Archive for November, 2008

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Is adopting a third dog too much?

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

Q: I have a 13-year-old pomapoo weighing in at 18 pounds, and a 7-month-old yorkipoo that weighs 8 pounds and is taller than the pomapoo. I am considering adopting a 3-year-old, 8-pound Chihuahua. He is in a crate 12 to 14 hours a day. I want to adopt him; however, she has reservations concerning three dogs in the same house. What is your opinion? And would her dog adjust to not being in a crate?

A: I am a firm believer dogs can adapt to pretty much anything we ask of them. I’ll answer your questions in a little reverse order. This Chihuahua will most likely adjust the best of the three dogs. Rescued dogs tend to become great pets, once they adjust to the new home. Going from long hours in a crate to more freedom will be an easy change. Do not worry about that one.

However, I would not trust she is 100 percent housebroken. He is not used to freedom and may not realize when he is out of the crate he must use the same self-control he uses in the crate. You should assume you will need to teach him which door to go to when he needs to go outside. Do not give him free reign of the house when you first bring him home. Know where he is at all times, even if this means keeping him in whatever room you are in. Go outside with him so you know what he has done and when he will need to go again. But do not carry him out. Always walk him to the door, make him “sit” and wait a few seconds before you take him out. Thus, you teach him the “I want to go out” signal.

Your other dogs will adjust. The older one just got used to the new puppy and will learn to accept this one, too. The puppy will see this new dog as a playmate. Until all three get along well, you must supervise their time together.
Three dogs in the same house are not that big a deal. I know people who have four or five. I do recommend you have all dogs spayed/neutered. The absence of hormones helps them deal with each other better. Each dog needs its own bed or crate where it can go and be left alone. You must teach them not to bother each other when they are in their “places.”

The biggest question is, do you want three dogs? If so, this can work out. Should you decide to adopt the Chihuahua, when all three dogs first meet, be sure they have leashes on so you can control behaviors. Unfriendliness by either dog should be corrected with a quick jerk on the leash and a firm, “No.” It won’t take long for your house to be complete with the patter of six little feet.

Source

Chandra Lynn Smith owns Best Friend Dog Training. She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal bioscience, has eight years experience as a veterinary technician, and is a certified professional dog trainer from the National K9 School of Dog Trainers. She’s been training dogs since 1984.

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Pigs’ Ears Not Recommended for Dogs

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Pigs’ ears have a high fat content and can lead to obesity. They can also cause stomach upset in some dogs. Because they are high in fat, they can irritate the pancreas, causing pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. This results in vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Pig’s ear treats can also be a source of Salmonella bacteria. The federal government recently issued a warning that pig’s ear dog treats from a number of manufacturers were contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and other serious long-term complications. Some pets that become infected may not show clinical signs.

These products can also be a risk to humans, according to the Health Canada warning. Transmission of the bacteria to humans can be via direct handling of contaminated product or handling of pets who may have become infected. For this reason, owners are advised to wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap after handling pig’s ear treats. Better yet, consult your veterinarian about these products or avoid them altogether.

Source

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My dog gets better care than I do

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Last week I took my best friend Jasmin Doberman for her annual examination. She is 2 years old. Jasmin has gone to the same vet since she was 2 months old.

The three people in the office came out to see her and gave her some cookies. They were all impressed with how big and muscular she had gotten in the last year.

We were seen within 15 minutes of our appointment. The waiting room was spotless with a great selection of reading material as well as nice jazz playing in the background.

The examination room was spotless, too, a far cry from the examining rooms of the hospital clinics I have seen lately.

Jasmin had a full examination, including blood tests and vaccinations. The examination took about 45 minutes. We were never rushed, and the vet took time to answer all my questions. Total bill: $168.

On our way home I started to think how funny it is that my dog gets better medical care than I do. About 20 years ago I used to get the same care she does now. I had a great GP, Dr. Burton Ayre. He started this family practice group, the Ayre Medical Clinic, in a beautiful old cottage in T.M.R.

The group comprised of five or six doctors. If I wanted to see a doctor – even the same day – one of the doctors would always squeeze me in. They even had a doctor on call on weekends.

