Your Dog's Food and Its Growing Importance

Dog food can be simply referred to as a food that is specifically intended to be fed to dogs for their consumption. Like all the carnivores, dogs also have pointed and sharp teeth and they have a short gastrointestinal tract that is better suited for the consumption of meat. Also in spite of this very natural carnivorous design, these dogs have still managed to adapt to over thousands of years in order to survive on the non- scraps as well as the meat scraps and leftovers of human existence.

Beware of dog food allergies

There are obviously certain ingredients present in dog food that are known to be a key cause of various types of allergies. There is a popular belief among many pet owners that soybeans and wheat are a leading and major cause of dog allergies. There are however many studies that have been backed by veterinarians that have miserably failed to show that soybeans and wheat are a major source of allergies. They, in fact, blame the meat proteins that are present in lamb, beef and chicken for most of the allergies. There are also a number of grain-free dog foods available that can claim to alleviate the allergies in dogs. However given the research that the true grain/wheat allergy is rare in dogs, there are diets that are repeatedly seen as gimmicky, controversial and unnecessary by most veterinarians.

Hypoallergic Dog Food

The diets for all those dogs who are allergic to food are made from the ingredients and hypoallergenic recipes. There are however limited ingredients that can make it easier to identify the suspected allergens. In the hypoallergenic recipes, the manufacturers use all those ingredients that are very less likely to cause allergies to dogs such as lamb, fish, chicken, and corn. Food allergies are known to account to at least 10% of the total dog allergies.

It is important to beware

Yes, it is very important to beware of all the allergies that your dog might be prone to. Keep this in mind before giving your go any type of food. It will help you a lot in the long run. There is obviously no room for error here as your dog's life is extremely important to you and your family. Account for all allergies and give your dog its food based on what you have noticed in the past few months or years.

If you would like more information on dog food and how you can avoid some of the problems click on the following link   Dog Food Secrets 

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Your-Dogs-Food-and-Its-Growing-Importance&id=9286453

3 Simple Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to boost his mental stimulation, and it allows the two of you to bond. The training can be fun and simple, as long as he knows basic commands, such as "down" or "sit." Here are three simple tricks that you can teach your dog.

Shaking Hands

Since most dogs have a natural instinct to raise their paws for a treat, teaching this trick will be easy to do. Your dog will need to be in the sitting position before you begin the training. You will then need to place a treat in your hand, and slowly move that treat to the ground, placing it next to your dog's paw. Once your dog begins to raise his paw in anticipation of the treat, you will need to say the word "shake." Be sure to praise your dog and repeat this step, holding your hand a little higher each time so that your dog will need to raise his paw higher in order to grab the treat.

The goal is for your dog to raise his paw chest high. Always use the same paw when training your dog until he can hold his paw up on command; afterwards, you can switch to his other paw. After your dog has learned to shake hands on command, eliminate the treats and replace them with praise and doggy toys.

Dancing

This trick can be taught to all dogs, but those pets under 40 pounds learn the dance trick faster. When you begin the training process, make sure that your dog is in the sitting position. Place a treat in your hand, but be sure to close your hand and move it near your dog's nose. In a slow motion, you want to lift your hand over your dog's head; next, you want to move your hand slightly behind his head. Your dog will then look back at your hand as he stands on his hind legs. Give your dog a treat and praise him as soon as he stands on his back legs. Repeat this step over and over until your dog is able to stand on his hind legs quickly and sturdily.

The next step is to move the treat above your dog's head in a small circle. The goal is for your dog to twirl on his hind legs. Once he begins to step in a circle, speak the word "dance." Give him a treat and continue to praise him each time in order to bait your dog to stand up and turn in a circle.

Take a Bow

After shaking hands and dancing, your dog will deserve to take a bow. The key to this trick is having your dog place his chest to the ground while keeping his bottom upward. Bowing comes naturally to dogs, so this trick is simple to learn.

