Heatstroke is caused by a combination of high temperatures, humidity, and poor ventilation. In spite of the warnings, many dogs suffer from heatstroke because they are left in cars on hot summer days.

SYMPTOMS
* Open mouth.
* Panting.
* Restless, distressed.
* Drooling.
* Unsteadiness on feet.
* Bright red gums.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Do not leave your dog in a parked car, as the inside temperature can reach 120F or higher in less than 30 minutes when the outdoor temperature is 85F. Dogs do not sweat like people do; they must pant to cool down. Therefore, they are very susceptible to heatstroke. Breeds with pushed-in faces like Pekingese and pugs, the very young, and the elderly are at greatest risk.
* Quick action is needed to save the life of a dog suffering from heatstroke. Permanent brain damage can occur when the body temperature reaches or exceeds 106F. If untreated, heatstroke can lead to kidney failure. Coma and death can result in severe cases.
* To cool your dog down, bring him inside, soak him in cool or lukewarm water and offer cool fluids but do not force feed water. Take his temperature, normal is 101.5F, and call your vet. Monitor your dog’s temperature at intervals of roughly 10 minutes and when it decreases to less than 103F, take him out of the water. In certain cases, your vet may give fluids as well as medications to decrease the body temperature.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Glonoine 30c can help to bring relief in cases of heatstroke (two pellets while on the way to the vet).

To make enough energy to stay warm, outdoor dogs burn 50 percent more calories in the winter so they can make enough energy to stay warm. Their food must be increased accordingly. Normal rectal temperature for a dog is 100-102F, classically 101.5F is the average.

FROSTBITE
* Temperatures below 20F are too cold for most dogs. Cold weather can cause frostbite and sub-normal body temperature called hypothermia. The areas most susceptible to frostbite are the extremities. The nose, toes, ear tips, and tail.
* Frostbitten tissues turn a grayish-white color and require gradual rewarming. Don’t rub or irritate the areas. Give a lukewarm bath and offer warm fluids like chicken broth.

SYMPTOMS
Frostbite:
* Shivering.
* Areas of skin on the extremities become discolored then become red and swollen.
* Hair loss may result.

OTHER HAZARDS
* All dogs are at risk from antifreeze poisoning, which can prove fatal. Antifreeze poisoning is a major wintertime hazard in the cold north. Ethylene glycol is the active ingredient, and has a sweet taste. Less than two tablespoons kills a 10-lb dog. Signs include depression, incoordination, vomiting, and seizures. You must catch this within the first two hours for treatment to be effective. If you are changing your own antifreeze, be sure to clean up any spills promptly and store the rest in a sealed container. Currently a new type of antifreeze called “Sierra” is available. Its active ingredient is propylene glycol, which is much safer for your dog, and still works for your car.
* Salt and de-icing chemicals are irritating to your dog’s feet. Keep a spritzer bottle by your front door and spray feet with water when your dog comes inside, then dry his feet off to prevent irritation.
(NOTE: Wrapping cold dogs in a heat-retaining blanket helps warm them up.)

The most common cause of broken bones in dogs is automobile accidents. Fights between big dogs and little dogs can also end up causing broken bones. Other causes include falling from a table, bouncing from the back of a pick-up truck, and various diseases, including bone cancer. Sometimes, you can tell if your dog has a broken leg if he is holding it in an abnormal position, or if it is at an unusual angle or is very swollen. Most obvious of all is an open wound with a piece of bone, sticking out. Fractures are at high risk of becoming seriously infected. The dog may let you know he’s in pain by limping or being reluctant to put his weight on the particular leg, or he might just hold the leg up and not put any weight on it at all. Your dog may not want the leg to be touched, even by you.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* If you suspect your dog’s leg is broken, immobilizing the leg with a splint helps prevent further injuries, especially if it is a long way to the vet. To make a splint, you can use a few pieces of newspaper, cardboard, or even a soft pillow will work. Wrap them around the fracture and try to include the joint above and below the break, then secure it with tape.
* You can also just tape the bad leg to the good leg. Be careful not to tape it too tight. This is called a mountaineering splint.
* A firm surface like a piece of plywood should be used to move any dog suspected of having a broken back or who has been hit by a car. If that’s not available, put him in a blanket. The goal is to move him with a minimal amount of motion.
(NOTE: A cast is one way to repair a broken leg.)

