Canine Health Topics

Ask your veterinarian to help you choose the best food for your dog. Your veterinarian can help with making that decision, based on age, breed, health status and activity level. It is also important that together you determine the meal portion size and number of daily meals. Use a measuring cup or kitchen food scale to feed the specific amount. It’s best not to switch diets to avoid uncomfortable digestive problems in some dogs. For puppies, once you know how much and how often to feed your dog, you need to decide on a feeding schedule. Regular feeding times provide a sense of routine for your puppy, and will help with proper development. If your puppy associates a certain time of day with breakfast or dinner, they will be less likely to beg for food.

Avoid giving your puppy table scraps. Some items that are safe for people to eat can cause problems in pets. As well, feeding table scraps can encourage begging, which may be cute when your puppy is young, but this behaviour can later turn into an annoying habit.

Always have fresh, clean water for your puppy to drink.

Should I worry about my dog’s weight?

Obesity in dogs is very common in North America. It puts them at increased risk for several chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, skin infections, and heart disease to name just a few. Make sure your dog stays at a healthy weight by maintaining a regular feeding schedule, portion size and activity. Be aware of how many treats you give them, and make sure other people in the household are as well, and store food somewhere your dog cannot get at it when you are not around. To monitor your dog’s weight, you can usually drop by your veterinarian’s office and use their scale. Don’t forget to ask the staff to help assess what is a healthy weight for your dog, your vet team is the best resource in helping you manage your dog’s weight.

Ask the veterinary staff to help you assess what is a healthy weight for your dog. They are your best resource in helping you manage your dog’s weight.

How can I be sure my dog gets plenty of exercise and play?

Giving your dog a lot of exercise is a great way for you to spend quality time together. Daily walks, runs, and games of fetch can keep your dog healthy and sound.

Physical activity is not only fun but has many other benefits, such as:

• Curbing some behavioural problems such as digging, barking, chewing and hyperactivity
• Keeping your dog healthy, fit, and maintain weight
• Helping them become more confident and trusting
• Tiring your dog out so they will be less restless at bedtime or when you want to relax

Puppy-proofing your home

Congratulations on your new puppy! As you welcome this new addition to your family, who is lively, curious and teething, you need to make a sure your home is puppy safe.

Here are some common household items that may pose a danger to your puppy:

• Batteries
• Books
• Baby bottle nipples and pacifiers
• Compost
• Dirty diapers and baby wipes
• Electrical cords
• Food and food containers
• Household cleaning products
• Kids' toys
• Kitty litter
• Magnets
• Remote controls
• Medications or supplements ("childproof" does not mean "petproof")
• Shoes, socks and other clothes
• A toilet and bathroom garbage can – keep the bathroom door closed and lid down
• Plants
• Purses, diaper bags, backpacks, grocery bags, and all other bags–especially plastic bags
• Valuable items, such as vases, lamps, photos, paintings, etc.
• Small household items like string, yarn, pencils or coins

This list is not complete — puppies like to chew on everything! Monitor your puppy closely, and put any dangerous or valuable items away somewhere they cannot access. Keep in mind, as they grow, so does their reach.

How can I keep harmful items away from my puppy?

Here are some tips:

Much like a curious toddler, child proof latches on cabinet drawers and cabinets doors can prevent puppies access to harmful items such as cleaning products, medications and even some foods

Power cords are especially an alluring hazard for a puppy. Keep them unplugged if possible, tuck them away and block the outlets.

Use a trashcan with a locking lid and/or keep your trashcans in a cupboard under the sink. Reduce clutter to reduce temptation.

Put containers of toxic substances inside a locked cabinet, or store them on high shelves where your puppy cannot reach.

The best way to minimize temptation is to keep your puppy where you can keep an eye out. Close doors to other rooms or staircases. And consider crate training your puppy for when you have to leave them alone.

Common dog poisons

• Chocolate
• Mouse and rat poisons (rodenticides)
• Vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Advil^®, Aleve^®, Motrin^®, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
• Cardiac medications (e.g., calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.)
• Cold and allergy medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.)
• Antidepressants (e.g., Prozac^®, Paxil^®, Celexa^® and Effexor^®, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• Xylitol (a sugar substitute found in many chewing gums and candies)
• Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol^® and cough/cold medications)
• Caffeine pills

Other things poisonous to dogs:

Foods

• Grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts
• Unbaked bread dough
• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
• Cocoa bean mulch

Medications/plants

• Amphetamine human drugs – ADD/ADHD medications like Adderall^® and Concerta^®
• Jimson weed, also known as devil's trumpet
• Lilies (e.g., Easter, day, tiger, Japanese and Asiatic varieties)
• Sago palms
• Tobacco

