100 ways to extend your dog's life...“the world was conquered through the understanding of...

| © Total Pet Publishing

100 Ways ToExtend Your Dog's Life An Invaluable Guide For Dog Owners

http://www.totalpetpublishing.com/books

Acknowledgements

We give our thanks to the following for their invaluable contributions within this guide:

PDSADogNutrition.org.ukDogJoints.co.ukTania LawsonAaron Rayme



100 WAYS TO EXTEND YOUR DOG'S LIFE“The world was conquered through the understanding of dogs; the world exists

through the understanding of dogs." ~ NIETZCHE

Abou t t h is gu ide

In this eBook we will present to you a simple, easy to follow tips index giving 100 insights in to how you can extend the life of your beloved canine friend.

What we are seeking to achieve with this guide is to give all the information you require to get an overview of the many things you can do to improve your dog's health and well-being.

This note is important. Always seek the advice and opinion of dog care professionals should your dog be experiencing pain or displaying symptoms of illness.



100 Ways to Extend Your Dog's Life

1. Feeding raw, fresh foods on occasion can really invigorate your dog’s diet. Commercial dog foods have come

along way but, like us, dogs benefit and thrive on variety.

2. Believe it or not, all supplied dog food should be fit for human consumption, therefore you should look out for

food which may contain unwanted by-products. By-products include intestines, which carry diseases. Make sure

the meat is human quality and not from slaughtered animals that may have cancer.

3. Garlic occasionally given in your dog’s diet can improve heart condition and has some other healthy side-

effects. Don’t be fooled into thinking this herb is a cure-all though. Garlic does have some very beneficial effects

on health but, contrary to some opinion, IT WILL NOT remove worms if your dog is infected. Instead, go to your

vet and he or she will more than likely supply you with a pharmaceutical solution such as Drontal, which will clear

your dog of worms.

4. Valerian Root is wonderful for animals that are stressed or hyperactive. This herb is naturally found in pastures

and animals love it says Tania Lawson of Happy Tales dogs

5. Tooth decay and diseased gums produce bacteria that get into the animal's bloodstream. It can result in



problems to any of their organs but in particular, the valves in the animal's heart can be damaged. Kidneys are

also very vulnerable and this could be one of the major killers of older dogs. Don't use human toothpaste but

entice your dog with the beef or chicken flavoured varies because you need to keep your dog’s teeth clean for

more reasons than ‘the dog-breath issue’

6. I would never have thought of applying sunscreen to a dog, but pale or white dogs are very susceptible to skin

cancer. A quick smear of sunscreen on the vulnerable areas; tips of ears and nose, could be a very simple way of

saving your animal's life according to Doreen Graham, Scottish SPCA.

7. The health of a dog is based on a lot of factors including genetics, exercise, and regular checkups, to name a

few. But the number one factor affecting the health of a dog is the kind of food that it consumes. There are many

types of commercial dog foods and diets on the market today, from BARF (bones and raw food), to steam-

extruded products. Get to know your dog food labels (K9 Magazine.com has an excellent feature on this subject).

Read the label and avoid products with chemicals and un-natural additives. You will likely avoid allergic reactions

and skin problems in your dog, so declares Lisa DeBruyckere, President Tail Wagging Bakery, Inc.

8. Health begins in the kitchen. I believe the single most important thing you can do, after loving them, is to feed

your companion animals fresh, wholesome, human grade, preservative free foods daily. Feeding companion

animals an all natural diet will, most certainly, improve their overall health and increase their longevity. - Dr. Harvey



Cohen, Founder of Dr. Harvey’s/ Healthy Formulations.

9. dogs like to play all types of games and have loads of energy to burn off. It’s important though that your dog

learns to calm down and “chill out” as much as how to burn off energy. Otherwise they get stressed with the

constant anticipation and over excitement. So, teach your dog the equivalent to sitting down and having a cup of

tea by putting a command on quiet and relaxing times. - Anne O’Brien, Head of Rehabilitation, Battersea dogs

Home.