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Your vet’s goal to repair the fracture will be to reunite the pieces, restore full function, and end up with a normal appearance to the dog.
* The diagnosis of a fracture is made by taking an x-ray of the bones. Treatment can consist of using casts, splints, plates, or wires. Casts are made of fiberglass or plaster, but their use is limited. Since the joint above and below a break must be immobilized, a cast cannot be used for fractures involving bones of the hip or shoulder. They work best for simple fractures involving the lower part of a leg.
* If a fracture is too complicated to be repaired using a cast, stainless steel pins, wires, and bone plates can be used. Intramedullary pins are steel rods inserted inside broken bones to hold the pieces of bone together. The post-operative care requires limited exercise, such as leash walking, to prevent the pins from moving. The pins are left in until the fracture heals, generally four to eight weeks, then removed under local anesthesia.

Orthopedic wire can be used to put fragments of bone together or to anchor a bone to an intramedullary pin to make the repair more stable.
Stainless steel bone plates are screwed directly into the bone. Plates and screws can be used to repair broken bones with odd shapes, like the pelvis, or badly broken long bones of the front or hind legs. Bone plates are very expensive, but minimal post-operative care is needed. These dogs can use their legs almost immediately after the surgery and are pain free.
NOTE: An intramedullary pin holds the two ends of the broken bone in place.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Immediately after the injury has occurred, the use of Amica 30c not only relieves pain, but also helps reduce associated swelling. Give four doses every 15 minutes, until you can get the dog to the vet.

Symphytum 30c promotes healing of broken bones, for older dogs Calcarea fluorica 30c is often recommended as well. Talk to your vet about how often to give these therapies to your dog.

The number-one cause of canine emergencies is automobile accidents. The term used by vets is “HBC” meaning “Hit By Car”. Some dogs in automobile accidents just end up with minor wounds, bruises, or lacerations. Most dogs, however, end up with broken bones and/or other internal injuries. Regardless of how a dog appears to look externally, if he has been hit by a car then he should be examined thoroughly by a vet as soon as possible.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* The majority of dogs hit by cars are running loose. Keeping your dog on a leash can prevent a lot of unnecessary trauma for pets and owners. Many dogs are run over by their owners as they pull into and out of their driveways. Putting up a fenced enclosure or keeping your dog inside helps prevent this.

* Before you try to help an injured dog, be careful because dogs that are severely traumatized are also scared and in pain. Since they usually do not know what’s causing the pain, your risk being bitten, even if it’s your dog.

* Take a minute to protect yourself by muzzling the dog. You can make a muzzle by using a piece of rope, a belt, your tie, or even a pair of stockings. Start by looping the material over and under the dog’s nose, then bring the material behind his ears and tie.

* Injured dogs need to be transported to the vet quickly but calmly. Moving the dog as little as possible is important, especially with certain fractures. You can try lifting a very small dog with your hands, but using a stretcher is generally necessary for large dogs; a board or large blanket will work. Cover up the dog, roll or lift him onto the stretcher, and ease him into the car. It’s easier if you have someone to help: open both doors and one of you can move backward into the car and go out the other side. It is always a good idea to call ahead and let your vet know you’re on your way.

(NOTE: An injured dog will need to be kept warm. A blanket or coat will suffice.)

* If your dog is not moving, you need to be sure that he is alive. Touch the cornea which is the center of his eye. If the dog is alive, he should blink.

* If your dog is unconscious, treat him just like you would treat a person with a possible spinal injury. Wrap him on a board so his legs, spine, and neck are stiff. Next, be sure that his airway is clear so he is able to breathe. You can gently extend his head and neck, pull his tongue over to one side of his mouth, and use a cloth to clear any secretions from his mouth and nose.

* If the dog is also bleeding, the first aid treatment is the same as that used for a person. Apply steady, direct pressure with a clean towel, a piece of gauze, or even your hand to try to stop or at least limit the blood flow. Two pellets of Arnica Montana 20c can be placed on the tongue every 15 minutes for a total of three doses to relieve pain and decrease swelling while on your way to the vet.

