Taking Care of a Sick Shepherd

 

In this chapter

• Recognizing signs of trouble and their causes
• Stopping vomiting, diarrhea, and other problems
• Dealing with worms, mites, and other nasty critters
• Understanding which behaviors can indicate physical disease
• Being prepared for an emergency

People get sick. Dogs get sick. The difference is that people can tell you where it hurts. They can also tell you how bad they feel and what may have caused the problem. Dogs can’t. Add to this the German Shepherd’s stoic personality, and you have the ingredients for a full-blown, undetected problem.

On the other hand, running to the vet every time your dog sneezes is expensive. You want to keep your dog safe, but you also want to be sensible about when to turn to a professional for help and when to try to fix the problem yourself. When your dog is sick, you need to look at what he’s telling you, narrow it down to the most common problems it may indicate, and then decide whether it’s time to get a veterinarian’s opinion. This chapter gives you the tools you need to do so.

If you haven’t yet chosen a vet for your dog, you really should do so immediately. See Chapter Working with Your Dog’s Other Best Friend: His Veterinarian for advice.

Remember

Remember, though, that veterinarians are not always right — they are human beings just like you and me. Don’t hesitate to question a veterinarian’s diagnosis or treatment, seek a second opinion, and, most of all, become informed about German Shepherd health issues.

Vomiting

When people vomit, they usually feel nauseated. When dogs vomit, it’s hard to tell how they feel. That’s partly because dogs vomit much more readily than people do. After all, wolves and many dogs feed their young by bringing back food in their stomachs and vomiting it up on demand.

A typical dog vomit episode begins with retching, followed by vomiting on your best rug, and then within a minute another bout of retching and vomiting (hopefully by now not on your best rug). After all this, the dog usually appears to be just fine. If the vomiting continues, however, it is not typical healthy vomiting and is cause for concern.

Regurgitating immediately after meals can indicate an obstruction of the esophagus. Repeated vomiting can indicate that the dog has eaten spoiled food or indigestible objects or may have stomach illness — seek veterinary advice. Meanwhile, withhold food (or feed as directed for diarrhea) and restrict water. Repeated vomiting can result in dehydration, so if your dog can’t hold anything down for a prolonged period, he may need intravenous fluids.

Overeating is a common cause of occasional vomiting in puppies, especially if they follow eating with playing. Feed smaller meals more frequently if vomiting becomes a problem.

Warning!

Consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog vomits a foul substance resembling fecal matter (indicating a blockage in the intestinal tract) or blood (partially digested blood resembles coffee grounds), if he exhibits projectile or continued vomiting, if he also has diarrhea, or if he is dehydrated. Sporadic vomiting with poor appetite and generally poor condition can indicate internal parasites or a more serious internal disease and should also be checked by your veterinarian.

Diarrhea

Dogs, especially puppies, get diarrhea. The problem can result from overexcitement, nervousness, a change in diet or water, sensitivity to certain foods, overeating, intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, or ingestion of toxic substances.

Warning!

Do not allow bloody diarrhea; diarrhea with vomiting, fever, or other signs of toxicity; or diarrhea that lasts for more than a day to continue without seeking veterinary advice. Some of these symptoms can indicate potentially fatal disorders.

The appearance of the diarrhea can provide your veterinarian with important information, so take a good look at your dog’s diarrhea (even though you may dread the thought of it!). The following are clues to the severity and possible causes of your dog’s problem:

• What is the consistency?
• Does it contain blood or mucus? If so, how much?
• Can you identify foreign objects or parasites?
• What color is it?

You can treat less severe diarrhea at home by withholding or severely restricting food and water for 24 hours. (Note that dogs with some other illnesses may not be candidates for food or water restriction — talk to your vet first.) Give ice cubes to satisfy your dog’s thirst. If necessary, administer human diarrhea medication in the same weight dosage as recommended for people. Feed nothing but a bland diet consisting of rice, tapioca, or cooked macaroni, along with cottage cheese or tofu for protein, for several days; the intestinal tract needs time off to heal.