When you begin teaching this trick, your dog will need to be in the standing position. Place a treat next to your dog's nose, and slowly move it down, keeping the treat next to his nose at all times. Your dog's chest will be on the ground and his bottom will be upward. Keep your dog in this position for a few seconds and speak the word "bow." Use the treat to lure your dog back up into the standing position. Once he is standing, give him the treat and lots of praise. Repeat this process no more than three times a day and soon your dog will be able to bow on command.

Always keep training under 10 minutes per day. You will need to remain patient, positive, and calm when training your dog to do these simple tricks. Have fun and be sure to show off your dog's new tricks to family and friends!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Simple-Tricks-to-Teach-Your-Dog&id=9296724

Which Type of Material Is Best for a Dog Food Bowl?

Some of the most common types on the market are plastic bowls, which are often popular because they are generally a budget option. They also come in a variety of different colors and sizes, so it is very easy to find something in a pinch that is suitable for your dog.

Plastic Dog Bowl

One of the downsides of plastic bowls is that they can become scratched very easily, and the scratches have a tendency to harbor bacteria. For this reason it is essential to make sure that your plastic bowls stay in good condition. However, concerns have also been raised about the safety of dog feeding bowls being made from plastic.

The reason for this is that plastic is a man made material that can leach chemicals into food and water. Although no conclusive evidence has proven this to be true in the case of dog food and water bowls, it may be something that you want to consider and investigate further.

Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

One of the most common and safest types of material for dog feeding bowls is stainless steel. People use this material to prepare and eat food with themselves, and it is equally as safe and resistant when used for your pet.

A major advantage of stainless steel bowls is that they last an incredibly long time, and that they are very scratch-resistant. There is also no risk of any chemicals leaching into food or water in this particular type of bowl.

Ceramic Dog Bowl

Another natural alternative is ceramic, and there are many ceramic dog feeding bowls on the market today due to the rise in popularity of this material. Ceramic bowls can also be very stylish and sophisticated looking. This compares favorably with stainless steel bowls, which can arguably be one of the plainest options on the market today.

Again, ceramic is a very healthy material and there is no danger of any nasty chemicals leaking into your canine friend's food or water. On the other hand, these bowls can chip easily, so make sure that you check on a regular basis that this kind of damage has not occurred.

Chips and cracks will harbour bacteria, much in the same way that scratches on plastic bowls do. Replacements therefore, might be more frequent than with stainless steel bowls. However, it can also be said that ceramic bowls also are a lot less noisy,as using stainless steel bowls can make quite a noise on a tiled floor when your dog is eating or drinking.

Lastly, consider the wooden bowl. These dog bowls are one of the most fashionable options today, and again they are a natural material that is safe for your dog. They are also very naturally tough and durable, which makes them a good long-lasting option as with stainless steel.

Of course wood has its downsides too, including the fact that wood can become damaged overtime if a lot of water is held in it or it is cleaned on a regular basis with water. Wood can become warped with moisture, therefore it is essential that the dog owner takes care of the bowl, making sure that there are no splits or cracks that have resulted from water damage.

These are just a few of the different types of dog feeding bowls on the market today. Each of these different materials has many pros and cons, which each dog owner will need to weigh up to decide which is the most suitable option for them and their canine companion.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Which-Type-of-Material-Is-Best-for-a-Dog-Food-Bowl?&id=9297246

How To Train Your Dog: A Beginner's Guide

Training your dog is the first step in healthy interaction, guidance and building a strong relationship between your dog and perhaps the whole family. Knowing how to train your dog may seem daunting, especially after watching YouTube videos of dogs knowing 10 different commands with ease. There are simple steps you can take today to start implementing techniques and make training part of your routine with your dog.

One important tip to always remember is to stay consistent. While it may seem inconsequential or too difficult to rally the whole family to allow or not allow certain behaviors with your dog, it is one of the key concepts in training that will be easy in time after it becomes habitual.

