CPR.
There might come a time when your pet stops breathing, and just like with humans, knowing CPR can be invaluable. Yes, you can do CPR on your pet, large or small. This works for dogs, cats, small animals, even barn yard animals. You might want to try this on a stuffed animal first, just to make sure you have the hang of it, in case the need does arrive.

First off, lay the animal on its right side. Feel for a pulse in the thigh or the heart area. Next, clear the airway of any obstruction by pulling the tongue out of the mouth and looking for an object causing the obstruction. When clear, close their mouth holding shut and and breath into the nose with short quick breaths, approximately 10-15 times. Make sure the mouth is closed or your breath will come right back out of it. Next, come the compressions. These are done by crossing your hands over the heart area and pressing rapidly down with a little strength about 5 times, then revert back to the nose breaths. You can do this several times. If time elapsed has reached 15 minutes, there is basically no chance for revival.

Choking,
Another tip is the Heimlich, which is basically the same as when it is with people. Again, check the airway. I'm not a huge fan of rawhide chews because of this, they seem to be the biggest culprit. If your pet is choking, put the animals back against your stomach. Next, place your hands over the rib cage, and with 3 hard pushes try to dislodge the object, You can also tip the animal upside by its rear legs if its small enough. Always try to dislodge the object first by looking into the mouth and seeing if you can reach it.

Remember, do not panic. That will not help the situation at all. Practice these steps in order to become comfortable with them just in case the need arises.

Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke CAN Kill, Don't Let Your Dog be a Victim

Have you ever thought about your dog having heat stroke. Remember that heat and humidity are more stressful for puppies, geriatric dogs, dogs that are overweight or out of condition, and dogs with chronic illnesses.. With the warmer than usual weather in some area's this is something that you need to think about. If your dog is panting, drooling, and has a rapid pulse he may be overheating. Heat stroke begins with rapid, frantic noisy breathing, The tongue and mucus membranes become bright red, saliva is thick and dog may vomit.Immediately immerse the dog in cold water - if that is impossible hose down with cold water from a garden hose (that means draining out the warm standing water in the hose for several minutes) and seek IMMEDIATE veterinary care. Dogs can die from heat stroke! Emergency first aid for heat stroke.


Heat stress Informed dog owners know about hot cars, and many people have heard of "heat stroke" or "heat exhaustion." However, the most common - and very dangerous - heat related condition is heat stress. Heat stress is the first stage of heat stroke or exhaustion. The rate of breathing gets fast and hard enough that the CO2 percentage gets out of whack - which further affects breathing rate. Keep in mind the rule of thumb that bird hunters use to protect their precious pointers, setters, spaniels and retrievers: when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees and there is no breeze, to avoid heat stress, don't play fetch, run with your dog, call your dog to run a distance to you, or otherwise engage your dog in aerobic exercise. Any time a dog's tongue is all the way out, purplish and engorged, and the breathing is fast and hard, suspect heat stress and cool the dog off by:
#1 removing the dog from the hot area (take it inside, for example, or at least into the shade) and
#2 plunge the front paws and forelegs into an ice-and water bath. Bird hunters use 5 gallon plastic buckets for this. Dump a grocery store bag of ice in and fill with water. Lift the dog under the brisket and just plunge the legs and feet in - even for a moment. Dogs are able to exchange a lot of heat through the paws and legs. This method does not shock the circulatory system like trying to plunge the dog's whole body into cold water does. DON'T LET A DOG DRINK THE ICE WATER which will probably cause them to regurgitate and lose valuable fluids and electrolytes. #3 offer room temperature water after cooling the dog
#4 don't work the dog for at least 2 days after heat stress occurs


Chiropractic care for your Babies
Did you know that if your baby has a neck or back problem that Chiropractic care can help them? Well it can. There bodies can get out of whack just like ours. Dr.Stowe in Phenix City, Al. saved little Freya when she was attacked by her momma when she developed mastitus. She ended up with her head tipped to the side so she always looked like she was looking at you sideways and to the left. I thought she would be that way for life till I talked with Dr.Stowe my Chiropractor. After a months treatments he had her back good as new. And today you would never know she had had a problem. He says if you get them early enough you can correct most problems.Just like you do with a human. The oldest dog he treated was a poodle of 12 years old he says. I don't imagine many Chiropractors out there treat dogs but it is worth looking into if you have a loved one that needs help.


Antifreeze Toxicity
Would you know what to look for and what to do if your baby got into Antifreeze??

Toxic Plants
How many things do you know that can harm your baby?? Take a look at all the Toxic Plants around us.

Do you know your dogs normal temp??Heart rate?? respiration's?? Ask your vet for your particular dog. Here you will find some standard guidlines

Are you prepared for a disaster such as a Hurricane or Tornado or a terrorist attack? Do you have a plan or a kit? For some guidlines on Preparing a Kit

A self help guide is always a good thing to have. Check out the
Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook I have found this to be a wonderful and helpful book.

Would you like to learn more about the genetics of your dogs? These books have some great info
Genetics: An Introduction for Breeders

Genetics of the Dog
Genetics for Dog Breeders


And did you know that you can get some really good insurance coverage for your beloved pet? Well you can and the price is really reasonable in my opinion. Check it out for yourself http://www.gopetplan.com/