10. A fit dog lives longer. Obesity amongst dog dogs is a growing problem. If a dog is overweight it puts extra

strain on various parts of the body and may well shorten the dog's life. – Becky Blackmore, Kennel Manager.

11. dogs kept in a one dog family with perhaps older owners seem to age more than dogs in two dog households

with younger owners. To keep your dog mentally active try to involve him in training or agility classes or, if your

dog loves people and is of a calm disposition, apply for him to be a PAT (dogs As Therapy) dog so he can visit

people in hospital.

12. Chewing a long lasting bone or non-chemical dog chew is an excellent way for a dog to burn calories, keep

teeth healthy and, very importantly, keeps the dog happy and occupied.



13. Groom your dog regularly. At least once a week with a good 'massaging' rubber dog brush. This will help

stimulate circulation and manipulates weary muscles. -Fiona Mackenzie, National dog sitters.

14. Toys are a great way to entertain a young dog. As your dog gets older you may find their desire to play with

toys declines. If this is the case, look for new products that come on to the market which are likely to appeal to

your dog’s personal sense of fun, whether it be tugging toys, hollowed out toys in which food can be placed or

funny-noise making toys. dogs love toys, you might just have to shop around to discover exactly which ones your

dog likes as they grow up.

15. Happiness - make your dog happy! It sounds so simple but with an 'holistic' viewpoint on health means a

happy, active, joyous mind will have positive effects on the physical well-being. Scientifically proven. So you can

either take your dog to see Cannon & Ball in concert at Blackpool Pier or play with them several times a day,

whichever they’d prefer.

16. Glucosamine – a tablet or two a day (depending on how big the dog is). This will help the cartilage develop

and could help stave off arthritis and other problems.

17. Keep teeth healthy with regular chewing of a good chunky bone at least once a week. Knuckle bones are

ideal, most dog shops will sell bones that are suitable for dogs – beware of bones that could splinter or cause



choking. Marrow is good for dogs and there are few dogs who don’t enjoy gnawing down on a solid bone once in a

while. Be careful where they bury their bones though, beautifully maintained flower beds are not appreciated as

much by a bone carrying dog as the keen gardener who created them!

18. A good bed - sleep is undervalued by people if not by dogs. Somewhere warm and comfortable and out of

draughts - even if it is your sofa – a dog knows the benefits of sleep so make sure they have somewhere ultra-

comfy, warm and dry to enjoy this most beneficial of canine pastimes.

19. Training – not only will regular dog training sessions keep a dog’s mind active, it will improve your relationship

with them. No dog is ever too old to enjoy being challenged. Find out what your dog enjoys and work with it. Play

and training should be pretty much one and the same thing if you are doing it right.

20. Water - free and unrestricted access to water – clean water should ALWAYS be available. Some sages have,

in the past, suggested that water should/could be given at regular intervals and water in-take monitored – this is

universally regarded as incorrect now. Clean, fresh drinking water should be on-hand whenever the dog needs it.

Monitor if you think your dog is drinking excessively and speak to a vet.

21. A natural diet can do wonders according to Jacki Bunn, HNC Canine Behaviour & Training. Plain and simple

foods such as chicken, rice and vegetables, with as few additives as possible. It’s true for you so it’s equally



applicable to your dog.

22. Nicola Bacon of Wood Green Kennels believes that mental stimulation through training can greatly reduce the

symptoms of dementia in old age. Although it may not seem obvious to go back to basics with a dog who’s been

there, seen it and eaten the t-shirt, regular training exercises with adult dogs can do them a power of good.

23. Too much stress in the home can affect the dogs' health as much as any other family member. Keep stress in

the household to a minimum or make sure you have your domestic disputes outside the earshot of Fido. That’s

according to Catherine O’Driscoll, Canine Health Concern.

24. Be choosy about treats. If your dog is overweight take some food from his daily ration add a clove of garlic and

keep in a little pot. –Linda Robins, Canine Consultants.