You would often see Dr. Ayre weeding and watering the beautiful garden in front of the clinic.

Now, I do not have a family doctor. I go to a clinic only when I think it’s serious. I no longer get any preventative medical care.

I am not joking when I say I would feel a lot more confident treated by Jasmin’s vet than with the treatment I have received at clinics over the past few years.

Source

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Peru offers bald dog of Incas to Obamas

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Peruvians crazy about their national dog, a bald and often toothless breed popular among Incan kings, offered Monday to send a hypoallergenic puppy to the Obama family.

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has promised daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, a new pet for the White House. But Malia is allergic to most breeds, he said Friday as speculation swirled about the dog the family would choose.

Owners of the Peruvian Hairless Dog, a breed dating back 3,000 years and depicted in pre-Hispanic ceramics, say it is perfect for kids who are sensitive to dogs.

“They do not cause any type of allergy and are very friendly and sweet,” said Claudia Galvez, 38, director of the Friends of the Peruvian Hairless Dog Association.

“We want to give a male puppy to Obama’s daughters, so they get to experience all the joys of having a dog but without any allergies.”

According to Peruvian folklore, the dogs have above-average body temperature, which compensates for their lack of hair and helps alleviate symptoms of asthma or arthritis suffered by their owners.

Galvez delivered a letter detailing her offer to the U.S. embassy in Lima Monday and hopes Obama will accept it.

Galvez has a 4-month-old pedigree puppy to send to the Obama family. For now, she is calling it Ears because it has two large, perky ones.

“But if we send it to the United States, its official name will be Machu Picchu,” she said, referring to the ancient Incan citadel, Peru’s top tourist attraction.

Source

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Veggie Puppy Treats

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

Makes about 1 lb (500 g) of treats

- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C)

- Nonstick baking sheets
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter

4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp each dried basil, cilantro
5 mL oregano leaves
3/4 cup water 175 mL
2/3 cup chopped carrot 150 mL
1/4 cup cut (1/2 inch/1 cm) green beans,
50 mL thawed if frozen
2 tbsp tomato paste 25 mL
2 tbsp canola oil 25 mL
1 clove garlic

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, basil, cilantro and oregano. In a food processor, combine water, carrot, green beans, tomato paste, oil and garlic. Puree until smooth. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well.

2. In the bowl and using hands, knead until dough holds together. Transfer to lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.

3. With a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the dough. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut dough into 1/2-inch (1 cm) squares. Place about 1/2 inch (1 cm) apart on baking sheets.

4. Bake in preheated oven, in batches if necessary, for 20 minutes or until firm.

5. Place pans on racks and let cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 300 F (150 C). Bake for 25 minutes longer or until hard.

6. Transfer cookies to a rack and let cool completely.

Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 30 days.

Source

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Groups to Obamas: Consider shelter dogs

Monday, November 17th, 2008

Before the election, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, made it clear that they wanted to get a shelter dog for their daughters, who had been promised a puppy for helping their dad campaign.

But the day after the election, Obama said they weren’t sure they could get a shelter dog because most of them were mutts. Malia, 10, their oldest daughter, is allergic to dogs. So the family is looking for one of the few breeds considered hypoallergenic.

But rescue groups across the country say they hope the family won’t give up that easily because there are other options that could still save a dog.

Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, pointed out that 25 percent of the 6 to 8 million animals coming into shelters nationwide each year are purebreds. And then there are rescue groups, many of which also have purebred dogs.

Daisy Okas, with the American Kennel Club, said almost every breed club has a rescue component that looks for homes for unwanted dogs. The organization already had a 2-year-old, house-trained, healthy poodle on its Web site that she said would be happy to go live at the White House.

Animal help groups hope the Obamas know that rescues also are an option, even if what they want is more difficult, like a specific breed and a puppy.

“The Obama family’s decision to get a rescue dog can give hope for change to millions of animals across the United States,” said Markarian. “They can set an important example for the rest of the country.”

Anne Stockton, head of Small Dog Rescue and Humane Society, a northside rescue group, said she gets rarer breeds often, and sometimes even has puppies. In the past year she’s placed Japanese chins, Italian greyhounds, Havaneses and papillions, French bulldogs, Chinese cresteds, schnauzers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus and poodles.