For example, if you want to train your dog not to jump up on the bed, make sure to keep the bed a 24/7 off-limit zone, as much as you may want to cuddle him on those cold and rainy nights. Then, set your dog up for success by making sure there are no other beds in the house where this behavior is tolerated.

Another important element is to remember to stay the boss. Experts believe it's nature in dogs to find an alpha or be the alpha, so be sure to make that role clear from the get-go when learning to train your dog. This doesn't necessarily mean having to yell or get upset at your dog, but just exuding confidence and, again consistency, will show him you're taking on that role. Affection is encouraged, and of course the best part of being a dog parent, but knowing how to train your dog means also showing your stern side when appropriate.

Focusing on good behavior rewards instead of bad behavior reprimanding is a great technique in any learning environment. Support your dog by giving him room to make a good decision followed by a reward instead of assuming he should know how to make the decision on his own. Assist him in the good behavior and immediately reward instead of waiting for him to make the wrong decision and then punishing him for it. This will not only train your dog but will make your relationship rock-solid.

Toilet training is one of the first concerns of many dog owners, so it's believed to be best started at around 3-4 months old or as soon as possible. If your dog will be spending time indoors, there are some tips to remember when starting your potty training.

First, give your pup plenty of time on walks to allow for him to do his business. It may take a while for him to feel comfortable enough, and not over stimulated, to find a good spot. Then, try to head to the same spot when on walks so he'll recognize the scent and start to learn when it's time to go.

Regular mealtimes will also promote regular and smooth potty training, along with lots of praise for a job well done while outside or on walks.

Start with basic commands, add some potty training and the techniques mentioned when learning how to train your dog. Keep it fun and lighthearted! Remember, this is your precious bonding time, so get to know your dog and start implementing these initial steps to keep the training-train moving. With consistency and confidence over time, your dog will be YouTube worthy in no time!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Train-Your-Dog:-A-Beginners-Guide&id=9304443

Are Interactive Dog Toys Right For Every Dog?

Interactive dog toys are a fun and innovative way to allow your dog to play with a challenge and sometimes keep him occupied for extended periods of time. While there are many different interactive dog toys on the market today, how do you know if your dog will respond to them or not?

There's no better way to find out than by trying them out, but first identify what your dog responds to best. Will they sit with a bone for hours on end or does it seem like they have an endless supply of energy for a game of fetch? Try to find out what makes sense for your dog based on what they already love doing.

Interactive Dog Toy

So you think you know what your dog enjoys, you splurge on the seemingly perfect toy for your pup, and they're absolutely terrified of it! What do you do? Interactive dog toys that are battery-operated or robotic are sometimes frightening for dogs at first. While it may be their favorite game that the toy is designed to play with them, it could confuse or scare them if they're playing with a foreign moving object for the first time.

This may not indicate interactive dog toys aren't right for your dog. It may just take time to adjust to the toy. Spend some time playing with your dog and the toy, as your dog trusts you and may learn that the toy isn't so scary after all.

Wobble Wac Giggle

Interactive toys may also need some training time so your dog knows how to use them. Use this as the perfect opportunity for bonding and to keep your dog engaged. Once you've properly trained your pet how to use the toy, spent some time playing with it together if needed and let them play on their own to see if they respond to the toy.

Though it may take some time and patience, many interactive dog toys are meant to last a long while. They are designed to stimulate and engage your pet in a fun and innovative way, which could be beneficial in the long run for your dog's happiness.

Treat Ball

Not every dog toy is right for every dog, but it's worth trying if it means your dog won't grow bored while you're away. Some are an investment of your time and otherwise, but it may be the best investment you've made for your dog's playtime and well-being. You'll never know until you try it and find out!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-Interactive-Dog-Toys-Right-For-Every-Dog?&id=9304473

Benefits Of Grooming Your Dog

Why should you take time in grooming a dog? A pet cannot take care of itself without a human. New pet owners are often faced with worries on how they can survive handling their pets. Grooming is one of the issues that dog owners face. Dog grooming is considered a waste of time by some owners which is the reason dog salons have been established. Professional grooming homes or salons will help you take care of your dog. However, grooming should be a regular care on any animal in your care. There are benefits that are associated with regular grooming of pets.

