Being aware of the dangers to your pet and being able to administer basic first aid in an emergency is key to being a dog owner. Please find the following information on how to safely care for and protect your dog:
First Aid for Dog Owners
Canine CPR
Recognizing Parvo in Puppies
Dehydration
Avoiding Heatstroke
Cold Weather Risks
Signs of Bloat
What To Do If Your Do Ingests Poison
Canine Obesity
Reverse Sneezing - Don’t Worry!
Heartworm Prevention & Why It is So Important​

​Cornell University Veterinary Specialists have provided a complimentary guide on canine emergencies. We HIGHLY recommend downloading and reviewing the written, summary presentation (link below) at your earliest convenience.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk.

The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.
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It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.

Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity provided in their mothers' milk may wear off before the puppies' own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. To reduce gaps in protection and provide the best protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered. Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier, to develop adequate protection.

Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops, parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, kennels, and grooming establishments).

To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog's parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. There are titers available that measure the dog's level of antibodies against the canine parvovirus, but the antibody level may not directly translate to protection if the dog is exposed to the virus. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended prevention program for your dog.
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For more information, go to: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus

If a dog's body temperature rises past 104°, he's in serious danger. If the body temperature continues to rise above 106°, heatstroke can occur. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause lethargy, weakness, collapse, seizure, coma, brain damage, and even death.

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, please heed the following advice from our experts:

Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex, is a medical and surgical emergency.
As the stomach fills with air, pressure builds, stopping blood from the hind legs and abdomen from returning to the heart. Blood pools at the back end of the body, reducing the working blood volume and sending the dog into shock.
If this isn’t enough, there is yet another scary thing that happens, and it is devastating to see. As the stomach flips, it drags the spleen and pancreas along with it, cutting off the blood flow. The oxygen-starved pancreas produces some very toxic hormones. One, in particular, targets the heart and stops it cold. In fact, a dog can go through successful treatment and seem to be out of danger, when suddenly the heart stops.

Signs of Bloat include:

• An enlargement of the dog’s abdomen
• Retching - often without anything coming up
• Salivation
• Restlessness
• An affected dog will feel pain and might whine if you press on his belly

Without treatment, in only an hour or two, your dog will likely go into shock. The heart rate will rise and the pulse will get weaker, leading to death.
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The video below shows a dog suffering from bloat.
NOTE: THE DOG SURVIVED AFTER BEING RUSHED TO TREATMENT AND IS OKAY TODAY.

Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs: Signs of Bloat in Bulllmastiffs, Akitas, Dobermans, great danes and other large breed dogs. http://canineowners.com/dog-health/sig...
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Risk of bloat is correlated to chest conformation. Dogs with a deep, narrow chest — very tall, rather than wide — suffer the most often from bloat. Great Danes, who have a high height-to-width ratio, are five-to-eight times more likely to bloat than dogs with a low height-to-width ratio.

In addition to Great Danes, large- or giant-breed dogs at greatest risk include St. Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters and Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, and Doberman Pinschers. Males are twice as likely to bloat as females. Neutering or spaying has no effect on risk.
If a dog has relatives (parents, siblings, or offspring) who have suffered from bloat, there is a higher chance he will develop bloat.

First, never induce vomiting with these types of poisons:

• Corrosive chemicals (e.g., oven cleaners, drain cleaners, batteries, lime removal products, etc.) – can cause more damage to the esophagus if you induce vomiting.
  
• Hydrocarbons or petroleum distillates (e.g., kerosene, gasoline, motor oil, etc.). These oily substances are easily inhaled into the lungs, causing a severe aspiration pneumonia.
  

In dogs, only induce vomiting at home in these situations with the permission of a vet:

• If the substance ingested was poisonous
  
• Recent ingestion (e.g., your dog just ate grapes less than an hour ago)
  
• Your dog is asymptomatic, meaning he’s not showing any signs of the poisoning at all
  
• Your dog is healthy and isn’t at risk for inhaling the vomit into his lungs (e.g., he doesn’t have previous medical problems like an abnormal airway [e.g., laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea, etc.], an abnormal esophagus [e.g., megaesophagus, etc.], or isn’t brachycephalic [e.g., he has a smooshed face and is more at risk for inhaling his vomit into his lungs. Brachycephalic breeds include the following: English bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih-Tzus, Pugs, etc.].
  
• For dogs, keep in mind that the only currently safe and recommended “at home” product to induce vomiting is 3% hydrogen peroxide.
  

Never induce vomiting in dogs using any of these methods:

• Physically sticking a finger down the throat (yes, people do this and it’s completely asinine!)
  
• Mustard
  
• Salt (due to side effects from causing a very elevated sodium level)
  
• Syrup of ipecac (due to profound side effects)
  

Obesity is a nutritional disease that is defined by an excess of body fat, and it’s a prevalent issue in pets. In fact, a 2018 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) revealed that 56% of pet dogs in the US are overweight.
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Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects that could shorten your dog’s life span, even if your dog is only moderately overweight.
Canine obesity is associated with several major health issues, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. So maintaining a healthy body weight can offer significant benefits to your dog’s overall quality of life.