* Legs that are dangling or obviously broken can be immobilized with splints made of newspaper, towels, or even a pillow.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Once at the hospital, the vet will examine the dog and initially assess vital statistics including rectal temperature, heart rate, respiration, and gum color. If the dog is critical, a catheter or tube will be inserted into a vein – this is called an intravenous fluid line. Medication to prevent shock, along with fluids to stabilize blood pressure, will be administered though this catheter. Once the dog is stabilized, x-rays to detect broken bones and other possible internal injuries will be taken. You will then be advised of the necessary treatment. You will also be given a prognosis, or told how your dog should do once out of the hospital, and whether or not any long-term complications should be expected.

Over one million people are bitten by dogs each year. This figure probably represents only half the number of actual bites because the rest go unreported. Half of children under the age of 12 have already been bitten by dogs. Any breed of dog has the potential to bite, although some breeds tend to be more aggressive than others because they were bred specifically for the aggressive trait. These dogs are often used to guard, protect, and herd, and thus may be more prone to bite.

WHY DOGS BITE
* A lot of things can lead to a dog bite. Sudden movements, such as a child riding a bicycle past a dog, may trigger the dog’s hunting instincts causing him to bite.
* The strong bond dogs form with owners can cause them to become overly protective. Dogs have attacked children in play if one tackles the dog’s owner and the dog perceives it as a threat.
* Other dogs become territorial of their yard or house. On walks, a dog may be friendly, but once at home, some become aggressive to the people who were previously tolerated. Some dogs tolerate very little before they become aggressive.
* Experts think that some dogs do not regard small children the same way they regard adults. Instead they look at them as prey, this is called predatory aggression. Immediate professional help is necessary in these cases. Intervention involves teaching these dogs their position at the bottom of the family social ladder. Children are encouraged to take part in the dog’s training and discipline to help enforce their authority over the dog.
(NOTE: Muzzling aggressive dogs and restricting their activities are good short-term measures to keep other people and pets safe. A muzzle is not a suitable long-term solution.)
WARNING
(NOTE: For aggression problems between family dogs, avoid situations that trigger competition. For example, separate the dogs before giving treats. House the dogs separately or muzzle one if both must be together. If the fighting occurs in the owner’s presence, keep one or both dogs on a leash.)

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Bites that break the skin should be reported to health authorities, especially if they were caused by a dog that is not your own, the bite is serious, involves the head or neck, the bite was unprovoked or the dog’s behavior was abnormal. Rabies is a potentially fatal consequence and specific protocols will be available from your local health department.
* If you are bitten by your dog or someone else’s dog call your physician. For superficial wounds, run water over the area for ten to fifteen minutes and clean them with a mild soap. Wounds that are deep, swollen, painful or oozing often require further treatment including antibiotics.
* Work with your veterinarian and/or Behavioral Specialist to figure out what caused the dog to bite and confirm the diagnosis.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Once a behavioral diagnosis is established, a list of stimuli that may trigger your dog’s aggression will be developed. Management will involve avoiding situations that might provoke your dog in the future. For owners of dogs with Dominance aggression, management will involve:
1. Not confronting the dog.
2. Stopping all physical reprimands.
3. Not trying to take anything away from the dog such as food or a toy.
4. If the inciting stimuli cannot be accurately predicted, a muzzle may be temporarily necessary when the dog is with family members.
5. Male dogs are generally more aggressive than females. Neutering a male dog or using hormone therapy may alleviate or suppress aggressive tendencies.

Your dog should be willing to please you and consistently respond appropriately to commands.
6. Physical punishment used to correct inappropriate behavior can become dangerous for the dog and the owner and is not recommended.
7. Always seek professional advice when you are concerned about your dog’s behavior.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
The use of Hepar sulphuris calcareum, 30c at an early stage, will not only relieve the pain, but can also prevent the wound becoming infected. Another remedy which can be used as an alternative is Arnica Montana 30c, which is given four times daily.

One of the most common accidents is a cut or laceration that causes bleeding. Bandage material, cleaning agents and anticoagulant powder (for nails that have been cut too short) take care of most minor wounds. Larger wounds should be seen by a vet.

TYPES OF CUTS
* When footpads are cut they bleed profusely. First rinse them well with water to remove debris. Scrub the area with iodine soap and flush out the wound with hydrogen peroxide. Then apply antibiotic ointment and a light bandage. Next call your veterinarian.
* Cuts and lacerations in the mouth also bleed a lot because of their large blood supply, but they also heal quickly for the same reason. Flush out mouth lesions with a cool solution of salt water (one tablespoon of salt mixed with one cup of water). Use a turkey baster or large syringe and hold the dog’s head down over a bucket so he doesn’t swallow the solution. Flush the salt solution into mouth several times. On the first and second day feed only broth or make a puree. By the third day most mouth lesions are healed.