The following are reasons why you should groom your dog often:

When a pet is groomed, it improves the health of the dog. The overall health of a dog is enhanced through grooming. A dog is physically and mentally fit because it is given attention. You may not know how to massage a dog, but when the coat is brushed, it will improve the circulation of blood, reduce infections and boost the muscle mass.

The dogs' health is improved when grooming is regularly carried on them. The vitality of the skin of the dogs and their health is encouraged when they are brushed. Brushing is known to stimulate the blood cells to produce oxygen that the animals need through their bloodstream. Bathing a dog will clear toxins just like brushing does to them.

Most owners don't like the smell of their pets. The smells can be awful! You are conversant with this problem if you have a dog that has not been properly cleaned or washed. One of the first things that you will notice about the home of dog owners is the smell associated with their dogs. The smell of pets can be kept to a bare minimum through grooming. Some dogs smell better after grooming.

The fact that dogs cannot talk makes it nearly impossible to detect problems. A domesticated animal that is regularly groomed has little chance of getting sick from wounds or ticks. Grooming makes it possible to spot any problem within a short time.

Dog owners who are not fond of grooming their dogs are prone to spending more money on their pets. You can cut down the cost of hiring a professional if your pet is regularly groomed. Also, going to the clinic will be reduced because your dog is healthy.

You can improve the bond between you and a dog through grooming. You should learn how to make grooming exciting and enjoyable for both of you. The more time you are with your pet, the better the bond that is developed.

Are you too busy to groom your dog? There are professional dog grooming salons that can help keep your dog healthier and neat. Grooming is essential for any animal. When pets are groomed, they tend to be friendlier and happier. Aggressive dogs can be easily tamed when bonds are developed during grooming.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-Of-Grooming-Your-Dog&id=9305691

How to Prevent Dog & Puppy Separation Anxiety

There is an alarming number of dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, statistics show up to 14% is possible in the dog population. Not many dog owners understand what this condition is and when they try and fix the problem, they fall short because they have a different viewpoint to the cause and problem. The solution is quite simple on how to help a puppy with separation anxiety or a dog of any age. Establish that you are the pack leader and your dog will no longer be burdened with anxiety. Let me elaborate.

The first step in treating anxiety in your dog is to familiarise yourself with the behavior your dog is presently showing and if the behavior dissipates when you return? If this is the case, I can guarantee that not being present with your dog is directly linked to the cause. Now to look at the key puppy separation anxiety symptoms.

Chewing - Similar to when humans do it with gum, this releases endorphins (a chemical in the brain that makes you experience pleasure) that provide a calming sensation.

Excessive Barking, whining - This is what dogs use when they are trying to call their owners back to the pack, an example of this in a family would be if you were to call your children if you don't know they're whereabouts.

Escaping when you are not there - Often very destructive, extreme and sometimes dangerous. Your dog is looking for you. So many people are told to try and exercise the problem out of their dog but it will not solve the problem

Pulling the Houdini Act of Escaping when you're not home - Your dog is searching for you, this can often result in very destructive, extreme and sometimes dangerous behavior on behalf of the dog.

Digging, destruction - This is typical of a dog who is presenting stressful and anxious behavior

Self-harming - Chewing on themselves, licking excessively or drooling is a sign of stress and can be confused with medical conditions but are all related back to the dog being under immense stress.

Toileting - If you notice that your dog is toileting inside when normally they don't and you suspect it's a behavioral problem it's more than likely the case. If this only happens when you're away from your dog then this can be seen as key puppy separation anxiety signs.

