Dog first aid kits.......

I always grab a dedicated bag that I put together as Bugsy's emergency kit when we go out somewhere (well other than for our morning walk here in the neighborhood). He is so active and we go out on trails and to rivers and lakes that come equipped with poisonous snakes, slippery rocks and goodness knows what else that I felt a little better having some medical supplies at the ready.
Please consider putting one together for your dog, here are some tips from DogAge, you can find more info by doing a simple search for dog first aid kits.
One thing no one should travel without but isn't listed here is Benadryl, you should have both liquid and capsules at the ready. The liquid is absorbed faster but impossible to use for big dogs like Bugsy because the dose is so small.
For reference Benadryl should be dosed at 1-2mg per pound of body weight. The 2mg/lb is the emergency dose.


What's In Your Pooch's First-Aid Kit?
Originally published on August 06, 2009
Like parents tending to kids' skinned knees, most dog owners will occasionally have to nurse their pets' scrapes, scuffs, or other minor injuries. Yep, accidents happen. But you can make such mishaps more manageable by following the old scouting motto: Be prepared. That means having a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand at all times. Don't have one? Pick up a waterproof plastic box, and stock it with these essentials:
1. Vital Stats -- Write down your dog's name, breed, and date of birth; any medical conditions and allergies he has; and any medications he's taking (including doses). If he's been microchipped, jot down the number. Also include your home address and phone number; your vet's name and phone number; and your emergency vet clinic's phone number.

2. Important Records -- Make photocopies of important health records, including vaccinations, and seal them in a plastic bag inside your kit.

3. Basic Supplies -- Fill the rest of your kit with alcohol wipes, gauze, cotton balls, nonstick bandages, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, tweezers, an eyedropper, hand sanitizer or soap, a digital thermometer, a pair of latex gloves, and a tube of both topical first-aid cream and antibiotic ointment.

Also, look into taking a pet first-aid class. After all, learning how to handle accidents is the best way to help your dog live younger.

My buddy got neutered today

My buddy Campbell got neutered today. I'm not sure what that means my mom says I was neutered when I was 10 weeks old or so, the life of a shelter dog you see. Whatever. I don't know any different.
But Campbell had to wait until he got his heart medicine stabilized and they needed to make a special plan so it was a safe procedure. The good news is everything went very well. We can't play for about 10 days but we've done that before so we'll make it. Ha ha I bet he drives his humans and the dachshunds crazy by this time next week.

What made it especially important he got neutered is because he has a bad heart. Boxers are prone to something called cardiomyopathy and it is important that boxers with it don't breed more boxers with it.
If you have a boxer now you can get them tested to see if they carry the gene for this disease here's more info on that boxer genetic test
Boxers and some other breeds like Dobermans should also get something called Holter tests
Campbell has had two of those tests already, he has to wear a special vest:


We like it when he wears his vest because we have to play when he wears it - the doctors need to see what his heart does when we play.

Most everyone should get their dog spayed (females) or neutered (males) there are way too many dogs in the world, hundreds of thousands of which get euthanized each year.

So save some lives and get your dog fixed. If Campbell can deal with the surgery so can you! You'll be back playing again soon enough!

Dog days of August

well let me tell you this, whoever called these the 'dog days' of August sure wasn't a dog! Wow is it hot and humid too. Everything is wet and the air is thick. Yuck.
I try to wake my humans up real early so we can exercise before the sun comes up, but they are lazy and sleep all the way until 6:15!!! Whew too hot by then.
It is much better to go to the lake when it is so hot but I need to walk around my neighborhood to check out what is happening too!
I mean I've been walking around here since I was a wee pup, I need to know who has been out and about and what they've been eating, etc.
You understand don't you?
Anyway we do the rounds and today I lucked out and did them once with mom and then again with dad. Zowie this black fur is a bit much in this weather!!

My humans make sure I have nice cool water to drink when I get back and if it is real bad they cool me off with the hose. I pretend I don't like that but I do like being cooler. Sometimes mom takes a wet rag and cools my ears, under my arms, my belly and my paws. Another thing my humans do is wet me down completely before we set off that keeps me cool longer too. Bad thing is when I am so hot, I have to wait ages to get my breakfast so I don't get sick they say.

Just a reminder to all you humans out there if you take your dog out in this weather make it real early or real late.
No full sun for us in the heat. You try it with a fur coat on and tell me how you feel!
If your dog is older or overweight or not 100% healthy cut the walks shorter and may be do two.
Or take us swimming if you can.
Never leave us in a car that isn't running with the AC on - we can die quickly in the car in the sun.
Alright try to stay cool and dream about the nice cool mornings to come!


edit to add this link from Blue Buffalo on keeping your dog cool

edit for another update from Ruff wear

dreamin'

I tell you this boy has some active dreams. He regularly runs, whimpers, howls, twitches, you name it all while sound asleep. Just a minute ago I thought I heard thunder but it was just his tail hitting the floor. And yes his tail thumps with that sort of ferocity.
I love watching his feet go, his toes wiggle and his paws seem very hand-like in the way they move.
There are times where I wonder if he's having some sort of seizure, I know he is not but the sounds and movements are so odd.
I wonder what it is that he is dreaming of - his friends? the beach? the river? is he chasing geese with no one holding the long line?
We'll never know but I do get the impression that he is having pleasant dreams.
Oops I just got the stink eye for disturbing his sleep. Must be typing too loudly

perhaps this is why my name is Bugs

You may know that I have a tendency to pursue anything that moves - if not, it's true. I have always enjoyed catching crickets, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, OK you've got the idea. My favorite bugs to catch are cicadas. They are real big and make the coolest noise and they buzz crazily.
They are so cool and the best part is they taste great! My human said they are ugly but I don't mind!

don't be sad Dad

We got some very bad news this week, the type that many middle-aged people hear about an ailing parent not having much longer. Well since we have gotten the news, Bugsy is working harder than ever to keep his 'Dad' light, to bring a smile to his face and make him laugh.
We are struggling with this information but I can tell you that my furry comedian has been wonderful. It really is impossible to not laugh and join him in his antics. And it lightens the mood in the whole house.
So thanks Bugsy we really do need a good laugh and you are certainly providing it!
He's sleeping off a good 45 minute session of mischief now - well deserved bud! Keep them coming.

It's a great day for ZOOMIN'

Whew I tell you I woke up this morning and it was like an early October morning (dat iz wot my human said) and I just couldn't stop zooming! I went out first thing and checked out who had visited my yard overnight,

then mom and I went for a walk and we saw Campbell's whole family and then we saw Carl and his human and then I met a new puppy.
Whew it was busy out there.
Then I gotz home and it was still so nice so I just went crazy.



I zoomed all around LOL I like to run right at my human and then turn at the last second she looks like she is scared I'm going to run into her. She should know better!

Anyway then I decided to have a nap.


Ha haaaaaaaaaaa then I went to see Campbell and his family and zoomed some more.
Woohoo!! I love Zoomin!

Zoom Zoom Zoom!


We got kind of hot so we had a break in the pool

Hope you are having a great day too.
OK I need a nap again