“If they’re just a teensy bit patient, it won’t be hard,” Stockton said. “And they also can consider mixes, like a schnoodle (a schnauzer/poodle mix) if they want a puppy.”

But the family also needs to understand that even one of the breeds of dogs hyped as hypoallergenic still might affect Malia. That’s because there’s really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, according to Dr. Amy Hirsh, with the Peachtree Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Buckhead and Vinings.

“That’s just a term breeders use, not doctors” Hirsh said.

She said some dogs do produce less dander, the protein that causes allergic reactions in some people, but it’s still hotly debated whether that makes them better dogs for people with allergies.

“I advise parents not to get a dog if they or their children have known dog allergies,” Hirsh said.

But since the promise has already been made, the family has a number of rescue groups offering to help them find the perfect puppy for their daughters. The HSUS, the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, the AKC and even the Atlanta Humane Society have offered to help the family find a pet. They also can search on sites like petfinder.com and pets911.com.

Whatever they decide, there’s no question the canine-loving world will be watching for the new first puppy. Okas said more than 42,000 people voted in the AKC poll on what kind of dog the family should get (the poodle won.)

“There is serious anticipation in the dog world over this decision,” Okas said.

Source

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Obesity In Dogs

Friday, November 14th, 2008

Numerous studies have shown that more Americans are obese today than ever before and, interestingly, we’re not the only ones. Not only are Americans fatter than ever, so are their dogs; and the phenomenon can have serious ramifications for both groups. Obese dogs run a lot of the same risks that obese people do. When a dog is over weight it is at higher risk for heart disease, respiratory ailments, weak joints and other problems. In short; it is every bit as dangerous for a dog to be carrying extra weight as it is for a person — perhaps more so due to the shorter lifespan that dogs have. An overweight eight year old dog is akin to an overweight fifty-six year old man and subject to many of the same health risks.

Fortunately for us and our dogs; the equation is associative and works the same in the opposite direction. Just as a healthy diet and plenty of good cardiovascular exercise can trim down a chubby man; it can take the extra weight off of a dog.

Doggie Diets:

To reduce the overweight or obese dog’s body weight, a program of diet and exercise should be introduced. It is important to visit a veterinarian as the doctor can determine whether the dog’s obesity is simply due to high caloric intake or some other medical concern like diabetes. The vet can also give you the best suggestions about diet and exercise. There are many brands of dog food on the market that are specially balanced to help a dog lose weight.

Despite what food or dietary supplements you’re using, there is no substitute for the support and commitment of the family. Each member must agree to help control the dog’s caloric intake, feeding exact amounts at exact times and limiting the intake of snacks. Feeding the dog extra treats or table scraps on the sly will not be doing the pooch any favors.

Doggie Exercise Programs:

Exercise is important for any dog. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise quickly gains weight and may become extremely keyed up or very lethargic. Fortunately, most dogs love to exercise by nature. They love to run and play with their people. The overweight dog my be reluctant to exercise at first, but if you persist in taking him for walks or to play games like “fetch” (most dogs love to run after a thrown tennis ball or other object), the pup will soon come around and start exercising more frequently and for longer periods of time.

It Takes Time:

People don’t get to their ideal weight overnight when dieting and neither will a dog. Remember that Rover didn’t put on those extra pounds all at once and they won’t come off that way either. Most dogs take between ten and twelve months to reach their ideal weight goal, depending upon how much extra weight must be lost.

Source

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A Dog That Plays Too Rough

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

If your dog plays too rough, it may be the case that he has not learned how to play properly. Mouthing behaviour is a normal, basic instinct in all dogs and they need to learn their limits when interacting in this fashion. This can result in problems if it is not “nipped in the bud”. Although you understand and are working with your dog’s behaviour, the same understanding will unlikely be extended from the parent of a child who is injured by your dog’s rambunctious play behaviour.

Supervised interaction with people is critical and is an excellent approach to curbing undesirable behaviour.

