasing the pet for adoption. On a newly acquired pet that has no history of de-worming contact your veterinarian to set up and immediate schedule of de-worming While consulting your veterinarian on basic worming schedules, you should have your pets stool examined for tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and a blood test done for heartworms.

There are several types of tapeworms, the most common is the flea tapeworm. This tapeworm is most common in residential or urban areas. Dogs ingest it during grooming. The other types are usually transmitted to dogs through eating rabbits, rodents or uncooked meats. Tapeworms look like flattened pieces of rice in your pets stool or attached to the fur in the anal area. Dogs may drag their behinds as an indication of infection. Don't allow your dogs to ingest raw meats or hunt rodents thus eliminating the opportunity for infection.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it not only sucks up blood but baby heartworms in the blood. This gets passed along to the next dog the infected mosquito bites. An infected dog may show signs of a chronic cough, laboured breathing, listlessness, and is easily tired during exercise. Once your veterinarian has determined your dog is free of heartworm infection he/she will begin a regular preventative medication program.

Roundworms live in the dogs intestines and live by sucking blood. Puppies often are infected through the placenta of the mother. This is why de-worming is usually begun at 2 weeks into the life of the puppy. Pets infected with roundworms usually have bloated bellies and rough looking coats. Your pet may show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and colic. If left untreated a severe infection could damage the brain, liver, or lungs.

Hookworms attach themselves onto the intestinal lining with hook-like teeth. As this worm feeds on your dog's blood, it moves around continually leaving bleeding sores. Bloody, mucus-laden diarrhea is an indication your dog may have a hookworm infection. This worm infection can cause anemia, weight loss, skin problems, rough coat, weakness, and impair the growth and physical development in puppies.

To prevent infection of any type of worm it is important that you do not let your dog drink stagnant pond water, ingest other dogs feces, rabbits or rodents, raw meats, garbage, or bones it may find on walks. Also, do not let your pet play in possible areas infected by mosquitos or other dogs. And last, but not least, have your dog examined and put on a regular preventative treatment program by your veterinarian.


Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, K9klearup. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter HERE and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

What You Should Have In Your Dog's First Aid Kit



In this article, "What You Should Have In Your Dog's First Aid Kit", you will learn about what supplies you should include in a dog's first aid kit to ensure that the canine can be treated immediately in case of an emergency.

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Almost every home, car, office, and job site has a first aid kit and attendant to attend the needs of the humans. Dog shows and trials have veterinarian hospitals listed for emergencies. But what about the pet which ends up hurt at home, in the car, or at the park? Ambulances and first aid attendants take care of our human needs until we can reach proper medical care. But who takes care of our pets?

We as conscientious owners can be somewhat prepared to help our pet by at least having a first aid kit prepared specifically for pet needs. Another way we can help our pet is by taking a pet First Aid course. Many local veterinarians offer First Aid courses. Some dog clubs also arrange for veterinarians to come teach classes to the group. Also, check with the local SPCA as some branches offer courses and are heavily involved in the community.

Taking a First Aid course will give you some confidence when assessing the medical situation involving your pet. You will also learn some basic skills to use at home for small emergencies and how to prepare yourself and your pet to enable you to transport it to a veterinary hospital in the event of a serious situation. Taking a First Aid course is never a substitute for professional care. If you ever have doubt about a pets health or injury you should never hesitate to contact a professional.

Here is a list of some articles that should be included in a First Aid Kit for your pet. They should be kept in a handy sealed container in the home or in the car. Don't forget to take it with you when traveling.

- Gauze pads (based on the size of your dog)
- Gauze rolls -not only to bandage but to possibly muzzle your dog
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Blunt nose scissors -to cut away long hair and tape
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Adhesive tape -athletic type is the best
- Sterile water
- Alcohol (99% solution)
- Hibitane soap (4% solution)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) -to induce vomiting or cleaning wounds
- An old sock -to protect bandaged feet
- Cohesive flexible bandage -great for wrapping a wound and not having it pull hair like adhesive bandages
- Veterinary ointment for small wounds and burns
- Eye drops or ointment
- Ear cleanser and dryer
- Spoon or syringe for administering fluids
- Towel or blanket -serves many purposes: controlling temperature, transporting the pet, controlling the pet
- Zip lock bags -to contain urine or fecal matter -to keep bleeding paws from staining your clothes, etc.
- Quarters
- Your veterinarians name and phone number written down on a sheet with
- Your name and your dog's name written down as well. Any medications your dog usually takes.
- Other useful items to include are Maalox, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismal and buffered aspirin. Never administer without first consulting with your veterinarian for the dosage and proper usage based on the needs and size of your dog.

Watch the expiry dates and replace when necessary for optimum effect of the medicines. And most importantly, remember self diagnosis is your worst doctor. When in doubt always consult with your local veterinarian.

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Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter HERE and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

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