Coughing

A persistent cough may indicate a serious problem, so an affected dog should be checked by a veterinarian. Coughing also irritates the throat and can lead to secondary infections if allowed to continue unchecked — not to mention that it can be miserable for the dog. Although coughing can have many different causes, including allergies, foreign bodies, pneumonia, parasites, tracheal collapse, and tumors, the most common causes of coughing in German Shepherds are heart disease and kennel cough.

• Heart disease results in coughing most often following exercise or in the evening. Affected dogs often lie down with their front legs spread and point their noses in the air in order to breathe better. A low-sodium diet and drug therapy can help alleviate the symptoms for a while, although eventually a point will come when they are no longer effective.
• Kennel cough (or canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly communicable airborne disease that’s caused by several different infectious agents. It is characterized by a gagging cough that arises about a week after exposure. After a few days, the cough takes on a honking sound. Inoculations are available and are an especially good idea if you plan to board your dog or take him to a class, a competition, or any place dogs congregate.

Treatment consists of resting the dog and avoiding situations that may lead to coughing. Cough suppressants may break the coughing/irritation cycle. Left untreated, the cough can irritate the dog’s throat and eventually cause more serious problems. The dog may need antibiotics if secondary infections arise from prolonged irritation.

Urinary Problems

If your dog has difficulty or pain in urination, urinates suddenly and often but in small amounts, or passes cloudy or bloody urine, he may be suffering from a problem of the bladder, urethra, or prostate. Dribbling of urine during sleep can indicate a hormonal problem. Your veterinarian can diagnose the exact nature of the problem by administering a rectal exam and a urinalysis (a test of the urine).

The following are the most common urinary problems in dogs:

• Bladder infections, evidenced by frequent urination in small amounts and sometimes blood in the urine, must be treated promptly to prevent the infection from reaching the kidneys. Blockage of urine can result in death. Inability to urinate requires immediate emergency veterinary attention.
• In males, infections of the prostate gland can lead to repeated urinary tract infections and sometimes painful defecation or blood and pus in the urine. Castration and long-term antibiotic therapy are required for improvement.
• Kidney disease, ultimately leading to kidney failure, is one of the most common ailments in older dogs. The earliest symptom is usually increased urination. Although the excessive urination may make it difficult for you to keep your house clean or your night’s sleep intact, never try to restrict water from a dog with kidney disease. A low-protein, low-sodium, low-phosphorus diet can slow the progression of kidney disease.
• Increased urination can also be a sign of diabetes or a urinary tract infection. Your veterinarian can uncover the cause with some simple tests, and both conditions can be treated.

Skin Problems

Most of the problem cases a veterinarian sees every day involve the skin. German Shepherds are prone to several skin problems, which can result from parasites, allergies, bacteria, fungus, endocrine disorders, and a long list of other possible causes. This section talks about some of the most common problems; see also Chapter Dealing with GSD Hereditary Health Problems for information on the conditions to which GSDs seem to be predisposed.

Allergies

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common skin problem that ails dogs. A fleabite (actually, the flea’s saliva) anywhere on a dog’s body can result in itchy, crusted bumps with hair loss around the rump, especially at the base of the tail. The solution is simple (at least in principle): Get rid of every single flea on your dog. The newer flea-control products (see Chapter Grooming Your Dog) now make this approach realistic.

Dogs can also have allergic reactions to pollens and other inhaled allergens. Many allergies can manifest themselves between a dog’s toes. Suspect them when you see the dog constantly licking his feet, or when the feet are stained pink from saliva. Some dogs have food allergies as well, which may cause itching of the skin and ears. New blood tests for antibodies are much easier and less expensive (though not as comprehensive) than the traditional skin testing, which usually must be done by a specialist. This testing gives you a clue about what substances to keep away from your dog. In some cases, drug therapy can be prescribed and may help.

Pyoderma and impetigo

Warning!

Pyoderma, which manifests itself in pus-filled bumps and crusting, is another common skin disease. Impetigo is characterized by such bumps and crusting, most often in the groin area of puppies. Both are treated with antibiotics and anti-bacterial shampoos; see your vet for help.

