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section is not to substitute the care of a veterinarian. However, we
will discuss some of the very basic points about dogs' health and how to
care for him, so than we may be able to understand their sufferings and
needs more.
- The veterinarian for the dog should be likable and trustworthy.
- A visit to the same doctor lends a degree of familiarity to the
dog too, making him more comfortable.
Prepare for the visit beforehand and jot down all the queries about
your dog and seek information about potential problems from your
veterinarian.
- At the veterinarian, you may need a stool sample of the dog,
inoculation records, know more information about flea and tick
prevention and control programs, ask info about prevention and
symptoms of heart worm tests and Parvo Virus and learn to treat
minor injuries and get prescription for a good antiseptic cream for
daily use.
- You can use a syringe without the needle to give liquid medicine
that can be inserted in the mouth of the dog, when it is closed
behind his canine teeth and should be given slowly and gently.
- To give pills to the dog, the best way is to make him sit down
upright and tilt his head back. Lift the lips away from his teeth
and hold his upper jaw by the gums behind the canine teeth and push
down on the lower jaw with the other hand and place the pill in the
very back of his throat. Close his mouth and stroke his throat
softly until pill is swallowed.
- You may also consider crushing the pills and mix them with peanut
butter to make the dog swallow the medication with it.
- A dog in distress often indicates a problem that may need
immediate attention.
Dog's normal breathing rate is 15 to 20 per minute while normal
heartbeat is 100 to 150 beats per minute.
- The pulse of the dog can be checked under his chest or under his
rear leg where it joins the body.
Dog's body temperature is checked using the rectal thermometer and
normally should be around 100 to 102 degrees.
- Mucus membranes of the dog such as the gums, tongue and inside of
eyelids should be healthy pink. Any other color is an indication of
a sickness.
- A change in dog's behavior and untimely laziness, growling,
snarling or irritability may indicate that dog needs to get the
attention of the pet doctor.
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