Crate Training

Crate training is the easiest way to prevent misbehavior such as inappropriate chewing or housebreaking accidents with your new puppy. Using the crate allows you to leave your home or to work uninterrupted from a few minutes to a few hours. These "playpens" prevent a puppy from hurting himself or getting into trouble when you are away or cannot supervise. Do not use your puppy's crate for discipline or punishment. Feed your puppy in the crate to allow a positive association to form. Never leave your puppy in the crate wearing any type of collar and remove potentially harmful objects. 

Pet Emergencies

We all hope that your dog is never confronted with a serious injury or emergency health problem. Unfortunately the unexpected can occur at any time. The most important thing in any emergency situation is to stay calm. Our dogs get their cues from us. If we are calm in an emergency our dogs may react in a better manner. You should also post your veterinarian’s phone number with all of your other emergency numbers. Alternatively, include your veterinarian’s number in your cellular phone. Be familiar with your veterinarian’s procedures in the event of an emergency and if an emergency were to happen after business hours. Determine if there are emergency animal care facilities in your area.

Dogs & New Baby

It is important to prepare your dog(s) for the arrival of a new baby as soon as possible. Even a well-trained and mannered dog may show signs of jealousy if the change is made abruptly. Consult with a trainer and start preparation exercises no less than two months prior to the expected arrival of the baby. The resulting relationship will be well worth your investment.

Winter Ice & Dog's Paws

In the winter, many home owners and business use products to clear the ice and snow that accompany cold winter weather. Rock salt and most chemical deicers can irritate your dog's paws. Stay away from heavily salted areas as much as possible. Many dogs will quickly start whining, biting or lifting their feet after just a few steps. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove the salt. When returning home inspect paws after walking in areas treated with salt and other deicers. Make sure to check between pads and examine the foot for cracks. To help prevent ice balls in between the pads, trim hair around your dog's feet. Also check for snow that can also cling to long haired dogs. Veterinarian-approved nontoxic de-icing products can help to protect dogs' feet from ice balls and stinging or drying damage. Dog booties may also be beneficial in heavily salted area. 

Dog's Temperature

A dog’s temperature is taken rectally and normally runs from 100.0 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (averaging 101.3 to 101.5). If you are unsure on how to do this properly, on your next visit have your veterinarian or veterinary technician show you. Sometimes, taking your dog’s temperature can be a two-person operation. One person handles the thermometer while the other restrains the dog.

Rawhide Chews

Rawhides pose potential health risks, such as vomiting or diarrhea from undigested pieces in the GI tract. Swallowing large pieces of rawhide chews can lodge in the throat and cause choking scrape and irritate the throat and esophagus. Once in the stomach or intestinal tract, rawhide may create a physical obstruction. Some rawhide may create a risk of Salmonella poisoning (some have an arsenic-based preservative).

Heatstroke

Symptoms of Heatstroke or Hyperthermia (some or all may be present): Panting, Weakness or collapse, Elevated temperature (from 105-110 degrees – normal is 101-102 degrees), vomiting, diarrhea and/or lack of urine production, seizures, fast pounding pulse, Blank or starring expression. Heat Exhaustion can occur during or after exercise, particularly on hot or humid days. Heat exhaustion may not be associated with an elevation in body temperature. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion may include: Collapse or fainting, Mentally dazed behavior, Vomiting, Muscle cramps (seizure-like tremors), Abnormally rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing, or muscle weakness.

Poisonous Foods & Items

Remember to not give your pets any holiday items like chocolate, foods that they are not accustomed to, onions or gravy with onions and grapes/raisins. Chocolate is one of the most common poisonous substances for dogs. Antifreeze tastes good to dogs and also can be absorbed through the pads of the feet. Be careful and clean up spills carefully. Insecticides and other bait traps for rodents can be potentially fatal to your dog. Please keep any garbage cans out of reach, to avoid ingestion of injurious items, like bones and those strings that are wrapped around the roasts you might cook. Also, keep up any chewing gum, as much of it contains xylitol which is very toxic to dogs.

Dog Treats

Be sure these snacks do not interfere with his eating habits. Some are so good that your dog might not eat his regular food, holding out for a later treat. The best snacks are hard small "Milkbones", or their equivalents, as they are good for teething and rarely spoil appetites. These are not only healthy, but are a great way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean.

FAQs Credits: nk9.com