German Shepherd Dog Pyoderma is a type of pyoderma that is so common in GSDs that it bears the name. A dog with this condition has severe, deep-draining sores over his lower back and hind legs. This disease often isn’t responsive to antibiotics, and lifelong corticosteroid therapy may be necessary to ensure the dog’s comfort. Limited evidence suggests that it may have a hereditary basis and may be aggravated by hypothyroidism, fleas, and allergies.

Hot spots

A reddened, moist, itchy spot that suddenly appears is most likely a hot spot (pyotraumatic dermatitis), which arises from an itch-scratch-chew cycle most commonly resulting from fleas or flea allergy. German Shepherds tend to get hot spots especially in hot, humid weather.

To treat a hot spot, wash the area with an oatmeal-based shampoo and use a blow dryer to dry the area thoroughly. Prevent the dog from further chewing by using an Elizabethan collar (available from your veterinarian, or you can fashion one from a plastic pail) or an anti-chew preparation such as Bitter Apple (available from most pet stores). Your veterinarian can also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. As a temporary measure, you can give an allergy pill (such as Benadryl ­ — ask your veterinarian what dosage is appropriate), which alleviates some itching and causes drowsiness, both of which should decrease chewing.

Tip

Many people have obtained good results by using Gold Bond medicated powder or even Listerine on the spots.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea occurs in an oily form and a dry form. German Shepherds usually get the dry form, in which the skin feels waxy and greasy and may be also crusty and dry. Dandruff is often present. This condition is often associated with excessive earwax and rancid odor. Sometimes the hair falls out when the root area becomes coated with grease. Most hair loss occurs on the dog’s trunk. Seborrhea can be treated with special (usually tar-based) shampoos. They can greatly improve the skin’s condition, but at present no cure is available.

Eye and Ear Problems

The windows to your Shepherd’s soul are no doubt the parts that you look at the most. Perhaps for this reason, eye problems are usually detected fairly early. These signs can tell you that your dog may be having eye problems that you and your veterinarian need to address:

• Squinting or tearing can be due to an irritated cornea or a foreign body in the eye. Examine under the lids and flood the eye with saline solution, or use a moist cotton swab to remove any debris. If you don’t see improvement after one day, have the vet take a look.
• A watery discharge without squinting can be a symptom of allergies or a tear drainage problem. Your vet can diagnose a drainage problem with a simple test.
• As your Shepherd ages, the lenses of his eyes naturally become a little hazy, which you’ll notice as a grayish appearance behind the pupils. If this occurs at a young age, however, or if a lens looks white or opaque, ask your vet to check your dog for cataracts. With cataracts, the lens becomes so opaque that light can no longer reach the retina; as in humans, the lens can be surgically replaced with an artificial one.
• If your dog’s pupils do not react to light, or if one eye reacts differently than the other, take him to the vet immediately. Nonreactive pupils can indicate a serious problem.

Remember

The eyes are such complex and sensitive organs that you should always err on the side of caution. Consult your vet at the slightest sign of a problem.

Signs of ear problems include inflammation, discharge, debris, foul odor, pain, scratching, shaking, and tilting of the head. Extreme pain may indicate a ruptured eardrum. Bacterial and yeast infections, ticks or ear mites (see the “Mites” section, later in this chapter), foreign bodies, allergies, seborrhea, and hypothyroidism are possible underlying problems. Ear problems can be difficult to cure after they have established themselves, so early veterinary attention is crucial.

Warning!

Plant awns, which are barbed seeds from some types of wild grasses, are one of the most common causes of ear problems in dogs who spend time outdoors. They penetrate the skin and migrate into deeper tissues, including the brain, causing irritation, infection, and even death. If your dog comes down with this problem, keep his ear lubricated with mineral oil and seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.

Changes in Behavior

Sometimes physical problems manifest themselves in behavioral changes. If your dog suddenly acts strangely or uncharacteristically aggressively, don’t assume that he’s stopped minding you; the dog may be ill.