25. Regularly check you dog for lumps and bumps. Cancer is a big killer in dogs the same as it is in humans. If

any unusual lumps are found don’t be afraid to take your dog to the vet to have them properly looked at. Early

detection of cancer is key to successful treatment so don’t worry about appearing over concerned when you find

something on your dog’s body which wasn’t there before –Dr. Kevin Slater, dogscreen.

26. Teeth which are not used are not cleaned and consequently plaque accumulates. Poor teeth and gums can be



prone to more serious diseases. If your dog, like many, is one of a growing group of dogs who is only ever

exposed to commercial dog food, treats and snacks, then their oral health could be at risk. Bones, chews and toys

will put your dog’s teeth to good use.

27. Supply raw chicken wings, chicken necks or ox tail to young/small puppies when they most want to chew and

explore. This will reduce the risk of gingivitis, which lasts into old age and makes eating too painful. –Dr. Tom

Lonsdale, Veterinary surgeon/author Raw Meaty Bones.

28. Use Arnica at times of stress. This homeopathic remedy called Arnica Montana is to be given orally at a dose

rate of 30C - three doses every four hours for two days. Arnica Montana is very well known. It is often used for

some kind of trauma, emotional or physical. It is good for muscle aches, sprains, strains, and injuries. Arnica is

given to patients prior to coming to the surgery for examination or operation. The vet must be told of any drugs

your dog has had. The Arnica will produce a calmer dog that settles quickly and is less anxious. Especially good

for highly strung dogs.

29. Spaying and neutering can prevent testicular tumours amongst male dogs and a series of health problems in

females. The procedure can also reduce a dog’s desire to roam. Castration is NOT a behavioural cure-all. If you

don’t intend to breed from your dog then consider this option on medical grounds. Poor behaviour should be

addressed by a suitably qualified dog trainer or behavioural expert NOT the surgeon’s knife.



30. Stop your dog becoming over-weight by feeding raw chunks of carrot instead of fattening treats. dogs seem to

love the crunchiness and raw carrot is not only healthy, it keeps their teeth clean – an ideal reward/treat.

31. D.A.P diffuser will reduce levels of stress which will help your dog live longer. DAP stands for dog Appeasing

Pheromone. Pheromones are natural chemical messengers which bitches with puppies produce from the

mammary glands. These pheromones re-assure the pups that the breast area is a safe area. Pheromones are

released into the dog’s environment via a plug-in diffuser. It does have an obvious calming effect and is good to

use at times of stress such as a house move or if you leave an anxious dog home alone. They are available

through Vets.

32. Secure your home against dog escape. It sounds obvious but no matter how secure you think your garden

might be, until it’s been put to the test by a truly determined escape-minded animal, it could ALWAYS be more

secure. Consider an extra set of gates if possible whereby a dog would have to escape through two sets of gates

rather than one, which could lead directly to freedom if they are left open by mistake. Consider high fencing.

Again, until the day arrives when your garden security is actually put to the test by the dog, you may never know

how safe it is – really study your garden and ask some searching questions; “Could he clear that wall if he

REALLY wanted to?”, “Could she dig her way under that fence if she was ABSOLUTELY determined to?” –

remember, one escape could be the last time you ever see your dog.



33. An eggshell contains lots of calcium and if given in a dog’s food once in a while can provide a crunchy little

extra that will do the dog some good. Eggs themselves contain protein which is essential to maintain a healthy

immune system, essential fatty acids for hormonal, skin, kidney, heart, liver, reproductive, coat and brain health.

They also they contain vital anti-oxidants, which help protect the eye and reduce the effects of ageing. Use very

occasionally amongst older dogs, more frequently with a puppy’s diet but remember – they can cause laxative like

effects.

34. Be alert when it comes to your dog’s health. Some conditions, such as gastric torsion can take fatal effects

within hours. If your dog is behaving oddly, take the ‘better to be safe than sorry’ approach and call the vet.

35.Use Vaseline to help maintain healthy pads and noses. In the winter and summer dog’s noses and pads can

become dry hard and cracked. (Just like ours) Vaseline moisturises and cares for keratinised areas really well.