When it comes to correcting behaviour problems in young animals, the 3 E’s are critical – exercise, exercise, and more exercise! This is also something that you should incorporate into your daily schedule to provide a constructive outlet for all of your dog’s pent up energy. You should also let him know when his behaviour is inappropriate through a loud “ouch!” or “no!” which interrupts his mouthing. Rather than coax him to begin playing again, ignore him for 20 to 230 seconds before re-initiating play and repeat this if aggressive behaviour persists. This way he begins to learn consequences for his actions.

In speaking with Dr. Gary Landsberg, a veterinarian who specializes in treating companion animal behaviour problems through Doncaster Animal Clinic in Toronto, Ontario, he suggested allowing your dog to play with other dogs. This will allow him to learn to control his play but should only be done if he is friendly towards other dogs. This is how dogs normally learn about the limits and consequences of mouthing behaviour thereby ensuring they interact appropriately with other living entities and do not cause harm.

Some other suggestions that Dr. Landsberg provided include:

1.Avoid direct physical contact play. Direct your dog’s mouthing behaviour to a ball, stick, or frisbee instead.

2.Enroll him in a good obedience school – one that trains based on rewards rather than focuses on punishment. This will not only provide him with another avenue for socialization, but will provide you with the tools to ensure you have control over his behaviour. This way, should he misbehave, you can regain control by reverting to trained behaviour patterns such as come, sit, and stay.

3.The use of a head halter may also be of help. These are collars that are placed both around the neck and muzzle and provide for better control, especially if he has a tendency to misbehave or not listen during leash work.

On a final note, you should ensure that your dog is neutered. Although being an intact male dog does not cause aggressive behaviour, it may influence and promote it. Having your dog neutered also reduces the potential for other undesirable behaviour traits (i.e., wandering) and future medical conditions (i.e., prostatitis and certain tumors), as well as avoiding contributing to the pet over-population issue.

If all of this fails to help, considering seeking out the assistance of a veterinary behaviourist.

Source

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Bereaved owners may receive millions in poison pet-food settlement

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

Thousands of Canadian and U.S. pet owners whose dogs and cats died last year after eating pet food contaminated by a Chinese ingredient may be close to receiving a $32-million US settlement.

A federal judge in Camden, N.J., was to hear oral arguments on the final settlement proposal Tuesday. The court also will consider any filed objections.

But some pet owners, including Donna Elliott of Fries, Va., are upset that the agreement does not include any money for their pain and suffering as a result of health problems with their pets.

“How do you answer the statement on the claim form, ‘What was the value of your pet?’ My companion was everything in the world to me,” said Fries, who sent U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman a picture of her late boxer, Abby.

In addition to the $8 million they had already agreed to pay owners of pets who became ill from the tainted food, the group of pet-food companies involved in the case proposed contributing another $24 million for the settlement.

It allows pet owners to apply for expenses associated with deaths and illnesses, including the costs of veterinarians, time missed from work to care for sick animals, replacement pets, burial expenses and even property damaged because animals became ill.

Under the terms of the deal, even those who did not keep receipts for either the pet food or the costs of the pets’ illness and death could receive up to $900 per animal.

Any money remaining after all plaintiffs are paid would go to animal-welfare charities.

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found many pet foods contained melamine, a chemical used to make plastics. The melamine was traced to contaminated wheat gluten imported from China.

In March 2007, the companies that made or sold the pet food agreed to settle lawsuits with pet owners. In April, lawyers representing plaintiffs and dozens of companies announced they had struck a deal for pet owners in the United States and Canada.

As of Sept. 30, more than 9,500 people in the United States and Canada had made claims, while just over 100 people had preserved their rights to sue separately. Only 28 had filed objections to the settlement.

The companies involved in the case include Menu Foods Income Fund of Streetsville, Ont., which makes dog and cat food under about 90 brand names.

Source

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Bloat First Aid

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Note: This article uses a Great Dane as an example, but several breeds can and do bloat.

“The following first aid procedures have worked for me. However, I cannot be responsible for anyone misunderstanding or misusing these procedures. I highly recommend everyone discuss bloat first aid procedures with their personal veterinarians and follow their advice explicitly.”

Introduction:

The procedures in this document should be used to provide first aid only to dogs in a bloat condition. They are not intended to replace prompt, professional treatment by a qualified veterinarian. Please read and understand these instructions completely before attempting the first aid procedures described herein.