When is a change in behavior more than a mood swing? Sometimes it’s difficult to know. Some changes are natural consequences of aging or hormonal states. Sexually intact dogs, for example, may become more excited and unmanageable if they or others around them are in heat. Aside from such changes, though, most normal and fairly long-lasting behavioral changes are not so abrupt.

• A dog who is uncharacteristically lethargic could be sick, and the possible causes are endless. You need to narrow it down a bit: Does the dog also have a fever? If yes, consider an infection. If no, your dog may have pain somewhere. Sudden loss of vision can also cause sudden lethargy. Cancer, poisoning, and metabolic diseases can cause lethargy without fever. In general, you want to have your veterinarian examine your dog if the dog is experiencing extreme lethargy, lethargy that lasts for more than one day, or lethargy that is accompanied by a fever.
• Aggressive behavior is usually not a sign of disease unless the behavior is totally unprecedented. It can be a sign of pain, an endocrine problem, or a brain problem. Usually, such cases are best examined by a neurologist or a veterinarian who specializes in behavior.
• Sudden loss of balance can be due to an inner ear problem or to unknown causes. Either way, your veterinarian can prescribe drugs to make your dog feel better.
• In general, unprecedented persistent circling or pacing, disorientation, head-pressing (pushing the head against a wall or other stationary object), hiding, tremors, seizures, lack of bowel or urine control, and dramatic change in appetite are usually signs of a physical problem. If your dog has any of these symptoms, have your veterinarian check him over.

Warning!

Sudden pacing and restlessness combined with unsuccessful attempts to vomit can indicate bloat — a “go the emergency vet right now” situation. Do not “wait and see.” Bloat (or gastric dilatation volvulus) is a fast and merciless killer, and it targets German Shepherds. See Chapter Dealing with GSD Hereditary Health Problems for more information.

Parasites

Parasites can rob your dog of vital nutrients, good health, a pleasurable existence, and even a long life. The most common internal parasites set up housekeeping in the intestines and heart. You can find the most common external parasites on the skin and in the ears. Every one is either treatable or preventable.

Hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, threadworms, and lungworms are all types of internal parasites that can infect dogs of all ages but have their most devastating effect on puppies. Left untreated, worms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a dull coat, listlessness, anemia, and death. When you take your dog to be vaccinated, bring along a stool specimen so that your veterinarian can check for these parasites, and have your puppy tested for internal parasites regularly. If your dog walks in public areas that other dogs frequent, you need to have him checked more often than if he is restricted to your own yard. Some heartworm preventives (see Chapter Working with Your Dog’s Other Best Friend: His Veterinarian) also prevent most types of intestinal worms, though not tapeworms.

Remember

Don’t think that only puppies from bad homes have worms. Most puppies do have worms at some point, even pups from the most fastidious breeders. This is because some types of larval worms become encysted in the dam’s body long before she becomes pregnant — perhaps when she herself was a pup. There they lie dormant and immune from worming until hormonal changes due to her pregnancy cause them to be activated; then they infect her fetuses or her newborns through her milk. The classic wormy puppy has a dull coat, a skinny body, and a potbelly, but many pups with worms have few of these symptoms.

Warning!

Because you can buy worming medication over the counter, many people figure that they can save a little money that way. Others have been taught that to be good dog owners, they should “worm” their dogs once a month. Over-the-counter wormers are largely ineffective and often more dangerous than those available through a veterinarian. And no dog should be wormed unless he actually has worms. No worm medication is completely without risk, and using it carelessly is foolish.

Roundworms

Among the most common internal parasites of dogs, roundworms are found in virtually every puppy. Most puppies get the larva before birth, and you can find eggs in the pups’ feces by the time they are 3 weeks old. Dogs can get roundworms by ingesting their eggs, and the parasites can be spread to people as well as dogs. (If you’ve been looking for a scientific reason to avoid eating dog doo-doo, this is it!)

Puppies should be wormed at least twice for roundworms. Many protocols advocate more frequent worming, with worming at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Pick up dog feces regularly, and do not allow dogs to defecate where children play.