Whilst there are lots of places that you can find advice on how to treat all these symptoms there is only one way to treat the cause of the problem. If you are serious about how to stop separation anxiety then you must become the pack leader.

There are many different sources of information on treating this condition but if you are serious about putting a stop to separation anxiety then you must become the pack leader.

The main cause for separation anxiety in puppies and dogs is they think they themselves are the pack leader and whenever you leave the house it's a member of their pack leaving! In the wild dogs tend to keep grouped together and will always make sure they are close by to each other. When you leave the house your dog's anxiety will return, however, if you establish yourself as the pack leader you will find your dog is completely calm and fine with you coming and going as you please.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Prevent-Dog-and-Puppy-Separation-Anxiety&id=9305973

The Threat of the Parvovirus to Your Pet

How Harmful Is The ParvoVirus To Your Pet

Not so many years ago, a pet was still regarded as "just a pet", but over the past 30 years or so that perception has drastically changed. Pets have become invaluable companions for single people; research has shown that kids with who take care of pets are more socially competent and have greater role-taking skills; it has been shown that hospitalized or otherwise incapacitated patients respond positively both physically and psychologically when exposed to pets; the role of pets (especially dogs) has expanded from seeing-eye dogs to assist people with disabilities in almost all aspects of day-to-day living; pets have even been used to assist in the rehabilitation of the incarcerated who have been or are about to be paroled.

It is no wonder, then, that the beloved pet has become another member of the family, so much so that complete industries have grown rapidly to accommodate their needs. There are numerous pet sitters, pet hotels, boarding kennels, pet airport facilities, pet specialized nutrition establishments, pet spas and salons (for grooming, bathing, etc.), even pet luxury resorts, pet cemeteries and on and on. There is even insurance to cover pet health care, since it is estimated that every six seconds a pet parent faces a vet bill in excess of $3000. So it is extremely important to make sure that your pet is always in the best possible health and that pet owners remain informed about any and all threats to their pet's health.

One such threat is the Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2, more commonly called parvo) which is a contagious virus mainly affecting dogs, but thought to originate in cats. Wikipedia reports that parvo mutated from the feline panleukopenia into CPV2, and is highly contagious, spreading among dogs by direct or indirect contact with their feces. This virus can also be spread cross-species, from cat to dog and vice versa, and by persons, animals or anything coming in contact with infected feces. The virus is very resilient and can survive for years in your yard, on your carpet, in the dog's bowl and in just about any environment. If left untreated or not caught in time, the pet mortality rate can be as high as 91%. That is not a mis-print! Treatment often involves veterinary hospitalization and can be quite expensive. The good news is that vaccines are available and can prevent or treat this infection. There is no evidence that the virus is harmful to humans.

Symptoms

Dogs may not become ill until three days to a week after the virus attacks their immune systems. When that happens, they become lethargic and stop eating and drinking. Shortly thereafter, they begin to vomit and have diarrhea which leads to dehydration that upsets the electrolyte balance which in turn can result in a fatality to the dog. When their immune systems become severely compromised, dogs are prone to other infections as well. The normal intestinal lining is also compromised allowing blood and protein to leak into the intestines causing anemia. Endotoxins escape into the bloodstream, causing endotoxemia. Dogs develop a distinctively foul odor in the later stages of the infection while the white blood cell levels fall, further weakening the dog. Any or all of these factors can lead to shock and death.

Treatment

Survival rates depend on how quickly CPV is diagnosed, the age of the pet and aggressiveness of the treatment. Treatment usually involves extensive hospitalization, due to the severe dehydration and damage to the intestines and bone marrow. A CPV test should be given as early as possible if CPV is suspected in order to begin early treatment and increase survival rate if the disease is found.