36. dogs will eat grass if they feel nauseous – the grass makes them sick then they feel better. Some dogs eat

grass anyway even when they feel well – it does them no harm but excessive grass consumption could be a

warning that your dog may have a gastro-intestinal upset. - Jenny Ahearne - VetPro Co-Coordinator

37. Insure your dog. Simple. Do your research on policies by all means but don’t consider insurance as an option.

Unless you don’t think your dog is worth more to you than your car, you should insure every year, without fail.



38. Tailor your dog’s exercise regime to his age. An old dog will not benefit from too much exercise, in fact when

winter comes, old dogs will benefit from having a little extra bulk on them. – Charlotte Reed, dog expert.

39. Learn as much as you can about the dog you own. Whether you own a Pedigree Poodle or a rescued ‘bits n

pieces’ dog. Learn what you can about the breed, learn what you can about parents (if possible), learn what you

can about known health problems within the breed, known health problems within the family line and so on. A little

acquired knowledge about the dog you share your life with can go a long way to you having a happier co-

existence.

40. Surveys show that about 50% of dogs get lost every year. Most are quickly found but over 100,000 end up in

stray pounds. Many cannot be returned to their owners as there is no identification on the dog. Permanent

identification with a microchip allows dog wardens to find a stray dog's owner quickly and is an essential

supplement to the legal minimum of a collar and tag. - Chris Laurence QVRM TD BVSc MRCVS

Veterinary Director.

41. Bones can harbour harmful bacteria, always boil any bones before you give them to your dog to chew on.

42. Plastic feeding bowls are more difficult to clean thoroughly. Bacteria can remain and cause the dog to become



ill. Food odours can remain on the plastic for longer, if you have a fussy dog, the lingering smell of decaying food

stuffs can cause him to be even fussier.

43. Antifreeze has a very tempting smell for dogs. Be mindful during the winter months of areas where it may have

leaked onto the ground. Your dog may lick it and the effects of the substance can be fatal.

44. Never feed a dog chocolate. It contains theobromine, which is a potentially fatal toxin to dogs and is also high

in sugar. There are plenty of chocolate alternatives.

45. Know your own dog. Give your dog a personality test (K9Magazine.com – keyword search ‘Personality Test’)

It’s a bit of fun but you could learn a lot about the wolf-like instincts that YOUR dog displays the most of.

46. A spot of rubbing alcohol on the paw pads is an excellent way to cool down an over exerted dog.

47.Nails must be kept short for a dog’s paws to remain healthy. Long nails can affect a dog’s gait, which can lead

to hip problems. Regular walks on concrete usually keep nails in trim naturally. If you dog’s nails do become over-

grown, a trip to the vets or dog groomers for a quick trim could also be the ideal time for a general K9-MOT/Health

Check!



48. If you are going to trim your dog’s nails yourself, always use a specialist clipper as they have a device which

prevents trimming above the ‘quick’, which is where the blood vessels are located. Never use normal household

scissors for this job. If you do accidentally cut to the quick, Styptic powder is useful as it helps to stem the

bleeding.

49. As a guide to nail length, if you can hear the nails clicking on the floor they are too long.

50. If you lead a busy life with little or no spare time – make sure your dog doesn’t suffer. It might sound daft but

here is a great tip for professionals or people with hectic schedules – enter times each week called ‘dog time’ time

that you must spend playing, fussing or relaxing with your dog. You are lucky that a dog will work to your schedule

so whatever you do, don’t leave them off it all together.

51. In the case of a bee-sting, a paste made out of baking soda and water is good for reducing the swelling.

52. Grooming is particularly important for the older dog. Not only will regular brushing keep his coat and skin from

becoming dry, it will also help you find any lumps, tumours, or other abnormalities, which should be brought to the

attention of your vet.

53. Older dogs are prone to accidents and injuries on stairs and outside steps. Many times injuries occur because



the dog doesn’t realise their limitations so you, as owner, will occasionally have to be responsible for walking them

up and down stairs on a lead when they may not have done this in the past. This is to prevent the dog

approaching steps or stairs too fast and possibly injuring limbs.