Infected puppies can become quite ill, with heavy infestations leading to convulsions or death. Most mortality occurs around 2 to 3 weeks of age. Symptoms include a rough coat, a potbelly, and wasting muscles. Sometimes adult worms are visible in the dog’s vomit or feces. Have your veterinarian examine the pup, along with a stool sample, to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the correct deworming medication.

Hookworms

Hookworms are actually a family of species, the most prevalent in dogs being Ancylostoma caninum. They are especially prevalent in warm, humid climates. Dogs can acquire hookworms before birth, through penetration of the larvae through the skin, or by eating the larva. Puppies with heavy infestations can become anemic and have bloody, black, or tarry diarrhea. Without prompt treatment, these puppies usually die.

Treatment consists of deworming, blood transfusions, and follow-up prevention. Once the intestinal tract has been cleared of worms, larva in the muscle tissue migrate to the intestines and repopulate them, so another deworming treatment is needed two weeks after the first.

Adult dogs usually build up immunity to hookworms, although some dogs have chronic hookworm disease. This disease is more common in dogs with compromised immune systems and dogs who live in the midst of feces.

Remember

Removing feces at least twice a week is the most cost-effective means of hookworm control.

Whipworms

Dogs get whipworms by ingesting their eggs. Eggs can live in the environment for up to five years, especially in cold climates. Unlike some other types of internal parasites, dogs do not develop immunity to whipworms.

Whipworms inhabit the large intestine, where they puncture blood vessels and have a blood feast at the dog’s expense. A heavy infestation can cause diarrhea, anemia, and weight loss. Treatment consists of repeated deworming, often every other month for a year. Picking up dog feces is an essential part of controlling whipworms.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms plague some dogs throughout their lives. Several species exist, the most common by far being Dipylidium caninum. Tapeworms look like white, flat, moving worms on fresh stools, or they may dry up and look like rice grains around a dog’s anus. They are one of the least debilitating worms, but their segments can be irritating to a dog’s anal region, and they’re certainly unsightly.

Fleas transmit this kind of tapeworm to dogs. No preventive exists except to rid your German Shepherd of fleas diligently (see Chapter Grooming Your Dog).

Protozoal Parasites

Puppies and dogs also suffer from protozoa parasites, such as coccidia and especially Giardia. Growing in frequency is Babesia. Because they are not worms, worm medications are usually ineffective in treating these parasites. Your veterinarian can prescribe an appropriate medication.

• Coccidia: Coccidia are often associated with diarrhea, but many infected dogs show no symptoms. A stool sample is needed for diagnosis. Affected dogs respond well to supportive treatment and drugs. The most important preventive measure is removal of feces from the yard or any area the dog frequents.
• Giardia: Giardia is fairly common in puppies and dogs. It can cause chronic or intermittent diarrhea but may have no symptoms. A vet can diagnose it with a stool sample; it’s more likely to be found in loose or light-colored stool. Giardia can be treated with drug therapy.
• Babesia: Potentially fatal parasites, protozoa of the genus Babesia are transmitted by ticks and parasitize the red blood cells. This causes the infected dog to become anemic, and may also precipitate an autoimmune response in which the dog’s body begins to destroy its own red blood cells and platelets. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and, in severe cases, darkened urine.

Warning!

Affected dogs can die within a week of the first appearance of these symptoms, so act quickly. Diagnosis is with blood tests. Note that the symptoms of babesiosis are similar to those of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, so if your dog is diagnosed with either of these conditions, make sure that your veterinarian also tests for the other possibility.

Mites

Mites are tiny organisms in the tick and spider family. Of the many types of mites, only a few cause problems in dogs.

Sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptic mange, also called canine scabies, causes intense itching that’s often characterized by scaling of the ear tips. It also causes lesions, most of which are found on the dog’s ear tips, the underside of the body, the elbows, and the forelegs. This type of mite is highly contagious and is spread by direct contact — it can even spread to people. Treatment requires you to repeatedly shampoo or dip the affected dog, as well as other household pets who have been in contact with him. Newer, more effective treatments are available from your vet.

