The following pages will take you from puppy & kitten stage, to adult & senior pets. Heartworm facts, website links, your pet's DNA, flea control, heartworm awareness, FDA recalls, pet insurance and more. There is a video that will give you tips on how to give your pet a subcutaneous injection (go to "A page dedicated to our senior pets"), video to help you pill your cat (go to "Your pets medication and/or Miscellaneous), and video teaching the easy way to brush your dogs teeth (go to "Your pets teeth").
To the left of this page, you will most likely find a page with a topic that will interest you.
If there is something missing that you would like information about, just shoot Jan an email @ gacjan@att.net, and in a short time you may find your suggestion in the list.
Owners who pay close attention and handle their healthy dogs
daily, have a head start on recognizing early signs of illness in
their pets, and have an easier time determining whether a trip to
the veterinarian is necessary.
Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102, a respiratory rate of
15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 80-120 per
minute.
They have pink mucus membranes (gums, inside of lips, tongue,
inside of eyelid) and rapid capillary refill action in these
areas.
Clean smelling ears, skin and a full haircoat, skin that is pliant
(an indication of proper hydration), and eyes that are clear and
bright are all signs of a healthy dog.
If your dog shows any of the following signs, be ready to call your
veterinarian.
Eyes; swelling, discharge, redness.
Nose; running, crusting, discharge.
Ears; discharge, debris, odor, twitching, scratching,
shaking.
Coughing, gagging, sneezing, retching, or vomiting.
Irregular breathing, shortness of breath, prolonged or heavy
panting.
Intestinal activity; color and consistency of bowel
movement, frequency of defecation, bloody stool, evidence of
parasites.
Change in amount of food intake.
Change in body weight.
Change in water intake
Urine; color, frequency, amount, straining, dribbling.
Odor; mouth, skin, ears.
Coat and skin; wounds, tumors, hair loss, dander, color
change, biting, scratching, bite marks, evidence of parasites,
licking.
Behavior; depression, anxiety, fatigue, lethargy,
sleepiness, trembling, stumbling, falling, aggression.
The first step is noticing the signs....
keeping a record helps the veterinarian make a diagnosis...
make notes on when the symptoms first appeared, whether it has been
intermittent, continuous, increasing in frequency, getting better
or worse.