Chemicals

• Batteries
• Detergents and fabric softener sheets
• Ethylene glycol, found in antifreeze
• Fertilizers, including bone meal, blood meal and iron-based products.
• Insecticides and pesticides, especially those that contain organophosphates (e.g., disulfoton, often found in rose care products)
• Kerosene, gasoline, and tiki torch fluids
• Metal or coins (ingestion of even a single zinc penny can lead to zinc toxicity)
• Strong acidic or alkaline cleaners, like toilet bowel cleaners, lye, drain cleaners, rust removers, and calcium/lime removers
• Mothballs (especially if they contain naphthalene)
• Windshield wiper fluid/antifreeze

You can find a complete list of substances poisonous to dogs (including those listed above) at www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/

If your puppy eats something you are not sure is safe, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1 800 213 6680 or your veterinarian right away to see if medical attention is needed.

How can I be prepared for a medical emergency?

Pet health items to keep on hand

As hard as we try to protect our pets fro harm, accidents and emergencies happen. Therefore, it’s best to be well prepared.

1. Have your veterinarian clinic’s and the local emergency clinic’s contact information available

2. There are pet focused first aid classes or first aid manuals available, please discuss with your pet’s care team for guidance on their recommendations.

3. Canine first aid kit

Your canine first aid kit

Here is a list of essential and easy-to-find first aid items:

• Gauze, cotton roll and bandage tape
• Cohesive bandage cover, such as Vetrap™
• Bandage scissors (these have a blunted tip, to prevent cutting the skin)
• Disinfectant (such as chlorhexidine 0.05%)
• Saline eye flush
• Muzzle (when dogs are injured and in pain, they may bite anyone who tries to help, even their beloved pet parent)
• Extra leash
• Towels and rags
• Digital thermometer
• Lubricant (e.g., Vaseline^® or K-Y^® Jelly)
• Flashlight or penlight
• First aid manual
• Emergency numbers
• Various syringes
• Activated charcoal
• Benadryl^® (ask your veterinarian if and what dose your dog should receive)
• Extra supply of your dog's regular medications (if any are taken)
• Tick remover

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Grooming needs for dogs will vary for different breeds, some dogs need to be just brushed, some need the occasional bath and some need professional grooming as well. Basic grooming, such as brushing and combing, apply to all dogs, and not only keep your dog’s coat clean and free of hair matting, but it will help you find wounds, infections, parasites and skin growths early. It can also be relaxing for you and your dog – some quality time together. Certain breeds, due to differences in their haircoat growth, and overall lack of shedding, do need to be professionally groomed with regular intervals. Please reach out to your veterinary team for advice on local groomers.

If you and your veterinarian have determined that your dog needs regular baths, use warm water and mild pet shampoos. Always remember to rinse your dog thoroughly and dry with towels. Avoid human products such a shampoos for human hair or hairdryers as these can harm your pet’s skin.

12 steps to a clean dog

• Go for a long walk. Yes, of course we're serious. It's a great way to tire your dog out.
• Brush out all the tangles while they are still dry.
• Pick a venue – ideally a tub or basin. Do it inside, except on very sunny, warm days. Put a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub or basin to stop your dog from slipping and panicking.
• Gather your dog shampoo, something to pour water and some soft towels.
• Place your dog in the bath, start running the tap on cold to lukewarm.
• To gently introduce your dog to the water, start by wetting the dog's feet. You can use a jug or get a hose that attached to your tap to do this. Gradually wet the rest of their body, but don't pour water over their head, as water can get into their ears this way, causing discomfort and even ear problems. Talk to your dog in a calm and encouraging manner as you do this.
• Wash their face with a damp cloth. Lift up the ears and wipe away dirt, wax, and dead skin.
• Pour shampoo along their back and work it into a lather. Lather everywhere with the shampoo, including their belly, under arms, legs, tail and feet.
• Make sure to rinse all the shampoo out with the water or you'll have a very itchy dog!
• Move back! Time for the dog shake. Hold a towel up to prevent from splashing unless outdoors. Then use the soft towels to dry them off completely.
• Give your dog a treat or toy to play with. This helps them associate bath time with good times!
• Don't be alarmed if your dog has the "zoomies" or is running around in circles following their bath, it is a normal behaviour – likely to help dry themselves and regain some more "familiar" smells. But, don't let them outside just yet – they might catch a cold and will definitely roll in the dirt, undoing all of your good work.

Keep your dog’s nails well trimmed

It is very important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Long nails make walking painful and can grow into your dog’s feet and toe pads. Ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to safely trim your dog’s nails, and discuss how often it needs to be done. Trim nails slowly, be careful, and be patient! Sometimes, you may accidentally cut the nail too short which will result in bleeding. Your veterinarian has solutions!