Demodectic mange

Demodectic mange, also called red mange or demodicosis, is not contagious and is not usually itchy. The condition tends to run in families and is more common in certain breeds, including GSDs. It is characterized by a moth-eaten appearance, most often around the dog’s eyes and lips. Demodectic mange affecting the feet is also common and can be extremely resistant to treatment.

Most cases of demodectic mange appear in puppies, and most consist of only a few patches that often go away by themselves. But in those cases that continue to spread, or in adult-onset demodectic mange, aggressive treatment with an amitraz insecticidal dip is needed. Your veterinarian will need to perform a skin scraping to confirm the diagnosis before prescribing treatment.

Cheyletialla mites

Cheyletialla mites live on the skin surface and cause mild itchiness. Unlike other mites, they are large enough to be seen with the naked eye (but a magnifying glass is better) — they look like small white specks in the dog’s hair near the skin. Sometimes people confuse them with dandruff because they also cause dandruff, especially along the back. Many flea insecticides also kill these mites, but they’re better treated with the special shampoos or dips that are available from your vet.

Ear mites

Ear mites, which are often found in puppies, are highly contagious and intensely irritating. An affected dog will shake his head, scratch his ears, and perhaps carry his head sideways. The ear mite’s signature is a dark, dry, waxy buildup resembling coffee grounds in the ear canal, usually in both ears. This material is actually dried blood mixed with ear wax.

Warning!

Many people assume that any ear problem is due to ear mites, but unless you actually see mites, don’t treat a dog for them. You could make another problem worse.

Separate a dog with ear mites from other pets, and wash your hands after handling his ears. Ideally, you should treat every pet in your household if one of them has ear mites.

Coping with Emergencies

Warning!

Even experienced dog owners have a difficult time deciding what constitutes a true emergency. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and call the emergency clinic or your veterinarian for a professional opinion. Consider the following situations emergencies:

• Being hit by a car
• Profuse bleeding; bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears, eyes, or rectum; or blood in the urine or stools
• Sudden extreme lethargy or collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowning
• Heatstroke
• Temperature over 104 degrees
• Hypothermia or frostbite
• Repeated vomiting; vomit containing blood, coffee ground–like material, or fecal-like material; or unproductive attempts to vomit
• Restlessness with a swollen stomach
• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Poisonous snake or spider bite or multiple insect stings
• Suspected poisoning, especially antifreeze
• Clusters of seizures or a prolonged seizure
• Paralysis
• Pupils of the eyes unresponsive or unequal in size
• Squinting, painful eye with redness, and aversion to light
• Electric shock
• Extreme dehydration

Because there are no paramedics for dogs, you must assume the role of paramedic and ambulance driver in case of an emergency. Now is the time to prepare for this life-saving role. Know the phone number and location of the emergency veterinarian in your area and keep the number next to the phone; don’t rely on your memory during an emergency situation. Always keep enough fuel in your car to make it to the emergency clinic without stopping for gas. Finally, stay calm, which will help your dog stay calm as well. In general:

• Make sure that you and your dog are in a safe location, and move the dog as little and as gently as possible. Never use force or do anything that causes extreme discomfort.
• Make sure that your dog’s breathing passages are open, and check his pulse and consciousness. Remove his collar and check his mouth and throat for obstructions.
• Control any bleeding (see below).
• Check for signs of shock (very pale gums, weakness, unresponsiveness, faint pulse, and shivering). Treat the dog by keeping him warm and calm.
• Never remove an impaled object (unless it’s blocking the dog’s airway).

Most other emergencies give you a little more time to act — but not much. For the following situations, administer first aid and seek veterinary attention. Situations not described in this list can usually be treated with the same first aid as for humans. In all cases, the best advice is to get a vet’s opinion.