54. dogs who have failing sight can injure themselves. Placing bits of news paper around hazardous areas, such

as in front of patio windows will help them find their way around. The rustle will become a familiar ‘trigger’ to make

them slow down. Hanging beads is also a good signal.

55. We all know never to leave your dog in the car during the summer. But no matter what the temperature is, a

dog in a car will get too hot very quickly, even if it snowing outside. Also, imagine your car is stolen with your dog

inside? A criminal who is prepared to steal a car might also be prepared to throw your dog out onto the road or

worse. dogs in cars, only when you are. A very simple rule to live by.

56. If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. doghouses are not good shelter

during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child’s wading pool with fresh water for your dog

to cool off in.

57. In the winter groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated.



58. Keep the fur around the paw pads neat, this aids the detection and removal of gravel and seeds.

59. Rock salt (grit), used to melt ice on pavements in the winter, can irritate paw pads. Rinse and dry your dog’s

feet after a walk.

60. Household cleanliness is important for you and your dog. Paying close attention to the crevices of couches

and chairs and other hard to reach areas when cleaning can help reduce the possibility of dust mites or potential

allergic reactions.

61. Be sure to rake up wet leaves and grass clippings and do not store rubbish out in the open as they are perfect

conditions to attract fleas.

62. With elongated bodied dogs such as Dachshunds, spinal problems will be intensified by jumping down stairs

and off the sofa. If you can’t train your dog not to do this, a pillow or bean bag at any ‘landing point’ will soften the

impact and reduce spinal damage.

63. When it doubt. Call a vet.

64. Don't put potentially curable problems down to old age. A common misconception is that lameness and



stiffness as a dog gets older is 'old age' and is 'just one of those things'. Ageing is a process and it's one which

brings with it a host of different conditions many of which can be slowed down or reversed by seeking a veterinary

opinion. In some cases a medical condition can be completely eradicated regardless of the dog’s age.

65. Keep a notebook of changes in your dog’s health. It could be very useful if/when you visit the vet to discuss

any health issues affecting your dog.

66. Don’t feed your dog turkey skin, they can’t digest it.

67. Keep your garden free of mushrooms, many types of mushrooms, even ones that are edible to humans can be

poisonous to dogs.

68.Hyydrotherapy can do wonders for older dogs with joint and bone problems. This is a much under-used means

of creating a happier, healthier dog – furthermore, once they get used to it, most dogs love it!

69. Your dog will not comprehend the ageing process, he will still try to do everything he did as a pup. Ensure that

you tailor your lifestyle to include him, but don’t go at too fast a pace, because he will try to keep up and could end

up injuring himself.



70. dogs can actually pick up bacteria from us. As they get older, the immune system becomes less effective so

make sure you wash your hands before and after you fuss your dog.

71. A dog masseuse can relieve some of the aches and pains associated with old age, which can help improve the

dog’s quality of life.

72. Eliminate potential causes of cancer. Modify their environment so that they avoid contact with pesticides,

herbicides, airborne pollutants, and toxic household chemicals found in the cardogs, in the furniture, under the

sink, and in the garage.

73. Introduce herbs into the dog’s diet. Herbs help to balance the organ system, which enables the immune

system to operate more effectively. It also reduces the risk of certain cancers.

74. The body of a dog is not designed to digest cooked meat or cooked fat. 30% of a dog’s diet needs to be raw

fat, feed him this and see his coat and skin improve.

75. dogs, contrary to popular belief, are not totally carnivorous. A mixed, varied diet is key to a happy healthy dog.

Give the odd treat here and that, pieces of fruit and veg once in a while – your dog will enjoy the variety as much

as you would.



76. Feed an arthritic dog slightly less than they are willing to eat. This will ensure that he stays trim and doesn’t

cause any more damage to his joints and bones. Do this early on in life and you will see the aging process slow

down slightly.

77. Reiki, an ancient Japanese form of energy healing, is a good way to relax your dog. It also promotes recovery

in dogs suffering from ailments associated with old age.

