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Tag: guidance

  • Preparing for an Animal ER Visit

    Would you be ready to take your dog or cat to an emergency animal hospital if you had to do it in the next five minutes? Here are some things you can do to help make that stressful situation a bit calmer for you and your animal.

    Screen Shot 2018-10-30 at Tuesday October 30 201810.06.05 AM

    Angell Animal Medical Center is open 24/7/365 (directions & contact information are in the link).

    Be Ready to Go

    First, you should know where the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital is located and have a transportation plan and route in mind to get there. We are car-free city dwellers and, over the years, have taken taxis, rideshare cars, and accepted offers from kind friends to bring our dogs to the ER.

    When traveling, we always check for the nearest veterinarian and emergency hospital. It's not a bad idea to develop a habit of noticing any signs for veterinary services when you’re on the road. You just never know when you will need one.

    CaseDog0301 (1)

    Do your best to slow bleeding, stabilize injured limbs, and prepare to deal with gastric upsets on the way to get help. (Photo courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association.) 

    First Aid

    If your furry friend is hurt or sick, you’ll wish you knew some basic first aid and a bit about caring for a sick dog or cat. Do some reading on these topics ahead of time and consider adding a pet first-aid kit and a Pet First-Aid app to your smartphone. Or, take a course in pet first aid.

    Do your best to slow bleeding, stabilize injured limbs, and prepare to deal with gastric upsets on the way to get help. We recommend that anyone with pets keep a package of puppy piddle pads on hand. These highly absorbent, disposable pads can save hours of cleanup and help reduce stress. Having had a carsick dog in the past, we have a prepacked “barf kit” that holds a few pads, paper towels, a bottle of water, and plastic bags for trash.

    Poppyinzipcar - Version 2 - 2013-09-23 at 12-22-56

    Poppy was on the way to the ER for a sore paw, but we covered the car seat and protected it in case the ride upset her tummy.

    Moving a Hurt or Sick Animal

    The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests calling the clinic before you leave so they can be ready for you. They may also be able to give you suggestions for the best way to care for the cat or dog until you get there. 

    Your next challenge is moving a hurt animal to a vehicle and keeping everyone safe on the way to the hospital. The AVMA begins its advise on this topic with this warning, “Never assume that even the gentlest pet will not bite or scratch if injured. Pain and fear can make animals unpredictable or even dangerous. Don't attempt to hug an injured pet, and always keep your face away from its mouth. Although this may be your first impulse to comfort your pet, it might only scare the animal more or cause them pain.”

    You might want to improvise a muzzle for an injured animal as long as they are not vomiting. You can use gauze, a bandana, or scarf for this purpose. Small dogs and cats can be wrapped in a towel or blanket and carried or placed in a soft carrier. A blanket can be used to make an emergency stretcher for a large dog.

    In research done with Angie's List members, 65 percent have experienced a pet emergency. We know that we have made a lot of emergency veterinary visits during our years of having canine companions. 

    An animal emergency is the time to accept the help of others in your animal community. Especially if you are facing transport alone. Again, this is best arranged ahead of time. You can set up a reciprocal arrangement with a friend to assist one another, if needed, for an ER run.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Top photo courtesy of MSPCA.

    (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

     

  • Poppy Is a Rainy Day Dog

    Does your dog hit his “four-paw-braking” button when you open the door to a rainstorm? Or do you have one of those canines who doesn’t mind being wet? So far, our Poppy doesn't seem to mind a rainy day. But, with some rain in the forecast, this is a good time to discuss rainy day dogs.

    IMG_1672 copy

    A dog's attitude to rain is a case where breed, age, and size may make a difference. A tiny, short-haired dog may be cold and miserable in the rain, while a hardy water dog may love a dripping wet walk.

    What’s the Problem?

    Mary Fuller, DVM, writing about this topic for www.vetstreet.com, points out that for some dogs rain brings on their fear of thunderstorms, “It’s not always clear what brings on the fearful behavior. It may be changes in barometric pressure, static electricity, the crack of lightning bolts or just the sound of wind and rain.”

    Dr. Fuller warns that you should never punish your dog for this fear or force her into the rain, but rather use rewards like exuberant praise or treats to coax him outside. She adds that you should see your veterinarian if this behavior is becoming a real problem. A vet may be able to help with guidance or medications.

    IMG_1669 copy

    Poppy figures a good shake solves her rainy day issues. 

    Our last Westie Maggie Mae did not mind light rain but hated downpours. Try to see if this is the case with your dog and, when possible, watch local radar and pick a break in the storm to go out.

    You could also bring along a favorite squeaky toy and a high-value treat. We suggest that the treat be something special that the dog only gets for rainy walks. This is the time for smelly treats that your dog loves. Try a piece of dried cod skin or a stinky cheese that will set your pup drooling.

    Finally, try to hide your own distaste for a rainy walk because those feelings may be traveling down the leash to your dog.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino adapted from one of our City Paws newspaper columns for BostonZest.
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Give a Big "Thank You" to Your Dog Walker!
    A Sunday Beach Dog Playing on the Tidal Flats
    My Little Sunday Dog …

  • Poppy Is a Rainy Day Dog

    Does your dog hit his “four-paw-braking” button when you open the door to a rainstorm? Or do you have one of those canines who doesn’t mind being wet? So far, our Poppy doesn't seem to mind a rainy day. But, with some rain in the forecast, this is a good time to discuss rainy day dogs.

    IMG_1672 copy

    A dog's attitude to rain is a case where breed, age, and size may make a difference. A tiny, short-haired dog may be cold and miserable in the rain, while a hardy water dog may love a dripping wet walk.

    What’s the Problem?

    Mary Fuller, DVM, writing about this topic for www.vetstreet.com, points out that for some dogs rain brings on their fear of thunderstorms, “It’s not always clear what brings on the fearful behavior. It may be changes in barometric pressure, static electricity, the crack of lightning bolts or just the sound of wind and rain.”

    Dr. Fuller warns that you should never punish your dog for this fear or force her into the rain, but rather use rewards like exuberant praise or treats to coax him outside. She adds that you should see your veterinarian if this behavior is becoming a real problem. A vet may be able to help with guidance or medications.

    IMG_1669 copy

    Poppy figures a good shake solves her rainy day issues. 

    Our last Westie Maggie Mae did not mind light rain but hated downpours. Try to see if this is the case with your dog and, when possible, watch local radar and pick a break in the storm to go out.

    You could also bring along a favorite squeaky toy and a high-value treat. We suggest that the treat be something special that the dog only gets for rainy walks. This is the time for smelly treats that your dog loves. Try a piece of dried cod skin or a stinky cheese that will set your pup drooling.

    Finally, try to hide your own distaste for a rainy walk because those feelings may be traveling down the leash to your dog.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino adapted from one of our City Paws newspaper columns for BostonZest.
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Give a Big "Thank You" to Your Dog Walker!
    A Sunday Beach Dog Playing on the Tidal Flats
    My Little Sunday Dog …