Brush your dog’s teeth regularly

Good oral health is a very important part of your dog’s general health. Like you, dogs need regular brushing to minimize plaque and tartar buildup. To help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, brush their teeth regularly. The younger you get them used to teeth-brushing, the easier it will be. Your veterinarian in a great source to learn tips and tricks to brushing your pet’s teeth, discussing products that are safe for dogs and also alternative options such as water additives, different diets and treats and even toys. Always use a product meant for dogs.

How Do Dogs’ Teeth Develop?

Puppy teeth

• 28 teeth (14 upper and 14 lower) erupt at around 3-4 weeks of age
• Hang around for about the first 4-6 months of life
• Also known as temporary or deciduous teeth
• Usually fall out before permanent teeth come through
• If they don’t fall out, they may need to be removed by a veterinarian

Permanent teeth

• 42 permanent teeth (20 upper and 22 lower)
• Start to erupt at about 16 weeks of age and have all emerged by around 7 months of age.

Teething problems

Similarly to children, puppies experience discomfort during teething as adult teeth push their way through the gums. The best way to help is to offer appropriate chew toys.
Chewing Toys
Puppies discover the world through their mouths and will chew just about anything they can get their little sharp teeth into. Safe and stimulating puppy teething toys offer that much-needed chewing outlet. Chewing also help to properly develop their jaw muscles, teeth and gums. Not to mention all the shoes, socks and other defenseless valuables you’ll save. Your veterinarian can advise you on a suitable chew toy for your puppy, but here are a few chewing toy tips:

• Stuff some toys with treats to make them more interesting
• Freeze some toys first so they soothe your pups gums
• Try to include toys accredited by veterinary dental associations
• Consider your puppy’s breed and size when choosing toys.

Common signs of oral health problems

If your dog shows any of the following signs, you should visit your veterinarian for a check up:

• Bad breath
• Changes in chewing habits
• Pawing at mouth
• Loose teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Inflamed gums
• Growths in the gum

What about the ears?

Ear health management for dogs is based on their breed and lifestyle, please discuss with your veterinarian how often to check on ears and if ear cleaning needs to be performed. If warranted, ask your vet team to show you how to clean your dog’s ears properly and advise you on best cleaning solutions to use. Avoid use of cotton swabs as they can cause harm if pushed too deep.

Winter care

In Canada, winter typically means cold, snow, slush and salt. In this season, every dog benefits from extra care of their feet. For long-haired dogs, it can be helpful to trim the excess hair between their toes, which will help prevent snow and salt accumulation. Be careful when using scissors to trim hair, ensure you can visualize what you cut because it is very easy to accidentally cut the sensitive food pad or skin. After a winter walk, rinse and dry your dog’s paws. The salt used to melt ice on sidewalks can irritate and dry the foot pads. A little petroleum jelly can help protect as well as soften the pads and prevent cracking. Consider using booties as added protection for your dog’s feet. Certain short haired breeds do benefit from additional layers such as sweaters and coats to maintain their body heat and keep them comfortable in colder temperatures. Frostbite is a serious winter hazard targeting extremities such as ears, tail and feet, best to prevent by not leaving your dog outdoors for extended periods of times in subzero temperatures.

What is ‘Socialization’? Socialization simply means the process in which pets develop a relationship with animals of their own species and with others

The first 3-4 months of your puppy’s life are the most important for social development. One of the most important times for socialization occurs before you even bring puppy home: with the puppy’s mother. Young puppies should remain with their mother until at least 7 weeks of age. Any earlier than this can produce puppies that have poor social bonds later in life. Studies have shown that puppies that have a proper maternal bond early in life have better digestion, better resistance to disease, better weight gain and develop and mature faster than puppies with poor maternal bonds. When you bring puppy home it is important that development of their social skills continues. Now is the time to introduce your puppy to as many new people and situations as possible. If your puppy has lots of positive encounters with other dogs, other pets, all kinds of people, different sights, sounds, places and new situations during that developmental period, they are far more likely to grow up to be a confident, relaxed, and friendly dog. Providing a wide variety of new social experiences to your puppy in those first few months may help them get along with everyone later in life and be less fearful in new situations. For example: when going out for a walk, bring a baggie of treats with you. Any encounter with people, cyclists, joggers, postal delivery people, etc. can be met with encouragement and treats. A local park with skateboarders, rollerblades, and sports games is a great way to introduce your puppy to new sounds and people. Even exposing your puppy to things like large winter coats, hats, umbrellas, cars, vacuum cleaners, are all important experiences to get used to. If there are no children in the family, ask your friends to bring their (calm) children over for a visit. Invite older relatives or friends to interact with your puppy as well.

Puppies are susceptible to many diseases so do not take yours outside in public places until your veterinarian says it is okay. Discuss the vaccination schedule with your veterinarian.