78. Golden maize provides essential carbohydrates. No wheat glutton means there is less chance of irritable skin

conditions.

79. Linseed oils help maintain a healthy shiny coat all the way into advanced years.

80. Routine suits dogs. They, like us, like to know where they stand in life. They enjoy variety but a variety that can

be worked into a fairly core routine works best.

81. Second-hand smoke can have serious health consequences for dogs just as it can for people. If you or

someone in your house smokes, make an effort to do it away from the dog. The same applies if your dog is

around anyone else who smokes. A dog’s nose is ultra sensitive and smoke inhalation can cause them a lot of



discomfort or even cancer.

82. Oily fish is excellent for the joints of dogs as it is for humans. Fish is also a very useful form of feed when a

dog is on a diet. Fish has a lot of nutrients that will allow a dog to lose weight without losing out on vital vitamins.

Of course it is easier to avoid a dog becoming obese in the first place.

83. Your dog should see the vet at least once a year for a physical check-up. Try and make trips to the vet as

pleasant experience as you can for the dog. dogs have a natural tendency to become anxious when their owner’s

show signs of anxiety or nerves. If you can ‘pretend’ to be as excited about going to the vets as you are about

going to the park, maybe even take a little toy or treat along with you, it will make the dog’s whole veterinary

experience more enjoyable.

84. Worming should be done at least four times a year. You should also be astute enough to spot the tell tale

symptoms if your dog already has a worm infestation. Symptoms can include weight loss, increased apdogite,

poor coat condition, mucus in the eyes, excessively bad breath, lethargy, constant irritation around the back

passage, visible spine, pot belly and in some cases vomiting. If you do suspect your dog as having worms then,

although unpleasant, you should closely examine the dogs faeces for evidence of either round or tape worm. Tape

worm is rarer and it appears in segments and is flat. The more common round worm is pointed at both ends and

looks like small strands of noodles, it is a pale yellow. Worms can be treated with a dose of veterinary subscribed



worming solution, usually Drontal. Be aware that cheaper, supermarket worming products might not be as potent

at clearing a worm infestation as a veterinary subscribed one.

85. Ensure your dog is always as safe and secure in a moving vehicle as any other passenger. Travel is

something most dogs enjoy but their safety should never be compromised. Visit K9Magazine.com, keyword

search ‘travel toolkit’ for a free car safety guide for dogs.

86. Always be prepared to seek the advice of professionals but don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if

necessary. Veterinary care today is better than ever. Advancements in animal medicine and treatments for

conditions which would have killed a dog several years ago are commonplace. A vet is a business and you are its

customer. A good relationship with your vet is essential, therefore if you feel your dog is not receiving the best care

possible, exercise your consumer rights and seek an alternative ‘supplier’.

87. Cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis is essential, especially in breeds with long or particularly furry

ears. Before you start to clean your dog's ears, check the ear for hairs blocking the ear canal. If necessary, pluck

out the hairs blocking the ear canal. Next, remove any excess wax by using an oily cleaner, e.g. warm cod-liver

oil, liquid paraffin or a special ear-cleaner. Do not use powders as they can increase problems. Try not to rub too

vigorously or too often, as wax is produced partly to stop irritation, therefore, your dog still needs some wax in

his/her ear, so, too much cleaning causes irritation. If you are using cotton buds never let the tip of the cotton bud



go out of sight, it may be easier to use cotton wool . If however you are using a cotton bud, use your fingers as a

stop, and hold it like a pencil but always keep the tip in sight, you can never do any harm this way.

88. In the event of an injury to your dog you may need to apply a bandage. A bandage can protect an injury and

keep it free from infections until it is possible to get to your dog to a vet. You will need to use an absorbent pad,

such as lint gauze, kitchen towel, or even a handkerchief, but don't use cotton on an open wound as it could leave

fibres in the wound. When applying the pad, try to cover as much of the wound area as possible. Next wrap a

bandage around it 4-5 times using other parts of your dog for anchorage, e.g. if your dog has cut his/her ear, when

you have applied a pad cover you can wrap the bandage 4-5 times using your dog's head for anchorage. The final

stage is to secure the bandage with the adhesive tape, you should never use a rubber band as this could cut off

the blood supply.