WARNING
Avoid tourniquets – they often do more harm than good by blocking circulation to the leg.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* If a dog is bleeding the principle is the same for pets and people. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. It is best to use gauze or a clean bandage, but anything available – including your hand – will do if necessary. Release the pressure after a couple of minutes.
* If the bleeding stops, access the wound. Use clippers or scissors to remove hair from the area, then take an iodine-type soap and clean up wound. Rinse it out again with hydrogen peroxide. If there is a lot of hair surrounding the wound, before you clip the hair, coat it with water-soluble KY jelly. The hairs will stick to the jelly and not to the wound and will be much easier to wash away. Cover minor wounds with gauze and reassess them the next morning. Always give your vet a call just to be sure.
* If the bleeding doesn’t stop, continue applying direct pressure to the wound while on your way to the vet. For foot wounds, once the dog has been treated by your vet, placing a clean sock over the paw helps keep the dressing clean. Use adhesive tape to secure the sock in place.
* If you think your dog might bite you because he is hurt, scared, and in pain, protect yourself by using a muzzle. A muzzle can easily be made using a rope or belt, your tie, or even a pair of pantyhose. Drape the material over the top of your dog’s nose and then under his jaw, criss-cross it and then bring it back behind his head and tie.
* Homeopathic remedies include Calendula (marigold) 6x: one tablet twice daily until the wound is clearly healing. Arnica decreases bruising, while Hepar sulphuris calcareum 30c can reduce pain and decrease the risk of swelling and infection in the early stages: one pellet every four hours for three doses.

Taking a few precautions helps ensure a safe, happy holiday season for you and your pets. Dogs get holiday stress just like people – so strangers, unfamiliar decorations, and hectic schedules can take a toll on your dog. Try to maintain a routine as much as possible. Regardless of where you go or what you do, be sure your dog has a leash, collar, and proper identification tags.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* The number-one holiday problem in dogs is indigestion caused by eating too much rich food. Table scraps can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and predispose your dog to life-threatening pancreatitis. Don’t give your dog bones. They can get stuck in his mouth or perforate his intestines. Plastic wrappers and aluminum foil coated with gravy look good to your dog, but can obstruct his intestinal tract. Throw leftovers into the trash can and be sure wrappings form food and gifts are disposed of properly. Trashcans with pet-proof lids are an effective deterrent for garbage hounds. Chocolate, cookies, and candy can give your dog more than a sour stomach. Chocolate contains theobromide, which is toxic to the nervous system.

* Keep candles elevated, up out of paws’ reach. Tape electrical cords to the floor, use UL-approved lights and unplug them when you’re not at home. Frayed light cords can cause shock or burns.

* Not all dogs can swim, so if your holidays take you to the seaside be extra careful near water. Get your dog a life jacket for boating and keep your dog on a leash if you are near an area where he could fall, or on the beach where he might slip into the water accidentally.

Flames from house, brush, and forest fires are just one type of burn that can affect your dog. A dog’s haircoat is extremely flammable and most dogs have not been taught that ever-important fire safety phrase: “Stop, Drop, and Roll”. This means you need to be especially careful to prevent burns and scalds from occurring in the first place.

DANGER ZONES
* Accidents in the kitchen, especially with new puppies, are not uncommon. Scalding with hot liquids or oils or even touching a hot pot by accident can cause a serious thermal burn. Heating pads used to warm up new litters can cause radiant heat burns that are similar to sunburn.

* Curious puppies chewing on electrical cords can end up with electrical burns that destroy the skin as well as the deeper tissues.

* Smoke inhalation can cause lung damage and respiratory distress that may be apparent immediately, or not until 24 hours later.

* Dogs with severe and extensive burns can go into shock (see p. 109) as a result of the fluid loss and decreased blood flow that occurs through the surface of burned skin.
Note: Apply cool water to minor burns.)

WARNING
Always contact a vet as soon as possible whenever your pet may have suffered anything other than a minor burn. Many dogs may look fine initially but become distressed within the next 24 hours.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* For minor burns, cool water soaks with loose-fitting gauze bandages often suffice.

