How to Take Your Dog’s Temperature

When your dog is feeling ill or acting out of sorts, it sometimes necessary to find out whether or not he’s got a fever. While it’s not exactly a pleasant experience for either one of you, knowing your dog’s body temperature is one of the quickest ways to know if your pooch requires immediate vet care.
While you might have heard that feeling your dog’s nose or ears for heat is one way to verify if he is feverish, keep in mind that it’s by no means accurate. You have to get your dog’s internal body temperature, and the most reliable way to do just that is with a thermometer.
Taking Fido’s Body Temperature Rectally
1. Enlist the help of a friend. Most dogs, without understanding what you’re doing to them or why, will be resistant to having their temperature taken rectally. Have someone ready to assist you in case you need a second set of hands. Even if your friend is only there for moral support, calming and soothing your dog, or feeding him treats during the measurement, it will make the process much easier on you both!
2. Prepare the thermometer. Clean the tip of the thermometer with a sterilizing agent like alcohol. Then, make use of a probe cover to avoid any cross-contamination. Add a dab of petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer in order to make the insertion process a lot easier.
3. Get your pooch ready. With your dog standing up (to avoid injury), lift his tail while your friend/helper keeps him calm and still. Talk to him in a soft, gentle voice as you slowly put the thermometer into your dog’s rectum about an inch. It isn’t necessary, and could harm your dog, to insert the thermometer any further. Do not force the thermometer tip into your dog’s rectum. If you have difficulty with insertion, take your pet to his veterinarian for an accurate reading.
4. Take the reading. Because having his temperature taken isn’t fun for your dog, we recommend making use of a quick-reading digital thermometer. Follow the thermometer’s instructions for taking a temperature and wait for the temperature to be displayed before removing it from your dog’s rectum. Make a note of your dog’s temperature and monitor it for changes.
5. Does your dog have a fever? A dog’s normal body temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5.  If your dog’s recorded temperature in within this range, he is not running a fever. Higher or lower than this range, however, can indicate illness. If your dog’s temperature is outside of the acceptable range by 1.5 degrees or more, immediately take him to see your veterinarian.
While some manufacturers have created infrared ear thermometers for taking your dog’s temperature, these devices do not take into account the drastic differences from one dog’s ear shape and size to the next. And, they require extreme precision and correct use to generate an accurate body temperature. A rectal temperature reading is the most accurate.
Knowing your dog’s body temperature before picking up the phone and calling your veterinarian can be a huge help in determining if immediate care is needed. Keep a dedicated rectal thermometer in your pet’s first aid kit and be prepared!

View the original article here

Can Your Dog Benefit From Fish Oil?

You’ve probably heard of the benefits of supplementing your own diet with the omega-3's found in fish oil. These fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation, ease allergies, and improve the symptoms of arthritis. But, can your dog benefit from fish oil, too? In this article by Diane Watkins of Dog Health Guide, we learn how your dog can benefit from a fish oil supplement to their diet – and another way to get this important fatty acid into their diet by using cold-water fish in their food!

Can Your Dog Benefit From Fish Oil?

Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

For many years veterinarians have recommended feeding fish oil to treat canine allergies and skin conditions. New research is showing that omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil are good for preventing and treating a wide variety of canine diseases.

Older dogs suffering from arthritis will especially benefit from the healing properties of fish oils. The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for treating the itching and inflammation associated with allergy-related skin conditions.

Supplementing Your Dogs Diet with Fish Oil

You can purchase fish oil supplements for animals, but why not just add cold water fish to your dogs diet? When fish is fed as part of the normal canine diet, there is no need to worry about proper dosing for your dogs size. Dogs will naturally get the proper amount as part of their normal dietary requirements.

Salmon and other cold water fish are high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Feeding two servings a week of a high quality homemade dog food containing salmon as a protein source should be sufficient for most dogs. If your dog is suffering from arthritis, kidney failure, skin diseases or other inflammatory diseases, add a fish oil supplement to your dogs daily supplements.

See Benefits in Six to Eight Weeks

As with most nutritional therapies, it will take a while to notice changes in your pets health. Allow at least six to eight weeks of regular omega-3 therapy to evaluate the benefits for your pet.

Read the rest of Diane’s article here. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before beginning any supplement for your pets and specifically, if your dog can benefit from fish oil in their diet. Have you ever given your dog a fish oil or omega-3 supplement? Did you notice any significant improvements to their health? Tell us about it below!