Read more about the risks at Obesity in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and What to Do About It (https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_Obesity)

Here are some effective strategies for preventing dogs from becoming overweight or obese:

1. Ask your veterinarian to help you choose the most appropriate food for your dog. Puppies need a food that is formulated for their life stage, one that will meet their specific nutritional needs, rather than an all-purpose dog food. Moreover, large-breed puppies need a different nutrient profile than small-breed puppies so they will grow more slowly, minimizing the risk of orthopedic problems later in life. Your veterinarian can suggest the best age to switch puppies to an adult food. Adult dogs have different needs from puppies, so a puppy formulation is not the best choice for them. Senior dogs are in yet another life stage and need a different formulation for optimal health. Furthermore, dogs with certain health conditions or diseases have very specific nutritional requirements. (For further information on feeding your dog, see the handout "Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs".)
2. Portion control is critical. Most dog food bags overestimate the amount of food a dog needs, so ask your veterinarian for a portion recommendation, and stick to it.
3. Choose specific meal times, and then be consistent. Dogs learn quickly when food is available and when it is not. This minimizes what we may perceive as begging behavior.
4. Consider using interactive feeding toys. These types of toys allow dogs to work for their food. Dogs eat more slowly, and they have the added bonus of expending more calories.
5. Increase your dog’s exercise. We know that optimal body condition score depends on the balance between calories taken in and calories expended. We also know that we benefit from increasing our dog’s activity because it means we increase our activity. There is no better way to blend the business of weight management with the pleasure of time outside than to walk our dogs. Other calorie-burning dog activities include swimming (be safe around water, and do not force your dog to swim), fetch, and running with you. Be sure to clear high-intensity activities with your veterinarian, and then condition (build up endurance) steadily.
6. Your veterinary healthcare team can assess your dog’s body and muscle condition score at each visit. These assessments can help you keep track of your dog’s condition; if your dog is heavy, your veterinarian can provide an estimated ideal body weight to use as a guide during weight loss.
7. Accountability keeps us honest. Schedule regular weigh-ins at your veterinarian’s office to track both weight and body condition score in your dog’s medical record. Trends up or down can be identified early, and minor feeding adjustments can be made. Minor modifications are always easier to make than major transformations.
   https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/overweight-obesity-and-pain-in-dogs-prevention-and-action-plans

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Losing weight can be just as challenging for dogs as it is for humans. Read more about how you can shake up your walk routine to help your furry family member lose weight: 8 Ways to Shake Up Your Dog Walking Routine (https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/8-ways-shake-your-dog-walking-routine)

One of the most common occurrences we see that cause new adopters alarm is Reverse Sneezing. While it appears alarming, it is completely safe. Learn more so you can save yourself a vet visit - and save your nerves the extra worry!

Some dogs have a condition known as paroxysmal respiration or, as it is more commonly called, reverse sneezing.
"With this condition, the dog rapidly pulls air into the nose, whereas in a regular sneeze, the air is rapidly pushed out through the nose."
With this condition, the dog rapidly pulls air into the nose, whereas in a regular sneeze, the air is rapidly pushed out through the nose. The dog makes a snorting sound and seems to be trying to inhale while sneezing.

Is my dog in danger when this occurs?
Although it can be alarming to witness a dog having a reverse sneezing episode, it is not a harmful condition and there are no ill effects. The dog is completely normal before and after the episode. During a reverse sneeze, the dog will make rapid and long inspirations, stand still, and extend his head and neck. A loud snorting sound is produced, which may sound like the dog has something caught in his nose or throat. A reverse sneezing episode can last for several seconds to a minute.

What causes the reverse sneeze?
The exact cause of a reverse sneeze is unknown. Any irritation to the nose, sinuses, or back of the throat can trigger an episode of reverse sneezing. Irritants can include nasal mites, secretions, foreign bodies such as seeds, pollens, or grasses, allergies, smoke, odors, masses or an elongated soft palate. Dogs with narrow nasal passages (long noses) seem to be more commonly affected.

How is reverse sneeze treated?
Most cases of reverse sneezing require no medical treatment. If your dog experiences a reverse sneezing episode, you may gently stroke the neck and try to calm him. Once the dog exhales through the nose, the attack is usually over. It is very rare for dogs to develop any complications or suffer any risk during these attacks. Most episodes of reverse sneeze last less than a minute, although longer durations have been reported.
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"If your dog experiences a reverse sneezing episode, you may gently stroke the neck and try to calm him.”
Source: VCA Hospitals - https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/reverse-sneeze-in-dogs

What are the Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in a Dog? There are four classes, or stages, of heartworm disease.  The higher the class, the worse the disease and the more obvious the symptoms.

• Class 1:  No symptoms or mild symptoms such as an occasional cough.
• Class 2:  Mild to moderate symptoms such as an occasional cough and tiredness after moderate activity.
• Class 3:  More severe symptoms such as a sickly appearance, a persistent cough, and tiredness after mild activity.  Trouble breathing and signs of heart failure are common. For class 2 and 3 heartworm disease, heart and lung changes are usually seen on chest x-rays.
• Class 4:  Also called caval syndrome.  There is such a heavy worm burden that blood flowing back to the heart is physically blocked by a large mass of worms.  Caval syndrome is life-threatening and quick surgical removal of the heartworms is the only treatment option.  The surgery is risky, and even with surgery, most dogs with caval syndrome die.