89. If you ever have cause to pick up your dog (note: dogs should only be picked up when needed, they don’t tend

to enjoy the experience on the whole) you should talk to the dog first it won't be surprised when you lift him/her. If

you're alone and in any doubt about how the dog will react if it has been injured or is suffering some form of

seizure, it may be a good idea to muzzle the dog. If you need to pick up a small dog you should place one hand

under the dog’s chest and use the other hand to support the rear end. If you need to lift a larger dog you should

place one hand or arm under the dog's chest in front of his/her forelegs and use your other arm to support the

dog's hind legs when you are lifting the dog. To protect your back from damage before lifting the dog, bend your



knees rather than bending from the waist down. It can help to have a second person to gently hold the dog's head

and talk to the dog, this can help the dog to stay calm and will stop him/her from panicking and turning to bite you.

90. If your dog appears under the weather, don't rely his or her nose as a guide to the dog’s temperature or

general state of health. If you are unsure of your dog’s well being you should make sure you take his or her

temperature, this will also be a good sign as to whether you should call your vet or not. Measuring a dog’s pulse

gives you a direct count of the heart rate. The best technique involves putting the ball of one or two of your fingers

over an artery, and the best place to find an artery is on the inside the thigh, this artery is called the 'femoral

artery'. In the centre of the thigh is a depression where a pulse can be felt as the femoral artery transfers the

femur. Another area to detect a dog’s pulse is over their heart area, low on the left-hand side of the chest. To count

the pulse use a watch with a second hand and count the beats for a minimum of 30 seconds to 1 minute. Try

techniques when your dog is healthy so that you know where your dogs pulse is for future reference. If in doubt,

consult your vet.

91. Occasionally, a dog's anal ducts become blocked with fluid and may need emptying. This can be distressing to

your dog as they can become swollen and painful. Signs of this are licking the area repeatedly and/or "scooting"

across the ground on their bottom. The first time you notice this, contact your vet and have them empty your dog's

anal sacs. Have your vet empty your dog's sacs for at least the first time. If you would like to try this for yourself

the next time it happens, ask your vet to show you exactly how. Rest assured, it’s a disgusting, unpleasant thing to



have to do and it never gets nicer but, in all seriousness, it will give your dog a much better quality of life and in

some cases, could even save it.

92. If your dog begins to limp it could be a sign of a limb disorder. There are a few things to look for so that you

can examine the severity of the injury. Some symptoms are your dog carrying his/her leg clear of the ground or

just dabbing it down, if your dog’s foot appears to be swollen and painful when touched and if your dog appears to

be favouring one leg (even if you can't see swelling and it doesn't appear to be painful). There are a few possible

reasons that could cause your dog to limp. It's possible for your dog to have sprained their limb, they could have

fractured their limb, or even have a wound in their limb. Grass seeds can make their way into a dog’s paw and can

even be fatal. If the limping persists or your dog still appears to be in pain, the best advice is to contact your vet as

what may start out as a fairly un-serious condition could have devastating consequences.

93. To see a dog scratching is not uncommon. However, if they start to scratch excessively, there could be a

problem. Your dog could have a skin disease. Common signs to look for are parasites like mites, lice or fleas,

bacterial sores (these are small, infected spots and red, scaly inflamed areas), impacted anal sacs (this can be

identified by your dog if he/she licks the sores at the base of his/her tail), or finally if he/she has contact dermatitis

(this can be identified if he/she has a very red belly). When treating your dog, aim to take care of each specific

cause. If you notice parasites, bathe your dog in an anti-parasitic bath. If you have any doubt what parasite your

dog has, treat him/her for fleas to be safe. If you think your dog has bacterial sores, wash the localised places in



antibacterial wash. If you think your dog has packed anal sacs the best thing is to do is to contact your vet. If you

think your dog has contact dermatitis, cut off access to nylon cardog, car seat covers and disinfectant on floors. If

in any doubt at all or if the problems persist, contact your vet.

