A Simple Basic First Aid For Your Dog

By: Jeff Clare

If your pet runs into trouble and has an accident that has compromised its health, you need to stay calm and assess the situation. Panic spreads and animals sense that fearful urgency quickly, so your voice, tone and movements need to stay calm to reassure your companion. After all, a dog doesn't understand what you're saying, but a dog can certainly understand the sound of your voice. While you reassure your pet, find out as much as you can about its injury or poisoning. What happened and how, and if anything was consumed, how much? The more information you can gather will help you apply some first aid techniques before you can take your dog to a veterinarian.

The same rule of staying calm also applies to the dog, and you should make every effort to try and keep the dog calm while you administer first aid; your efforts will hopefully come to having the dog allow you to treat it. The presence of the dog's owner can often be a calming influence in an emergency situation. Acting as if you're calm and collected can also help injured dogs stay calm.

Never assume that your first aid treatment will be enough to get your dog on the road to recovery. While veterinarians can be expensive, a hidden injury or internal bleeding could be even more costly to treat if left untended - your dog could die. Also, the risk of infection for flesh wounds as time passes is very high, and your veterinarian will be able to provide you with antibiotics for your pet. Advise your clinic that you're on your way with a quick phone call and try to get some fast advice for your pet's situation. When you do put your dog in your vehicle, lay it on something flat and stable, so your pet doesn't get bounced around during the car ride.

Early preparation is a godsend, and easier to achieve than you might think. A first aid kit for humans will have more than a few items vital in treating dogs, so keeping a first aid kit in your home helps you, your dog and anyone else you may know that needs emergency care. Knowing when your dog may face a threatening situation can also help. If you're feeling that a situation might be dangerous for your dog, err on the side of caution and prepare for the worst.

When injured, some dogs become violent or aggressive, requiring that they be restrained with a muzzle to keep them from biting others or resisting treatment. Creating a makeshift muzzle is possible using two to three feet (or 60 to 90 centimeters) of strong cloth. Using the cloth, bind the dog's jaws together and then tie it behind the dog's ears. Don't worry; while your dog may protest noisily by snorting and drooling, it can certainly breathe through its nose despite the wrapping. Other restraints should be used more cautiously, and in emergencies, use only restraints that are absolutely necessary.

Your goal, in an emergency situation with your dog, is to keep it comfortable, stable and alive until a professional veterinarian can apply the proper treatment. This may sound simple, but a hurt and frightened animal can turn your beloved pet into a dog that you can barely recognize, making your job more difficult. Researching possible accidents and how to apply first aid is a responsible way to care for your pet and may just one day save its life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Jeff Clare runs Dog Training News where you can read many more articles on dog training. For more general advice on dog health go to Dogs And Dog News.

How To Choose Dog Names That Are Perfect For Your Puppy

By: Rebecca Prescott

Choosing a name for your new puppy is quite a responsibility. Remember that the dog will have this name for the rest of its life. Names like Fluffy and Cuddles are cute for tiny puppies - but tiny puppies grow!

FIRST THINGS FIRST!

Is your dog a boy or a girl? It sounds like a stupid question but it's surprising how many dogs start life as Paul and have to swap to Paula! You may have been told the sex by your seller - but even they get it wrong sometimes.

Here's how to check the gender of your new puppy.

Flip the pup over onto its back. Both dogs and bitches have nipples so that won't tell you anything. If it's a boy, there will be a tiny scrotum just under the anus, almost between the dog's back legs. The testicles descend by about 8 weeks of age, which makes it easier! If it's a girl, there will be a tiny slit just under the anus, almost between her back legs.

DON'T MAKE PEOPLE JUDGE YOUR DOG

Names are very emotive. If people hear you call your dog Ripper or Fang, they immediately make a subconscious judgment on the dog's personality. Your dog may be the softest, daftest creature ever - but people will still be wary. The dog's true character can help you to choose an appropriate name. It's worth just watching your dog for a few days and see what sort of character it is. Once you get to know your dog a bit better, names might choose themselves!

