THE EUKANUBA ADULT
DOG GUIDE.

Just because he's no longer a puppy does not mean his owner cannot learn a few new tricks

Preparing for Doggie Emergencies



You took CPR before your child was born, water safety classes prior to your
first sailing excursion and crisis management courses at the law firm where
your work. Now make sure you know how to spot a canine emergency. Below are
common scenarios with notes on when to call your vet.





Scenario #1: Spanky stormed through the baby gate and got into your
bathroom. Before you could even move a slippered foot, he jumped on the
countertop and scarfed down the ibuprofen you’d been about to swallow to
ease your back pain. Should you be worried?



ANSWER: A single dose of ibuprofen (often packaged as Advil or Motrin),
tranquilizers, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or even a birth control pill won’t
hurt your curious friend. That said, multiple doses could be problematic.
Call a veterinarian immediately if he’s chewed up more than one pill.





Scenario #2: Lucky, your Border Collie, could not help himself:
He had to chase that Volvo. (It was red, after all.) But he got hit this
time. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to be hurt. Is veterinary assistance required?



ANSWER: Absolutely. Many injuries aren’t immediately obvious, so
dogs should be checked out. Of course, breathing difficulties are especially critical.





Scenario #3: You’ve taken Pup on a romp up into Mark Twain National
Forest. He has a ball rummaging around the thick brush but returns to you
with a deep gash on his leg. Is it important to head back to the lodge?



ANSWER: If the cut continues to bleed after a half hour or if his
gums are pale, you’ll need to seek medical attention. (Pale gums indicate
excessive blood loss.)





Scenario #4: You dog was so interested in the new Chow Chow next door
that he tried to jump your privacy fence to get to her. Now, he’s limping.
Do you allow him to learn a love lesson or take him in for analysis?



ANSWER: If his limp evaporates immediately or soon after the incident,
he’s probably fine. If refuses to put pressure on it or if the leg looks like
it is bent out of shape, contact your dog’s health care provider.






Scenario #5: Your Aunt Georgia says your Miniature Pinscher looks skinny
and gives her several pieces of Godiva chocolate. You know such treats are
unhealthy for dogs, but are they health threats?



ANSWER: That depends upon what kind of chocolate was given and how much
the dog ate. The darker the sweet stuff, the more dangerous for canines:
Only one ounce of baking chocolate is toxic to a 10’pound dog, though he
can get away with consuming 10 ounces of milk chocolate. (Though he might
suffer from severe tummy troubles.) Still, you shouldn’t guess. Always call
your vet and report what you’ve seen.





Scenario #6: You’re playing catch with your pet and he keeps missing,
despite your detailed tutelage. Then, he finally catches the ball, but it get
lodged in his throat. What do you do?



ANSWER: Most dogs yak up whatever it is that stuck in their mouths,
but on occasion their airways can become obstructed. If he doesn’t seem to
be able to breath, or his breathing is labored, take him immediately to the
emergency clinic. Never try to yank out the object, as it might get pushed
further down the airway.





Emergencies are never planned. But since they do happen, it is important you
know how to handle them. Furthermore, you can prepare for the worst by
programming your vet’s number into your cell phone and printing out
directions to his office — as well as a map to the after-hours
clinic — and keeping them in the glove compartment of your car.
After all, you just never know when a squirrel will fight back.

Open

All Dogs, All Day

Launch Eukanuba TV

Watch pupy training, breed spotlight, nutrition videos and more!

Launch Euk TV

Launch Eukanuba TV