The following info is adapted from articles in the August 2006 issue of YOUR DOG, an excellent monthly newsletter published by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.  For details and subscriptions, see
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/publications/yourdog/index.html

Fever

How do you know if your dog has a fever?  Not by the feel of the nose, but by taking his temperature using a digital rectal thermometer.  Don't use glass thermometers, since they can break.  And don't use ear thermometers, since a dog's ears are slightly cooler than the rest of the body, and also because it's too easy to damage the ear canal.  

Exercise often boosts temperature, so the best time to take a temperature is when your dog is at rest.  How to take the temperature:

Lubricate the end of the thermometer with petroleum jelly, lift the dog's tail and gently insert the instrument from a half-inch to three-quarters-inch into the rectum.  After it beeps, remove and read.  If
the dog is nervous, have a helper hold the dog.

A dog's normal body temperature ranges from 100.5 to  102.5 degrees.  Over 103.5 degrees usually indicates a viral or bacterial infection needing veterinary treatment.  A fever can also be an indication of an immune-related disorder.  Fever symptoms include
lethargy and loss of appetite. 

Don't medicate without your vet's guidance.  Many human medicines are dangerous for dogs.   Even those that can be administered to dogs, such as aspirin, still require a precise dosage. 

Until you can get to the vet, make sure your dog has a cool, quiet place to rest.  Apply compresses soaked in water; using a wrung-out washcloth, pat and gently hold against the belly.  You can also give your dog a 5- to 10-minute bath.  Or wrap your dog in a moist
towel, remoistening as needed. 

Keep the water bowl full of fresh water.  Remember, a fever can cause dehydration.  If your dog won't or can't drink the water, give him some crushed ice or cubes to lick.

New Dental Disease Vaccine:

Pfizer has introduced a new canine vaccine claimed to prevent and treat periodontitis, the inflammation of dental bone and surrounding tissues.  It works by stopping build-up of black bacteria in the mouth,
although it doesn't retard plaque.  So regular tooth brushing is needed (really) as well as vet cleanings from time to time.

Storm Season Tip:

Hurricane season's around the corner.  For an updated brochure about disaster preparedness for pet owners, visit  www.ready.gov/america/pets.html or call 800-BE-READY.  Also see the Robin's Dog Tipsheet on the subject.

Linked phobias:  40% of dogs with thunderstorm phobia also have separation anxiety.  One interesting technique mentioned in the article:  the Storm
Defender Cape. 

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For free, detailed Dog Tips on canine behavior, health, training, management and other issues -- plus some tipsheets relevant for folks with cats and other species -- go the Robin's Dog Tips index at
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/dog_tips.php

To be added or removed from the Dog Tips email list, contact Tierneydog@yahoo.com

Robin

Editor, Robin's Dog Tips


Robin Tierney
Tierneydog@yahoo.com

For Free Dog Tips on canine health, behavior, training and safety, visit
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/dog_tips.php  

"I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.  I will not refuse to do the something I can do." -- Helen Keller

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