More comprehensive treatment also consists of crystalloid IV fluids and/or colloids, antinausea injections, and broad-spectrum antibiotic injections. Antinausea and antibiotic injections are given under the skin, into the muscle or intravenously. The fluids are typically a mix of a sterile, balanced electrolyte solution, with corresponding amounts of B-complex vitamins, dextrose and potassium chloride. Analgesic medications are sometimes used to counteract the intestinal pain or discomfort caused by frequent bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.

Once the system stabilizes, the IV fluids are gradually discontinued, while bland food is slowly introduced, first intravenously and then orally. Oral antibiotics are administered for a number of days depending on the white blood cell count and the health of the patient's immune system. A puppy or infected adolescent dog with minimal symptoms can recover in as little as 2 to 3 days if the symptoms are noticed early and the CPV test confirms the diagnosis. In more severe cases, pets can remain ill from five days up to two weeks, and even with hospitalization, the mortality rate can still be very high.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Threat-of-the-Parvovirus-to-Your-Pet&id=9307335

Dog Rescue: The Benefits and Common Misconceptions

It goes without saying that a dog is man's best friend and not just because they bring happiness into one's life but they impart several other benefits too. While the system of animal shelter was developed to provide stray animals with a temporary home, the shelters are usually constrained in terms of funds and space. A majority of animal shelters resort to pet euthanasia which is the most inhuman thing to do.

Below are reasons why you need to rescue a pet.

It's humane

Having compassion is not a weakness but strength. When you adopt from an animal shelter, you will be performing a humane service. You will get to save the life of an innocent animal, therefore providing it a second chance. Apart from that, you will get to reduce the number of animals that will be euthanized.

It's a great bargain

$$$$$

When you adopt a pet, in the adoption price, the cost of neutering, first vaccinations, and even micro-chipping are included. This is a great deal for you.

Stop emergence of puppy mills

Puppy mills have become a great problem in the majority of countries not only due to the lack of proper care provided to the dogs but also the poor conditions they live in.

Best friend for life

Adopting a dog from the pet shelter will ensure that you have a best friend for life. Stray dogs require love and care.

Common misconceptions

There are several misconceptions when it comes to adopting pet dogs and they include:

a. Not being able to get what one desires at the shelter.

b. Lack of knowing what to get.

c. If the rescue process is a humane act, why is an adoption fee required?

d. Pets in shelters are baggage.

No kill rescues

This is a rescue process where healthy and treatable animals are not killed even when the shelter is full. Euthanasia is reserved for terminally ill animals. The rescue service utilizes volunteers, excellent pet housing and medical protocols in order to lower the number of homeless animals.

Pet rescue process

a. Start by visiting the nearest pet shelter and get to see the various breeds of dogs available. During this time you will be asked various questions. Some of them include:

(I). Your housing situation. 

(ii). Number and ages of your children. 

(iii). Number and types of other pets you own. 

(iv). Name and contacts of your veterinarian.

b. Take time to pick a pet that is suitable for you and your family.

c. Fill out the application forms and pay the adoption fee.

d. Visit the animal shelter with your family in order to determine if you are suitable.

e. Wait for the application to be approved or rejected by the shelter.

f. Once approved, visit the shelter to pick your dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Rescue:-The-Benefits-and-Common-Misconceptions&id=9313613

How to Train Your Dog to Come

A common complaint amongst the community of dog owners is "my dog doesn't come when I call."

It can be one of the funniest of all training steps when starting out because of the amount of things we don't do right! Let me elaborate.

This is the end goal: When calling our dog "here Jax!" we want Jax to come as fast as she can toward us.

To make this possible, the next step is to make the phrase "here Jax" the greatest command in the world. With great results and of course the rewards at the end.

So here are the best tricks!

Prevent calling your dog if you have the intention of telling them off for being naughty or doing the wrong thing. This simple action can undo a huge amount of work, all of a sudden responding to your call does not sound like a good thing to do! So, as a result, they are hesitant in coming there on after, so keep this in mind.

Make sure that the majority of times you are calling your dog it ends with a good experience (9 times out of 10 is best) if on the 10th time you need to attach the leash then that's OK.

