Unfortunately, dogs are not able to tell us outright that they are feeling something painful, so it is up to dog owners to observe and decipher their body language.  Generally, dogs who are in pain would exhibit the following conditions:

• Your dog’s heart rate and respiratory rate will increase.  As a reaction to pain, your dog’s body will produce a several hormones that will dull out the pain.  These hormones can cause your dog to breath excessively and have a heart rate that is above normal.  Normal respiratory rate of dogs are between 15-20 breaths per minute while normal heart rate is between 80-120 beats per minute.

• Whenever your dog would feel the onset of pain, he may moan and whimper.  Excessive pain will cause him to yelp if he cannot stand it.

• Your dog will assume a guarded position where he would crouch down and try to support the painful body part.  If a leg is painful, he would protect it by keeping it elevated.

• Your dog will also have the reduced desire to move or be active.  He is likely to just lie down on his bed and wait for the pain to go away.  If you observe him closely you will notice that he would occasionally look at the area from time to time and lick it in an attempt to soothe himself.

• He would also have that glassy eyed appearance as his concentration is centered on the pain and not on his surroundings.

• Behavioral changes can also happen.  Your dog may either become excessively affectionate for wanting comfort.  Or, he may be belligerent and snarl, growl, and bark at anyone that comes near for fear that the pain will be intensified due to contact.

• You will also observe that your dog will lack the desire to eat or drink.

• If the pain is intense, your dog will tremble and can stumble while walking.

• He may also sleep less as the pain keeps your dog awake.

There are some dogs that have such a low pain threshold that they will immediately make you aware that they are feeling something by constant whining and moaning.

Other dog breeds, on the other hand, have a higher tolerance to pain and will tolerate it as much as they can.  The only way for you to know that they are feeling something is by observing for any change in usual behavior.  Take note on when you noticed the change in behavior for your vet will need this to make a conclusive diagnosis of your dog’s condition.

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• Straining during bowel movements
• Distended stomach
• Yelping during defecation
• Reluctance to defecate
• Loss of appetite
• Increased frequency of bowel movement but with small or scant amount of stool

Constipation is not breed-specific in dogs.  Any breed can experience the problem.  Mostly it is observed on older dogs because the peristaltic movement of the intestines has slowed down.  A diet that has low amounts of fiber and with high levels of protein can also be a factor in causing constipation.  Lack of water intake during a hot, balmy day is also seen as a reason for your dog to get constipated.

Remedies

It’s very easy to solve canine constipation, as long as you know the cause.

1)  Always make sure that your dog is properly hydrated.  A dog that is suffering from dehydration will lose bulk and lubrication in stool, making it difficult to defecate.  See to it that his water bottle is always filled with water.  Place a bowl of water beside your dog’s food bowl during eating to encourage your dog to drink after eating.

2)  Increase the fiber intake of your food by giving him vegetables and oat bran.  If your dog is very fond of kibbles, read the package and check if it has at least 5% of fiber in it.

3)  Canned pumpkin is also a common remedy for constipation because of its high fiber and water content.  Your vet will guide you on just how much to feed to your dog depending on his size and weight.

4)  With dogs being lactose intolerant, milk can promote bowel movement.  Give this only when your dog is constipated and not when his body system is normal.  This can cause and also worsen diarrhea, so use it with caution.

5)  Increase the frequency of your dog’s exercise. Muscle movement promotes increased metabolism and also peristaltic movement.

6)  Laxatives can also help cure your dog of constipation.  However, these are to be used with caution and with the guidance of your vet.  Abuse and misuse of the medication can only worsen constipation problems of your dog.

See which solutions can be suitable for your dogs.  You may try to mix two remedies to make sure it would work, but always with caution.  Always check with your vet to see which remedy can give the best results with the minimum amount of discomfort.

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Get to know your dog’s nail anatomy first before you proceed on grooming.  Unlike human nails, it has an extension of blood vessels in a part called the quick.  This nail part also has nerve endings.  Cutting through this part will cause bleeding and pain, so be very careful.

For dogs that have light colored nails, the quick is seen as a pale pink part.   Dogs with dark-colored nails need to be trimmed carefully for this part cannot be seen.

