Archive for January, 2010

Just like humans, dogs can catch colds that can leave them feeling down and out for a few days. However, if your dog is generally healthy, you might be able to treat a canine cold at home without having to pay a visit to the vet. Here are some tips for treating a canine cold:

1.Keep your dog warm and dry as best as possible.

2.Avoid taking your dog around other dogs, as that’s how illnesses are easily spread.

3.Limit time spent outdoors in cold weather, as a cold will cause the bronchial passages to constrict, making it harder for your dog to breathe.

4.Try to run a vaporizer near your dog’s sleeping area to keep his bronchial tubes moistened.

5.Do not give your dog over the counter medicines since they are not meant for dogs. If your pet needs something stronger to kick his sniffles, talk to your vet.

6.You could give your dog some warm chicken broth to keep him happy and hydrated.

7.Try turning your bathroom into a steam room by running the shower very hot and then having your dog breathe in the steam for a few minutes. This will help loosen any congestion that might have built up.

8.As your dog starts to get better, be sure to disinfect his food bowls, toys, and bedding so that he won’t get himself or others sick.

9.Older dogs and puppies should always be taken to the vet when they get a cold, even if they are in good health. Very young or very old dogs can be more susceptible to complications from a cold.

10.Boost his immunity by supplementing his food with Dinovite. It’s not a cure, but it can help your dog keep up his overall level of health so that he can fight off infections like the common cold.

We recently came across the Kay’s K9s blog, where Kay blogs about her oh-so-adorable Miniature Needle Felted Dog and Cat items! We love how unique her cute keychains are, and they really do amazingly resemble the dog breed.

She’s been receiving quite a bit of Press lately, and it’s no wonder with how accurate her needle felted dog and cat sculptures are, all of us at K9Health were quite impressed (especially our dog Rakker!). We hope you’ll head on over and visit her site, and we wish her only more success in the future!

Winter can be a dangerous time of year for your dog and it’s important that you keep a few safety tips in mind this season. By protecting your dog now, you can ensure that wintertime can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. After all – who doesn’t love playing out in the snow with your pup? Keep in mind some of these valuable health tips for dogs this winter:

If you need to use de-icer around your sidewalk or porch, be sure that you’re choosing one that’s pet-friendly and designed to be non toxic. Many de-icers used on roadways and sidewalks contain chemicals that can be toxic or irritating to your pet. While you can’t avoid what you encounter on the roads, you can however keep your dog safe. Be sure to wipe your dog’s paws clean after spending time outside.

While you’re wiping paws clean, also be sure to check for ice that may have formed in between the toes of your dog’s paw while he or she was outside in the snow. Ice can be irritating to the paws, not to mention, can encourage frostbite. Remove any ice if you find it, or you can try preventing it by having your dog wear booties.

Finally, keep your dog away from any antifreeze. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which can cause fatal kidney damage in your pet in just a few hours. If your dog ingests antifreeze, seek out veterinary assistance immediately. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include depression, lack of coordination, diarrhea, thirst, and seizures.

Winter is here and it’s important for you to remember that although your pup has a ton of fur, he may need a little extra help keeping warm this season. To make sure that he stays toasty, use some of these helpful tips from K9Healthsolutions.com.

1.)If your dog sleeps in a dog bed, try moving it close to a heating source in your home, however, make sure it doesn’t get too close as you don’t want to create a fire hazard or have your dog become overheated.

2.)If you like to walk your dog every day, think about having your dog wear a dog coat or a sweater while you’re out. Dog clothing can protect your pet from the wind and the cold while helping to keep his natural body heat close.

3.)If your dog sleeps in a specific part of the house, make sure that area is well heated and well ventilated during the winter months to keep your dog comfortable.

4.)Keep your pooch’s paws clean by slipping on booties or dog boots. There warm and incredibly adorable!

5.)Finally, take extra care to notice if your dog is getting cold while you’re out walking or playing. If he’s shivering, take him back home to cuddle up on the couch with a warm blanket.