It's best to keep a playful attitude when you are calling your dog, almost like you are getting them to check in with you now and then instead of stopping immediately to come, this keeps it nicer for both parties involved. More of a catch up than a harsh command all the time.

If you feel uneasy or not sure about your dog, attach a long lead to give you a little extra control. A long lead or rope can be used to keep the dog within reach and access to you, and it makes it easier to get their attention if they're not responding.

If you experience some difficulty with your dog returning to your car, a simple reward with a drink can soon remedy the situation, as a reward is one of the best ways to change a behaviour quickly!

The foundation to a top level dog recall training is by utilizing this 3 step process:

1. CALL your dog to you, 

2. REWARD your dog within 2 seconds followed immediately by 

3. RELEASE your dog.

Giving affection to your dog is a powerful tool that when harnessed correctly can mean the difference between the learning curve being really quick and insanely long. If you can save the affection only as a reward for them doing the correct thing this can be really effective. One of the biggest mistakes is giving them affection whenever they demand it, as they start to get a little spoilt and we wonder why they don't come when we want them to!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Train-Your-Dog-to-Come&id=9317879

Your Dog's First Responder

Nobody wants to think about having an accident and I'm not talking about just a motor vehicle accident. But any type of accident. What would your situation be if you were hiking with your dog and the dog suffers an injury such as puncturing their paw pad? How about falling down a hillside breaking a leg? Or even something along the line of being bitten by a nasty spider or stung by a wasp? If any of these things happened to your dog, could you properly respond and administer first responder care until you can reach an animal hospital? Could you be a lifesaving first responder for a dog? Most people probably cannot.

If you care enough to include your dog in your social activities, you should also try to educate yourself in how to administer basic first aid in the event of an injury. It could be the difference between a happy ending and a tragic one! Find a good reference book you can include in your survival kit, in your car or hiking gear. Create a small first aid kit for your dog, or include specialized items in another kit to accommodate a dog.

Learn the basics for treating conditions such as a broken leg, shock, bleeding, burns, heat stroke or hypothermia, choking and canine CPR and rescue breathing. Keep information on you such as your vet's emergency phone number and ANIMAL poison control (888-426-4435). In case you are injured as well, have something on you that indicates you are with a dog so rescue personnel will know to look for the dog in case fear has caused him or her to hide.

Some important items that you should carry in your first aid kit would include:

Dog First Aid Kit

* A muzzle or other material that could be used as a muzzle. 

* Gauze rolls, squares or pads 

* Disinfectant and hydrogen peroxide 

* Saline solution 

* Triple antibiotic ointment 

* Tweezers 

* Scissors 

* Latex or nitrile gloves 

* Antihistamine such as children's Benadryl 

* Cornstarch or flour to stop the bleeding of a torn nail 

* Blankets or towels 

* An extra leash or rope 

* Dog food 

* Freshwater

For extended trips or those where you will be hours away from civilization you may want to include a few other items such as:

* Rectal thermometer with a small container of Vaseline 

* Antibacterial wipes 

* Bulb syringe for flushing wounds 

* Sugar packets for diabetic animals 

* Natural stress relief such as Bach's Rescue Remedy 

* Skin cream to treat chapped paw pads or nose leather

Using a waterproof container will help ensure that you have what you need especially in the event of a water accident or heavy rains that caused treacherous conditions. If you don't have time to refer to a reference manual before treating the injury you can review it once the situation is under control to make sure you haven't missed something important in the treatment and care.

If you can be prepared for the worst you may come out of the situation without any regrets and a full recovery for the injured. I personally cannot imagine many situations worse than helplessly watching the life drain out of my beloved pet because I was clueless as to how to respond. Take a little time some weekend, do some research and learn the basics. You won't regret it. Here's to safe and happy travels!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Your-Dogs-First-Responder&id=9321854