View the original article here

The Scoop on Poop: What You Can Tell about a Dog by his Doodie

Okay, so it’s not the most pleasant topic… some might even be disgusted at the thought. Nevertheless, since your dog can’t talk, his bowel movements can provide important clues about his health. Stools generally come in various colors, formation, and consistency; not to mention, different smells. But, by monitoring and analyzing your pup’s poop, you can be alerted to several health issues that could be putting his life in danger.
A normal stool is usually moist, firm, and compact with a light smell. Deviations from this usual pattern may indicate an underlying health condition. By getting the scoop on your pet’s poop, you may just save his life one day.
Assessment Tips and Guidelines
1. Take your pup’s poop seriously. Check his stool from time to time, even when he seems to be feeling fine, to establish what’s “normal” for your dog. Any deviation from the normal poo may be a cause of concern. If you are feeding your dog kibble (dry food), it is typical for him to have large, voluminous, and smelly poo which could indicate that his body may not have properly absorbed the nutrients. Raw feeders, on the other hand,  tend to have small, firm poo with a weaker scent. Depending on your dog’s diet, either of these can be considered normal.
Diarrhea or black, tarry consistency, on the other hand, is cause for concern. Constipation that causes a pet to strain could denote that he is not getting enough water, or it could be the first sign of inadequate nutritional requirements.
2. Watch out for parasites. Fecal sampling and testing by your veterinarian should be done at least annually, even for healthy pups. Your vet can detect worm presence long before the creepy, crawlies are evident to the naked eye.
If you happen to notice during one of your regular poo checks any white or tan specks, scoop up the poop and bring it to your vet immediately. Many dangerous parasites like roundworms and tapeworms will be present in your dog’s stool. But, normally the infestation is well established by the time you spot the evidence.
3. Pay attention to abnormal signs. The occasional poo that tends to be somewhat loose, sometimes containing a bit of mucus, or even a little blood may not instantly indicate a problem. It is when an abnormal amount is present, or when more than a couple of days pass by with the poo deviating from the norm.
You can bet that something’s wrong with your pet’s system if diarrhea in colors ranging from mustard yellow to green to dark brown is seen.
Blood in his stool might make his poo black, tarry, or red which can imply the presence of parasites, infections, allergies, polyps, cancer, or having ingested something sharp and indigestible. While black tarry poo normally suggests bleeding in the upper part of his intestine, red blood signifies a problem in his lower intestine or anal area.
Being aware of what is a normal poop for your dog, and regularly checking his stool for any observed deviation in color, consistency, and smell is as crucial as having a first-aid kit on hand for emergency situations. Make assessing your pooch’s poop for health as natural as taking him out for a regular walk.

View the original article here

WHOA! This Blueberry Muffin Looks Just Like a Chihuahua!

It was just another day for teenager, Kaelin Bell and her 6-month old Chihuahua, Chico.
That is, until she reached for a blueberry muffin and was stopped dead in her tracks – the blueberry muffin looked exactly like Chico!
Naturally, she posted the picture to her Tumblr blog, with the caption, “”My blueberry muffin looks exactly like my dog. I’m gonna cry.”
Unable to eat the muffin, she’s keeping it safe in the freezer. As for Chico, he’s now an internet sensation!
Take a look at Chico and the infamous muffin… See the resemblance?


View the original article here

Meet Fun People At a Dog Show

Have you been to a dog show? If not, make it a point to put this activity on your schedule because you are going to be entering a whole new world. Look forward to meeting many people who, just like you, are crazy about their dogs. They might just be there to observe well trained dogs, or they might be competing against all the other doggies entered with their pooch.
A dog show is going to be full of people from all walks of life. Housewives, dentists, engineers, carpenters, pilots, poor and rich, young and old. Many other individuals from every walk of life are going head to head with each other in the pursuit of their dog winning best in class, and overall champion.
This is not a fun form of competition for those who are faint of heart, because these people take this very seriously. Yet most of the contestants and their dogs are great friends and have fun at the same time.
Perhaps a visit to one of these shows will whet your appetite for showing your dog. If so, get ready for more hard work and frustration than you signed up for! Training a dog up to show level is an exercise in your skills as a dog trainer, and will test your level of patience as you and the dog learn the ropes. But the rewards of finally reaching the top will make all this effort worth it.
Continued on page 2…

View the original article here

INFOGRAPHIC: 6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe This Winter

Join the Dogington Post Mailing List. Get up-to-the-minute recall alerts plus tips, tricks and special deals! Click here.
View the original article here

What Would Happen to Your Dog, If Something Happened to You?

We generally outlive our pets as they have a shorter life span than us. That’s why it is recommended that as responsible owners we plan ahead for our dog’s passing. However, what if the opposite happens? What if we become laid up, ill, or worse, die first? Who would give Fido home? Who would provide for his food and water? Who would take care of him and love him?

Preparing for the Unexpected

To ensure that your beloved four-legged friend continues to receive adequate care in the event that you get seriously ill, meet a grave accident, or face death, it is critical that you plan and make arrangements in advance.

1. Call a friend. Find a few dependable friends or relatives who would be willing to serve as emergency caregivers should something unexpected happen to you. Provide them with keys to your home, feeding and pet care instructions, as well as the contact information of your vet.

2. Post notices. Aside from carrying an “alert” card in your wallet all the time, try posting removable “In case of emergency” signs on your windows or doors as well. This way, responding personnel during emergencies like fire or any other home disaster can be notified easily about the number and the kind of pets you have at home.

3. Make formal arrangements. Sometimes, it’s not enough that long ago a friend of yours has promised to take care of your pooch. To ensure that your plans to secure your dog when worse comes to worst are fulfilled, start making formal arrangements that will cover the sufficient care of your pet. Work with a lawyer to draft a special will or other document which draws the specific care and ownership of your dog as well as the amount needed to care for him.

Which is Better: Will or Trust?

There are various kinds of wills and trusts, and choosing which is best for you and Fido basically depends on your situation and your pooch’s needs. It is highly recommended that you consult your lawyer first before making a decision. Your attorney can both understand your need to provide for your dog and assist you in creating a will or trust that best meets Fido’s needs.

So many of us view our pets as members of the family. So, in the same way that responsible parents plan ahead for the care of their children, should an accident or unforeseen illness occur, plans should also be put in place your furry family members.

View the original article here