• Abdominal wounds: Place a warm, wet, sterile dressing over any protruding internal organs and cover with a bandage or towel. Do not attempt to push organs back into the dog.
• Abdominal bloating, restlessness, and attempts to vomit: Go to the emergency clinic right now without delay. The problem could be gastric dilatation volvulus.
• Animal bites: Allow some bleeding; then clean the area thoroughly and apply antibiotic ointment. A course of oral antibiotics will probably be necessary. Your vet can determine whether to suture a large bite (over ½ inch in diameter) or a bite on the face or other prominent position.
• Bleeding: Control massive bleeding first. Cover the wound with clean dressing and apply pressure. Don’t remove blood-soaked bandages; apply more dressings over them until the bleeding stops. If possible, elevate the wound site and apply a cold pack to it.
• Burns: Deep burns, characterized by charred or pearly white skin, are serious. Cool burned areas with cold packs or towels soaked in water, or immerse them in cold water. If over 50 percent of the dog is burned, do not immerse the dog; doing so increases the likelihood of shock. Cover the area with a clean bandage or towel to avoid contamination. Do not apply pressure or ointments. Monitor for shock.
• Electrical shock: A dog who chews an electric cord may collapse and have burns inside his mouth. Before touching the dog, disconnect the plug or cut the power; if you can’t do so immediately, use a wooden stick to knock the cord away. Keep the dog warm and treat him for shock. Monitor his breathing and heartbeat.
• Heatstroke: Early signs of heatstroke include rapid, loud breathing, abundant thick saliva, bright red mucous membranes, and a high rectal temperature. Later signs include unsteadiness, diarrhea, and coma. In this case, wet the dog and place him in front of a fan, or immerse him in cool (not icy) water. Offer small amounts of water for drinking. Stop cooling when the dog’s rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees F.
• Hypothermia: Shivering and sluggishness are signs that a dog has become excessively chilled. Later signs include a very low body temperature (under 95 degrees F), slow pulse and breathing rates, and coma. To treat this condition, warm the dog gradually. Wrap him in a warm blanket. Place plastic bottles filled with hot water outside the blanket, not touching the dog. Monitor the dog’s temperature and stop warming when it reaches 101 degrees F.
• Insect stings: Dogs are often stung by insects on their face or feet. Remove any visible stingers as quickly as possible. Administer baking soda and water paste to bee stings and vinegar to wasp stings. Call your vet immediately if your dog has an allergic reaction, including swelling that could interfere with breathing or any change in consciousness.
• Limb fractures: With most fractures, it’s safest to simply transport the dog to the vet as gently as possible, taking great care to prevent the affected limb from hitting something. If you must try to splint the leg, use lots of padding and tape the splint outside the padding. If the bone is exposed, place a sterile covering over it but don’t try to push it back in.
• Poisoning: Signs of poisoning vary according to the type of poison, but they commonly include vomiting, convulsions, staggering, and collapse. If you’re not sure whether your dog ingested poison, call the vet or poison control hotline and give as much information as possible; they can advise whether you need to induce vomiting or bring your dog in to be examined. If possible, bring the poison and its container with you. If the dog vomits, put the vomit in a plastic bag and bring it with you as well. Antifreeze and Warfarin are the most common deadly dog poisons.
• Seizures: A dog undergoing a seizure may drool, become stiff, or have uncontrollable muscle spasms. If you think that your dog is having a seizure, wrap him securely in a blanket to prevent him from injuring himself on furniture or stairs. Remove other dogs from the area. If the seizure continues for more than ten minutes or repeats itself, get the dog to an emergency clinic. More often, the seizure will be over in a few minutes. Call your veterinarian for advice, because seizures can result from poisoning, high fever, or other conditions that must be treated immediately. Taking careful note of all characteristics and sequences of seizure activity can help your vet diagnose the cause.

Warning!

Never put your hands (or anything) in a convulsing dog’s mouth.

• Snakebites: Poisonous snakebites are characterized by swelling, discoloration, pain, fang marks, restlessness, nausea, and weakness. Most bites are to the head and are difficult to treat with first aid. If your dog is bitten by a snake, restrain him and keep him quiet. Note the snake’s markings so that you’re able to describe them to the veterinarian. Only if you can’t get to the vet immediately, apply a firm pressure bandage (not a tourniquet) between the bite and the heart. If the bite is on a leg, keep the leg lower than the rest of the body.

by D. Caroline Coile, PhD