Buy a really sharp nail clipper that is specially made for dogs.  Ordinary nail cutters cannot cut through your dog’s nails effectively and comfortably.  Invest in a good one for you will be doing a lot of trimming.  It is best to start clipping away while your dog is still a puppy so he can get used to the ritual.

Do not cut the nails right away.  You must prepare your dog before you go through the procedure. Not doing so will cause some anxiety and your dog will resist your attempts every way possible.

Try to touch your dog’s paws first and talk to him in a soothing manner.  Introduce the nail clipper to him and tell him what it is designed to do.  Don’t cut away the entire paw of your dog.  Just start with a nail or two then proceed again the next day.

When you cut your dog’s nail, it is important that both you and your dog are comfortably positioned.   You may place your dog on top of the table either with him on his stomach or lying on his side.  Talk to him in a soothing, calming voice throughout the entire procedure to calm him down and to reassure him.

Grasp the clipper with your dominant hand and unsheathe the nail carefully.  If your dog has clear nails, cut up to 2mm of the nails, almost but not quite touching the quick.  For dogs with nails of darker color, chip away carefully.  Look in your dog’s nail after each small nip.  Stop when you see a large, pearly gray area at the top cross section of your dog’s nail.

There may be times when even though you are careful, you will still cut through the quick.  Your dog will yelp in pain and bleed. You can apply pressure on the nail with the use of a light tissue.  If you want to stop the bleeding immediately, a styptic pencil with silver nitrate seal the edge.  To stop the bleeding, you have to rotate the styptic pencil on the cut end of the nail.

Since the area is quite raw, your dog will not like it.  You may also wait for the bleeding to stop; generally 5 minutes is all it takes or less for the blood to clot.  If it continues to go beyond that time frame, go to the vet.  Remember to do the same procedure to your dog’s dew claw. It is attached at the side of your dog’s leg above the rest of the other toes.

You and your dog will do a lot of struggling during the first few cuts.  Keep up with the grooming, though, for it will keep your dog’s skin and fur safe from getting destroyed by sharp, overly long nails.

To start with dental care, it is important that you not sit down with your dog and have a go at it in one shot.  This can only lead to a huge struggle that can end up with your dog resenting each tooth brushing session.  Or worse, you might get bitten in the process. Remember that you are in very, VERY close proximity with your dog’s mouth and huge danger of getting bitten if you don’t do this process right.

1)  The first thing that you have to do is to have your dog get used to you introducing something in his mouth that does not necessarily mean food.  You may want to buy a few samples of dog toothpaste in your pet store, or have your vet suggest a popular toothpaste that is always bought by other pet owners.  You must not use human toothpaste for your dog will swallow it and can cause him to become ill.

Dog toothpaste comes in several flavors that is quite similar to the taste of food much loved by dogs.  They are also formulated to be safe for dogs when they swallow it.  See which toothpaste your dog would like.  Have him taste the toothpaste several times in the day until he gets used to it.

2)  Next thing you have to do is introduce him to the tooth brush.  Tooth brushes come in several forms.  For small dogs, a toothbrush that fits on your finger is ideal.  This is just like the brush for babies, only with a lot more bristles.

Let him investigate the toothbrush through smelling and licking.  Tell him what the tooth brush is for and that the next time he sees it, it would be used for brushing his teeth.  It may help if you let your dog see you brushing your teeth.

3)  When your dog has chosen his preferred toothpaste and has also accepted his toothbrush, you can now start introducing it into his mouth.  Don’t be concerned with brushing your dog’s teeth at this point.

Just place a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush would be enough.  Proceed in rubbing the toothbrush against your dog’s teeth.  Just make it fun and not long-drawn.  Just start rubbing it from the back teeth up to the front.  It should take just about 30 seconds or less.

4)  Once your dog has gotten used to having an object being rubbed on his teeth, you can now start with serious brushing.  Have a towel handy, and do not wear your favorite clothes.  Your dog might slobber on you, so take precautions.  Assume a comfortable position that allows you access to your dog’s teeth without straining yourself and your dog.

Lift your dog’s upper lips and brush your dog’s teeth and gums.  Do not worry about having limited access at first.  Just start with what’s visible, rubbing in a firm, circular motion as you clean your dog’s teeth.