94. Every month, you should make it a task to look over your dog for signs of health problems. You should check

their coat, their skin, eyes, teeth, gums and ears. You should make a note of any changes such as bad breath,

watery eyes, overly waxy ears, or dirty teeth. You should consider your dog’s diet each month. Are the stools firm

and consistent? Is your dog’s weight within healthy boundaries? Is his/her coat shiny? Are his/her teeth clean and

breath (within reason) pleasant? If you make this a regular exercise you’ll be in a position to correct any problems

that may be occurring at an early stage.

95. Always be on the look out for unusual behaviour from your dog. Behaviour can be extremely telling in the

event that your dog may be developing a problem. Destructive behaviour, for example, can be a sign that the dog

is bored, feels un-challenged, is becoming dominant or may not have enough (or the right) toys to play with.

Behaviour is covered more comprehensively in K9 Magazine’s 100 Greatest dog Training Tips Feature (available

at K9Magazine.com).

96. dogs are unable to express how they feel through speech but their body language is extremely telling. Being

able to read you dog’s body language will help you understand how they are feeling at any given time. Aggression,



fear, playfulness, sadness, boredom and other emotions can all be detected by watching your dog’s body

language. Find out more about how to read a dog’s body language by reading specialist behaviour books or even

taking a consultation with a behavioural expert. Remembering that your dog will never be able to tell you how they

feel, understanding them as best as you can will go a long way in making sure you are acutely aware of their state

of mind at any time in their life.

97. All dogs thrive in a settled ‘pack’ environment. Disruption to pack order can have very negative effects on your

dog’s wellbeing. As it is with people, turmoil in the home can transmit itself to dogs and can cause some sensitive

dogs to become withdrawn, fearful, even aggressive. Try and ensure home life is harmonious and as routine as

possible and you will own a happier, healthier dog.

98. Socialising your dog and ensuring he/she gets to meet and make lots of new friends (people and other dogs)

will give them a ‘more rounded’ character. They enjoy company, they enjoy new things and they enjoy seeing lots

of different places. If you can give your dog a stable but varied life, they will live longer – exactly the same as

people who work longer tend to thrive well into their old age. Don’t be tempted to ‘retire’ your dog by default.

99. Cool canines need to be just that, cool! In hot weather conditions don’t be ashamed to deck your dog out in a

nice, damp t-shirt. It will make them look wholly daft but they’ll will thank you for it.



100. Make full use of the reams and reams of professional advice available on dog care through outlets such as

your local vet or animal charities such as the Blue Cross, RSPCA, PDSA and Dog's Trust. There is so much

expert, professional advice to picked up either online, by the telephone, through the pages of K9 Magazine and

K9Magazine.com or even at your local library. dogs should never have to suffer through a lack of ownership

knowledge and equally, as a responsible owner, you shouldn’t have to suffer the premature loss of a dog because

of a scarcity of relevant dog care information or access to expert advisors.



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Further Resources & Useful Links

• www.dogjoints.co.uk (dog joint supplements)• www.dogtips.co (general canine tips)• www.dognutrition.org.uk (the link between nutrition & joint health)

© All rights reserved by respective authors and publishers.



http://www.dognutrition.org.uk/

http://www.dogtips.co/

http://www.dogjoints.co.uk/

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Disclaimer Notice:This book is for personal use only. It should serve as a reference only with no guarantee to any personal or financial gains. Results from usage of materials described in this book varies. By reading this material, you agree that the author is not liable on any consequences arising from usage of the information contained within this book. The reader assumes all responsibility for outcomes related to the implementation of advice in this manuscript.

About the Authors:This book has been carefully prepared, researched and edited by a team of canine information experts. Our authors are, first and foremost, passionate about dogs and share a mutual satisfaction in assisting people who are experiencing problems with their dogs. Our works have been read by more than 12 million dog owners globally.



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