* More severe burns should be seen by your vet as soon as possible. The prognosis of a burn depends on the percentage of skin affected, the depth and location of the burn as well as the dog’s age and overall health status. Treatment is geared to address shock, replace fluids, maintain breathing, cool the skin, and reduce pain. Cleaning the area removes dead tissue and debris. Antibiotics reduce the risk of infection and proper nutrition counteracts protein and fluid losses. Burns involving more than 50 percent of the skin surface carry a poor prognosis. In many cases euthanasia must be considered.

Convulsions or seizures are defined as sudden, uncontrolled bursts of abnormal activity that last from one to three minutes. Signs may include anything from a slight twitch to salivating and foaming at the mouth. Shaking, jerking, stiffening of the legs or entire body as well as loss of urine and/or bowels may also occur. Epilepsy is the medical term used for dogs that suffer from seizures. Some breeds seem to be predisposed such as golden retrievers and poodles. Others develop Epilepsy as a result of various diseases like Diabetes. In most cases, the cause is not known. Vets call this Idiopathic Epilepsy.

CAUSES
* Unknown (Idiopathic Epilepsy)
* Low blood sugar, i.e. Diabetes
* Poison (for example, antifreeze).
* Kidney failure.
* Liver failure.
* Hereditary predisposition – Golden Retrievers, Poodles.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Dogs that have had a seizure may appear dazed or might look fine once the episode is over. Don’t move a dog during the episode, leave him alone until it is over. Then put him in a calm quiet, dark room and call your vet.

* Rub one to two teaspoons of karo syrup or honey onto his gums. This raises his blood sugar instantly and may provide relief if low blood sugar is the cause.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Your vet will examine your dog and take blood and urine tests to try to determine the underlying cause. Specific recommendations will be made accordingly.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
* Silicea 30c (Silicon dioxide) three pellets crushed to powder or two whole pellets under the tongue.
* Rescue Remedy is soothing for dogs that are scared or disoriented. Two drops in the mouth or on the tongue every 15 minutes for three doses while on the way to the vet.
* Acupuncture is useful to control seizures in certain cases.

Dangerous situations in and around your home include plants, drugs, chemicals, gardening and lawn care supplies, car care supplies, and insecticide baits to name a few. Actual report of dogs getting seriously ill from eating plants are relatively rare compared to reports of poisoning from household products or drugs.

POTENTIAL DANGERS
* Pet poisoning by household drugs is very common. It is responsible for 75 percent of toxin exposure and carries a 20 percent fatality rate. As little as two regular-strength Tylenol, especially in small dogs, can cause severe toxicity. Signs include salivating, vomiting, and weakness. Aspirin and other human non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers can be toxic to dogs.

* Many household chemicals can also be harmful if consumed by a dog. Most cleansing materials can cause stomach upset and vomiting if they are eaten. Dishwasher detergent can produce burns in the mouth.

* Dogs often vomit after chewing on plants, but only severe or persistent vomiting is a danger sign. The best advice is to always consult your vet if concerned. Plants to be aware of especially for puppies, include outdoor Taxus (Japanese yew), which contains a potentially fatal toxin that can cause sudden death from heart failure. Rhododendrons and nightshades may also be toxic.

SYMPTOMS
* Aspirin and other over-the-counter human pain medications can cause severe persistent vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and loss of appetite.

* In a 10-pound dog one regular strength (200 mg) ibuprofen can cause bleeding ulcers of the stomach and intestines. Signs include vomiting up blood. The stool usually has a foul odor and may be dark and tarry because it contains digested blood.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* When using household chemicals, it’s best to keep your dog out of the room. Keep dogs away from fresh paint, varnish, or stains until they have dried completely. Outside, keep dogs off lawns treated with insecticides and/.or week killers until they are completely dry.

* Keep your home as safe as possible by storing medications for all family members and pets in high closed cabinets, well out of reach.

WARNING
Many insecticides meant to kill fleas and ticks contain organophosphates and carbonates that are toxic to a dogs nervous system. Signs of toxicity include salivation, tearing eyes, urination and defecation. Be sure to read the label and follow all directions carefully. In addition many new baits (to kill rats, mice, ants, and roaches) contain peanut butter and jelly and sugar. They smell sweet and taste good but cause internal bleeding that can be fatal. Place these baits so they are inaccessible to your dog and record the date you put the bait out. Rat poison is rarely fatal as long as you get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.