Canine Information

 

Canine Facts

• The dog was domesticated approximately 15,000 years ago.
• The Gray Wolf is the suspected ancestor of the domestic canine; they share almost identical DNA.
• There was once over 2000 different breeds of domestic dogs; there are currently 400 breeds.  Most breeds were created as tools for human use and were bred for specific form and function.
• The age a dog reaches sexual maturity is typically between six and twelve months (for some very large breeds it may be up to two years).  Females typically go into estrus (or “heat”) every six months.
• Puppies have 28 teeth and adult canines have 42 teeth.  Most dogs have all their adult teeth in by the age of 6 months.
• The average gestation (pregnancy) period for a dog is 63 days.  Litter size varies with breed; some have 6-12 puppies and others such as toy breeds have only one.
• The average lifespan for a dog is 10-13 years.  However this varies greatly with breed; large breeds may live significantly shorter lives while small and toy breeds can live very long lives.  Lifestyle also contributes greatly to the longevity of canines.
• Neutering a dog means to remove its ability to reproduce and reduce its sex drive.  It is often called spaying in females.  Neutering dogs has many benefits including reducing overpopulation, lower risks of certain forms of cancer, and aids in prevention of some behavioral problems.

 

 

Basic Vital Signs (keep in mind these can vary greatly with life stage, activity, stress or illness)

• Heart Rate: 70-120 beats per minute.  Larger dogs have slower rates than small dogs and puppies typically have higher heart rates (up to 180 beats per minute is normal for up to one year of age).
• Respiration: 18-34 breaths per minute.  Normal respiratory rates are measured at rest. 
• Temperature: 100.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.  Body temperature is typically checked rectally.  Gauging temperature by feeling ears or checking the moistness of the nose is not reliable or accurate.
• Mucous membrane color: should be pink in color (pale, whitish gums or bright pink/red are a bad sign)

 

Emergency First Aid

 

Respiratory Distress

• Dog is gasping and unable to get air
• Signs of cyanosis- pale, blue gums
• Collapse

 

Protocol for EMERGENCY Respiratory Distress

• Check for foreign body in throat
• CAREFULLY reach in and try to remove object- place a roll of tape or something else in the mouth to keep dog from biting down if possible
• Modified Heimlich Maneuver: compress the trachea/throat just below the larynx with a few quick squeezes
• If there is no object in the trachea go to the nearest veterinary office IMMEDIATELY!

 

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Furious panting
• High body temperature
• Disinclination to move, some lie on their chest/sternum
• Muddy pink colored gums
• Elevated heart rate and as the condition worsens, heart rate becomes erratic and facial muscles twitch
• Wild or panicked expression
• Without fast cooling treatment, the dog collapses and dies

 

Protocol for Heat Stroke

• Get to a vet quickly!
• Submerge the dog in cold water to lower body temperature (cover with wet, cool towels if in transport)
• Provide shade, air conditioning or fans;  this will aid in cooling
• Electrolytes and fluids given intravenously are also needed (typically administered by a veterinarian)

 

Signs of Dehydration

• Lack of skin elasticity- lift skin at shoulder blades to form a “tent,” if   skin fails to return to normal position animal is dehydrated
• Dry, sunken eyes
• Dry mouth and nose
• Delayed capillary refill time.  To check this gently press finger against gums in the mouth until area whitens.  Release your finger and the color should return almost immediately.  A delay could indicate dehydration.

 

Protocol for Dehydration

• Fluid replacement- in order to prevent vomiting give small amounts of water very frequently.  Electrolytes can also be added to water (Pedialyte is suitable for dogs).
• For severe dehydration:  take dog to a veterinarian where fluids can be administered intravenously.

 

Muscle Strain or Sprain

This is typically indicated by limping, lameness or not bearing weight on a limb.  This type of injury can occur as a result of over stressing the muscles, tendons or other connective tissue with overwork or improper foot placement.

Protocol for muscle strain or sprain

• Rest, restricted activity and leash walks until condition is resolved
• Veterinary prescribed medication.  DO NOT USE ADVIL OR TYLENOL!!  Also be aware of possible side effects of any medication before you give it to your dog.  Another option is aspirin:  1 buffered adult tablet per 60lbs 2-3 times daily with food.  Discontinue use if there is any sign of vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy and call your veterinarian immediately. 
• Arnica cream or gel and essential oils can also be used.

 

Cuts and Abrasions (use caution and do not attempt to treat if injury is too painful or severe)

• Apply gentle pressure to slow/stop bleeding (if bleeding is severe get to a vet ASAP and apply pressure wrap or place tourniquet if needed)
• Clean site with a mild soap or gentle disinfectant solution
• Apply a light bandage to protect site
• Get to a veterinarian for further treatment if necessary

 

Canine Bloat

Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), bloat is when something causes gases to build in the stomach to the point where it becomes so stretched that blood circulation is cut off.  This can cause death to the tissue which results in death of the organ.  Another complication which can occur is when the stomach twists at the top and bottom of the stomach.  When this occurs the animal cannot release the gas naturally (via burping or “farting”) and must be repaired surgically as soon as possible or the animal will die.  Once a dog starts to bloat they must receive medical treatment immediately as the condition can progress rapidly and is life threatening.  How quickly a dog receives treatment can make the difference between life and death.  IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR DOG IS BLOATING GET TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!!!

 

Signs of Bloat

• Behavioral changes- very initial symptoms can be difficult to recognize
• Tightly swollen belly (may feel like a basketball)
• Severe abdominal pain and discomfort- dog may pace or try and rub sides on furniture, etc.
• Nausea- dog will try to vomit and nothing, or very little, will come up

 

How to Avoid Bloat

Although it is not known exactly what causes a dog to bloat, there are some things you can do to try and keep your pet from bloating.

• Avoid large meals- try feeding your dog two smaller meals rather than one large meal
• Avoid exercise either before or right after meals- wait at least an hour after exercise to feed your dog or wait an hour after eating to exercise
• Try to keep your dog from gulping large amounts of water all at once
• Other things to consider: some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to bloat (large breeds or dogs that are “deep-chested”),  dogs with a familial history of bloat may be more likely to bloat, over-stressed or overly aggressive dogs may be more susceptible as well