Tips

Crate Training

Your dog's crate must be large enough for him to stand up and turn around. If you have too large of a crate, a young pup will soil at the end, away from his bedding.

Basically, the dog remains in the crate overnight and any time you are away from the home. Remember, a young pup is not responsible enough for the whole house. If you want to let your pup have time outside the crate, make sure he has relieved himself and you can keep the pup in sight.
 
Crates, when used correctly, are the safest place for the dog while left unattended. Dogs are den animals and will adjust quickly. Don't give in to whinning. Be patient. You are the pack leader. For a structured plan on crate training contact Good 2 Great Dog Training.

Dog Health

Cuts & Wounds

It is not uncommon for a pet owner to be confronted with a wounded pet at some time. Wounds can be classified as either open (i.e., a break in the skin) or closed. First aid for the management of any open wound involves two steps:

Step #1 - Stop Bleeding

If an open wound is bleeding, the first priority is to control it. Be sure the animal is properly restrained and, if necessary, apply a muzzle. To stop bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using a sterile or clean gauze, sponge, or cloth. When applying pressure, do not keep lifting the gauze to see if the bleeding has stopped. This only disrupts the clot that may have formed. Likewise, if blood soaks through the gauze, do not discard the soaked bandage since it contains important clotting factors. Instead, keep adding more bandage material on top of the soaked bandage. If possible, elevate the wound.

For severe bleeding, it may be necessary to apply direct pressure to the arteries that supply the affected area These pressure points are located at the upper inside (armpit) of the front legs, the upper inside of the hind legs, and the underside of the tail. The use of a tourniquet should be avoided. However, if a tourniquet is to be used, it must be used only as a last resort and then only if it is loosened every few minutes to restore blood circulation.

Step # 2 - Prevent Contamination

A clean, protective dressing should be applied to open wounds whenever possible to prevent infection and contamination. Never use cotton batting directly on an open wound, since the fibers will contaminate the wound.

If the wound is minor and superficial, gently cleanse it with ordinary soap and water. Try to clip back the hairs with a pair of scissors, being careful not to cut the skin accidentally. Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment (e.g., Polysporin), followed by a snug dressing. Be careful not to restrict the circulation by making the bandage too light. If a wound is major and deep, do not probe or clean it, but simply apply a dressing and contact your veterinarian. As a rule, cats and dogs do not require tetanus shots.

For bite wounds, clip back the hairs away from the puncture sites with scissors and then thoroughly wash the wound with copious amounts of soap and water. Three percent hydrogen peroxide may also be used after washing.

It is wise to have all bite wounds examined by a veterinarian, no matter how minor they appear. Very often, there may be extensive damage to the tissues under the skin that are not immediately evident. Most, if not all, pets with open wounds and bite wounds also require antibiotics to prevent infection. Contact your VET as soon as possible. 

Deodorizing Skunk Spray

To neutralize or deodorize skunk spray, the chemicals in the secretion must be changed to a different type of molecule. Tomato juice was believed to work, but as you bathe your pet, your nose stops smelling the skunk odor (olfactory fatigue) and you just smell the tomato odor. Another person just entering the area will still smell the skunk odor. The following mixture is effective at neutralizing the skunk odor.

Bathe the Animal in a Mixture of:
1 Quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (Purchase at Drug Stores)
1 / 4 Cup of Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
1 Teaspoon Liquid Detergent

• After 5 minutes, rinse the animal with water. Repeat if necessary.
• Do this outside when possible so that the volatile skunk spray does not contaminate your home.
• To remove any residual skunk odor from your clothes or towels, wash them using liquid laundry bleach.
• This mixture must be used after mixing. It will not work if it is stored for any length of time.
• Do not mix or store in a closed container. It releases oxygen gas so it could break the container.
• Rinse your pet thoroughly. This mixture could bleach your pet’s hair.