Dogs can adjust to blindness and poor eyesight with very little difficulty. Their senses of hearing and smell begin to function as directional indicators, even though they may occasionally bump into table and chair legs or stumble over objects.
The following steps may help a blind pet find his way about the house and yard more easily.
1. Mark upright obstacles, such as chair legs and door jambs, with a light-scented cologne, spray or other scented substance. This helps the dog identify perpendicular objects.
2. Use a different scent on the floor about 6 inches from steps or similar obstacles. Use a light scent to avoid the buildup of odors around the house, which has been the only owner complaint about this method.
3. Wear a small bell or a bracelet that jingles. Visitors can also be equipped with such jewelry. This allows the dog to follow his owner’s movements more easily.
Sightless dogs adjust well to the problem, with little trouble to the owners. The suggestions above have been helpful in cases where the owner feels the need to do something to make the adjustment a little less difficult for the dog.
Older blind dogs may be handicapped, but they should be treated, as far as possible, as if they were normal. This means using the earned-petting routine regularly and performing obedience routines learned before the onset of blindness.
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on March 22nd 2008 in Dog Behaviour, Dog Health
Although you cannot prevent emergencies from happening, you can prepare for them by having the necessary supplies readily available when you need them. When traveling with your dog, you should carry a first aid kit that is specifically designed for your dog. The kit should include the following 14 items in addition to your cell phone:
1. Your veterinarian’s phone number, because 911 will not put you in touch with canine emergency personnel.
2. Antibiotic cream, 1 tube
3. Bandage roll, 3-inch gauze
4. Cotton balls, 1 small package
5. Eyewash or a bottle of artificial tears to flush foreign material from his eyes
6. Disinfectant, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
7. Muzzle, about 4-foot length of soft cotton rope
8. Pad and pencil
9. Scissors, blunt tipped or bandage scissors
10. Soap for cleaning skin wounds (liquid organic iodine type)
11. Syringe, 12-cc capacity for flushing wounds or administering oral medication
12. Styptic stick for minor torn nail bleeding
13. Tape, one roll of 2-inch adhesive
14. Thermometer, rectal, electronic, or mercury
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on February 25th 2008 in Dog First Aid, Dog Health
The number of ways you can give your oldster a break is limited only by your imagination. Here are a few tips to get you thinking:
1. Clothes: Canine clothing isn’t just for poodles anymore. Older dogs, like older people, have a harder time maintaining their body temperature. This problem is even more pronounced in slender, short-coated breeds like the greyhound or whippet. So check out the sweater selection at your local pet-supply store, or consider altering one of your own for the task.
2. Beds: Think soft. Think cushioned. Think low. Think heated. Your dog will thank you for all of these thoughts, especially in cold weather.
3. Dishes: Raised food and water dishes are a kindness to tall dogs of any age, but they are especially easy on the back of an old doggie. You can find them at pet-supply stores or you can make your own.
4. Ramps and Steps: If your dogs are allowed on the couch and the bed, you should be able to find or build something to help out the dog who can no longer make it in one jump. You wouldn’t want to watch TV without your dog at your side, would you?
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on January 26th 2008 in Dog Health
First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Keep a canine first-aid kit on hand for general health care and emergencies. You should check it on a regular basis to make sure that liquids have not spilled or dried up, and replace medications and materials after they are used.
Your first aid kit should include: Activated charcoal tablets; Adhesive tape (1 and 2 inches wide), antibacterial ointment (for skin and eyes), aspirin (buffered or enteric coated, not Ibuprofen), bandages such as gauze rolls (1 and 2 inches wide) and dressing pads, cotton balls, diarrhea medicine, dosing syringe, hydrogen peroxide (3%), petroleum jelly, rectal thermometer, rubber gloves, rubbing alcohol, scissors, tourniquet, towel, and tweezers.
Your puppy cannot tell you when he is sick, but if you spend enough time with him and are observant of his behavior, it will be easy for you to notice when he is not feeling well. The purpose of a first aid kit is for you to assist a dog in an emergency situation before you reach the vet’s office. Such assistance should be minimal, so as not to make matters worse and it must be safe for the dog and his rescuer. If possible, alert the veterinarian immediately.
DogandMaster.com
DogandMaster.com on December 31st 2007 in Dog First Aid, Dog Health