BE CONSISTENT

Once you have chosen a name, don't change it. It's part of training your dog. When you call your dog, you want it to come to you. If you keep changing the name, the dog won't make the association and won't know what's going on!

Dogs can easily hear the 'hard' consonants, like D, K and T. Combine this with a short name of one syllable (two at the most) and it will make it much easier for you to train your dog. Try to avoid choosing a name that might confuse your dog. This could be one that sounds like a command (i.e. sit, fetch, come etc) or it could be a name that sounds similar to the name of a member of your family.

Choosing the right name makes life easier for everyone - especially for your dog! Just remember that you will need to happy to shout this name to call the dog in last thing at night, or in a park, on the beach! Would you feel comfortable calling for 'Honey Child'? Nicole Ritchie does!

IT'S ALL IN THE BREEDING!

If your dog is a pedigree, it might already have a name. These names can be very fancy but it may give you an idea. You may wish to use part of the name, or shorten it. If you intend to breed from your dog, don't forget to register it with the Kennel Club in your country.

ALL CHANGE

Our relationships with our dogs are changing and the way we name them reflects this. Over half of all dogs now have 'human' or celebrity names. The most popular name for a dog in America (and worldwide!) is Max - and for a bitch, Maggie. A recent survey showed that 97% of dog owners believe that their dog is a companion. 74% viewed their dog as a member of the family!

HELP IS AT HAND

If you need inspiration - do a quick search online. There are many sites offering hundreds of name suggestions. Good luck!

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


For more articles on puppies, click here. Rebecca presents information on all things canine here.

Obedience Training For Dogs With Behavioral Problems

By: Brian Dolezal

Depending on the type of dog that you own or the age at which he/she became a part of your family, you may be dealing with behavioral problems resulting from a stubborn breed or a dog that lacked the proper dog training in its former home. Whatever the case, behavioral problems must be addressed immediately and not be permitted to continue. Common troubles include chewing or destructive actions, biting, showing aggression toward familiar people and other animals or simply refusing to obey commands.

In some cases, behavioral problems have been linked with illnesses that should be addressed by a veterinarian. If your dog continues to exhibit aggressive or disturbing behavior or if you feel as though your family may be in danger, consult a veterinarian immediately. If your dog is given a clean bill of health and he/she is not considered dangerous, obedience training should be continued either at home or by a professional dog trainer.

If your dog chews on furniture or other inappropriate household objects, try distracting his/her attention away with the use of a chew toy that squeaks or is otherwise appealing to your pet. Obedience training is all about teaching your dog right from wrong and how to respond to certain commands. If you see your dog chewing on an inappropriate object, say "no" in a firm voice before distracting him/her with a chew toy. When your dog begins playing with the toy, reward him/her with praise.

All dogs like to walk, but some are very strong and have a tendency to pull their owner. If this sounds familiar, your only recourse may be using a harness. These products are designed to gently dissuade your dog from running or pulling away from you. It may take some time for your dog to adjust to the change from a collar to a harness, but he/she will soon begin to walk beside of you instead of in front of you. During a walk, your dog should either walk next to you or behind you as a show of respect. Walking or running ahead shows that your dog believes he/she is superior and is a common display for dogs who need proper obedience training.

Constant barking or aggression is another common symptom of behavioral problems and must be dealt with quickly. Some people may choose to muzzle their dog, but this may be uncomfortable as dogs pant to cool themselves during the warm months of spring and summer. For some, muzzling their dog may be the only answer. For others, try instilling the type of obedience training that will prevent your dog from constantly barking by gently closing their mouth when they bark. If your dog is upset with your or seems especially troubled, this may not be a good idea. If he/she is just barking, however, this may be a good way to let them know that this type of recreational activity is not acceptable. When closing their mouth, say "no" in a firm voice.

For additional dog training techniques for those with behavioral problems, there are a number of terrific books, programs and videos currently available. The best way to learn which are the most effective is through reading product reviews and comparing prices to find the best product to get your pet on the road to obedience.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for TopConsumerReviews.com, a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. You can find out how top dog training programs compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.