Consider puppy classes. They are great for early socialization and help strengthen the bond between you and your puppy, and you’ll get great advice on training. Begin obedience-training sessions and keep experiences positive. Dog parks are not a great place to socialize your puppy because a dog park is not a controlled environment. Other dogs there may not be well socialized, and numerous dogs might approach your puppy all at once, which may overwhelm even the most even tempered pup, so it’s not a good idea to take your puppy to a place like this until he is fully vaccinated, has parasite protection, and is confident meeting other dogs.

Kids and puppies

Young children should always be supervised when they are around dogs of any age. Children love dogs! But sometimes the crawling, hugging, mouthing, grabbing, chasing and other normal things children and babies do may overwhelm or frighten a puppy, or even a friendly adult dog. All dogs can bite, so a cautious, watchful adult who is ready to intervene should always be close by, even with a familiar and friendly dog.

Kids should not pick up young puppies

A single accident — a trip, tumble or drop — could hurt or scare a puppy enough to make a lasting negative impression. Instead, put puppy on your kids’ lap for short periods of calm, safe, supervised holding.

Do not let kids grab, poke or prod young puppies

Do not rely too much on a good-natured puppy’s tolerance of children’s excited behaviour. At some point even the “best” dog will have had enough. Teach your kids appropriate behaviour that will make it likely the puppy or dog will feel good being with them again in future.

Learn the signs your puppy has had enough.

There are some common ways a stressed dog may show they are getting impatient or upset. These include, but are not limited to: yawning, shaking (as if just out of water) or licking lips. Watch your puppy and get to learn what his cues are.

What should I consider when travelling with or boarding my dog?

More and more, people will take their dogs with them when travelling. There is a lot to think of prior to your trip.

First, if travelling out of the country, ensure you know what documentation and treatments need to be completed prior to your voyage. Please contact the consulate for more information well in advance of the trip. Some countries require only require updated vaccinations, but other countries need more extensive proof of vaccines such as titres, as well as specific antiparasitic treatments. Inform your veterinarian of any specific requests in a timely fashion. Just prior to your trip, a full physical exam is recommended to ensure your pet is in good health.

Never go on a trip with your dog without these necessities:

• Medical and vaccine records, in case a veterinarian where you are going needs to see them
• Pet tags with your cell phone number in case your dog gets lost
• Favourite toys and blankets that will help your dog feel relaxed
• Your dog's medications, if any
• Food, bowl, and poop scooper/bags
• Leash, which should always be worn when your dog is outdoors
• Dog harness or travel seat: Depending on the size of the dog, some dogs will sit in a car and have a seatbelt attachment to their harness. With small dogs, it may be best to use a pet carrier for safety.

Some dogs get motion sickness when they are travelling in the car. Signs of motion sickness include restlessness, drooling and vomiting in the car. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog has motion sickness. They may recommend a safe and effective medication for the management of motion sickness in dogs.

Learn more about travelling with your dog at www.dogsinmotion.ca

Here are some signs that may indicate your dog is suffering from motion sickness:

• Sluggishness
• Lethargy
• Anxiety
• Yawning
• Excessive drooling
• Whining
• Vomiting

Boarding your dog and using a pet-sitter

You may not be able to travel with your pet, either due to the nature of your trip or the nature of your pet. This means your dog will be in the care of a boarding kennel or a dog sitter. Please ensure that your dog has had a recent health exam and is up to date on vaccines, even if the facility does not have specific requirements for it. A recent health check is especially important if your dog has chronic medical conditions or is elderly.

A few things to think about or do before you leave on your trip:

• Update vaccinations: Make sure all your dog's needed vaccinations have been done—ideally, 4 weeks before boarding.
• Check the boarding facility's or pet sitter's vaccination and deworming requirements: ensure you have enough time to get all the necessary medical preventatives on board and documentations ready.
• Double check the stock of your dog's medication (if any are needed): Verify that you supplied enough medication for the duration of your dog's stay and provide the medication in its original container.
• Keep up with flea prevention: Many facilities will require you to have treated your dog for fleas every month. However, even if the boarding facility does not require this, it would still be a good idea to ask your veterinarian for appropriate treatments. Other dogs boarding at the facility can easily bring fleas in, which can then infest yours.
• Provide a couple of other contacts to your pet's caretakers in case of an emergency.

Please inform your contacts on your expectations of the extent of care and associated expenses that can be given to your dog in case you are unreachable.

Having a microchip implanted could be very helpful and reassuring if your pet ever gets lost. This simple procedure – called microchipping – permanently identifies your dog with a very small device that is about the size of a grain of rice. It is embedded underneath your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This microchip is encoded with information about your pet’s identity, which matches information stored in a national database. If someone finds your lost dog, the information in the microchip can be scanned by a local veterinarian or humane society so the finder can access your contact information. This can help reunite you and your dog, so it is important to update the microchip with any changes, such as new owners details, addresses and telephone numbers. Microchipping can be done at any age, and some puppies may already be microchipped at adoption. Speak to your veterinarian about microchipping your puppy.