Eventually, your dog will allow you to reach the teeth located at the very back of his mouth.  That area needs special attention for it is most loved by bacteria that cause periodontal disease.  Start with the top set of teeth before moving to the bottom.

5)  Wash your dog’s toothbrush well and store it in a dry place away from your dog’s and children’s reach.  Don’t put it along with your own set of toothbrush for you may accidentally use it.

Remember to praise your dog with each process, and never make toothbrushing a stressful ritual.  Talk to your dog with a calm, encouraging voice to ease his worry over the procedure.  Give your dog a treat after brushing.

When done right, your dog will look forward to brushing his teeth.  If your dog is among the breeds that are predisposed to dental problems, always make sure to have a regular dental check up and cleaning with your vet.  The added attention will keep your dog’s teeth clean, white, and healthy.

Signs and Symptoms of Wax Build-UP

One of the tell-tale signs of ear wax build-up is presentation of brown ear wax in dogs.  This is seen when you lift your dog’s ears.  You won’t be able to see pass the ear canal for the build-up has blocked visualization of your dog’s ear.  This blockage further limits the circulation of air in your dog’s ear, trapping in moisture and heat that is quite conducive for microbial growth.

Your dog will also continually scratch his ears, shaking his head, and his pillow or blanket will show small amounts of ear wax that your dog has shaken loose.  Odor is also noted in your dog’s ear when ear wax has accumulated.

Treatment

You might be tempted, but you must refrain yourself from using Q-tips, small pointed objects, or any other similar contraption that can fit itself inside your dog’s ears.  Inserting objects inside your dog’s ear canal will only push the ear wax further inside your dog’s ear and can cause other ear problems.  Other than that, there is a high risk of you puncturing your dog’s ear drum.

Before cleaning your dog’s ear, you may want to loosen the ear wax.  There are some solutions available in your vet’s office for this purpose.  Others recommend a mixture of vinegar and water to help loosen the wax.  A mixture of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water is used as an ear wax softener.  If you are using this mixture, you may need to have something to put this inside your dog’s ears.

A turkey baster, a medicine dropper, or a small syringe without a needle can do the trick.  Pure cotton balls and a couple of towels are also needed.  Change into a pair of clothing that you won’t worry about getting stained or ruined.  Gloves, masks, and goggles are optional, but if you’re feeling squeamish over flying earwax you may want these protective equipments with you.

You need to do this in an area where you won’t worry about getting expensive furniture or equipment getting damaged.  A pillow may also be necessary to support your dog’s head on your lap. Once these materials and equipments are set up, then you’re ready to go.

1)  Lay your dog sideways with his head supported by your lap. If the position is too awkward, you may need to place a pillow to further elevate his head.  Gently and carefully lift up your dog’s ear to reveal the ear canal.  If you plan to use a commercial brand of ear solution, follow the package instructions on how much to place in your dog’s ears.

If you’re going to use the homemade solution a tablespoon is enough for big dogs, while a teaspoon is good for small dogs and puppies.  Restrain your dog gently and firmly while you place the solution in his ear while talking to him soothingly and calmly.  Do not let your dog shake his head yet.  Placing your fingers behind his ears, carefully shake it for 30-60 seconds until a squishing sound is heart.

Let go of your dog and let him shake his head.  Expect to have some flying ear wax while he’s doing it.  If you don’t have any personal protective equipment, you may want to stand clear and protect yourself from getting hit.

2)  With a lot of cotton balls, clean your dog’s ear softly and carefully.  Roll the cotton ball to fit inside the canal and let it soak the ear wax and remaining solution.  You can remove the loosened ear wax with a scooping motion, wiping outward and upward.

Change cotton balls in each turn, until the cotton balls are clean.  Wipe out any earwax left outside your dog’s ears and those located inside crevices. If indicated, apply the ear medication.  Do the same process with the other ear.

After the process, praise your dog, give him a hug and a treat.  Never make this a huge ordeal and see to it that your dog is comfortable throughout the entire procedure.  It is recommended that you do this cleaning on a weekly basis, or according to the advice of your vet.

Note: Constant shaking of head, scratching of ear, pain when scratching, pus or bloody discharge, foul smell, and imbalance are signs of ear infection.  it is advised that you have your dog checked by a vet to rule out presence of ear infection or for prompt and immediate treatment.