A bloat kit, which includes these instructions, was prepared for use on my Danes by people entrusted with their care and well-being. Additionally, I provide a copy of these instructions to everyone getting a Great Dane from me. NEVER ASSUME THAT ANYONE ALREADY OWNING OR PURCHASING A DANE KNOWS ABOUT BLOAT. Please share these instructions with others that are concerned with bloat and what aid they can give to dogs in a bloat condition. I strongly believe properly administered first aid will help to ensure a dog in a bloat condition has a good chance of survival once it gets to a veterinarian.

PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL HELP IS ALWAYS REQUIRED IN BLOAT CASES!

Recommended Bloat Kit Contents:

Instructions for use

Stethoscope
Rolls of tape (3 rolls, 1 in. x 10 yd)
Stomach tube (2) (different diameters). 5 ft. length bevelled at one end, with two holes drilled in tube 2 & 3 inches up from the bevelled end. Pre-measured and marked for each Great Dane in household (see page 4, NOTE 1)
14 gauge or larger needles (2) (1 1/2″ to 3″ length)
K. Y. jelly
Gas absorbent (Digel, GasEase, etc)

A bloat kit should be available wherever Great Danes are located (home, van, RV, etc).

——————————————————————————–

Bloat phases, symptoms and recommended actions:

Canine Bloat (GASTRIC DILATION-VOLVULUS) is an acute disease or digestive problem believed to be caused by excessive swallowing of air while eating, gastrointestinal secretions, and gas for food fermenting in the stomach.

BLOAT IS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY.

Some symptoms may be anxiety, evidence of abdominal fullness after meals, heavy salivating, whining, pacing, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, unproductive attempts to vomit, labored breathing, disinterest in food, and stilted gait. Severe symptoms, such as dark red, blue, grey or white gums, a rapid heartbeat and a weak pulse are normally followed by prostration and death.

——————————————————————————–

Determining Bloat Phases:

Observing the dog’s behavior and symptoms and comparing to those listed in TABLE 1 is the initial step in this process.

Look at color of gums (subpara 3B. (1)).
Determine dog’s heartbeat/pulse rate (subparas 3B. (2) and 3B. (3)).
Note the rate of abdomen distention.

Helpful hints in deciding the bloat phase of a dog (Practice the following three actions on a well dog beforehand):

(1) Look at the dog’s gums. If the gums are pink to red shade and you press the gum firmly with your finger and then let go, the color returns immediately, then the dog may be normal or may only be in phase 1. If the gums are deep red, grey, blue, or white and, you press with your finger, the color returns slowly or not at all, you have an extreme situation (phase 3). You should start first aid immediately!

BLOAT PHASES, SYMPTOMS AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

PHASE 1

SYMPTOMS:

Pacing, restlessness, panting and salivating.

Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 10-20 minutes).

Abdomen exhibits fullness and beginning to enlarge.

ACTIONS:

Call Veterinarian to advise of bloat case enroute. Transport dog to Veterinarian immediately.

PHASE 2

SYMPTOMS:

Very restless, whining, panting continuously, heavy salivating.

Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 2-3 minutes).

Dark red gums.

High heart rate (80 to 100 BPM).

Abdomen is enlarged and tight, emits hollow sound when thumped.

ACTIONS:

Apply first aid if Veterinarian care is more than 10 minutes away. Then, transport dog to Veterinarian immediately.

PHASE 3

SYMPTOMS:

Gums are white or blue

Dog unable to stand or has a spread-legged, shaky stance.

Abdomen is very enlarged.

Extremely high heart rate (100 BPM or greater)and weak pulse.

ACTIONS:

Death is imminent! Apply first aid immediately. Transport dog to Veterinarian as soon as possible (even while applying first aid if possible).

Recommended actions:

When your dog is showing any of the bloat symptoms you should:

Attempt to determine the bloat phase he may be in.

Call your veterinarian, discuss symptoms and ask for guidance.

If you conclude your dog is in phase 1 bloat and you can reach your veterinarian within 30 minutes, do not apply first aid procedures. Go directly to the veterinarian.

If you conclude your dog is in phase 2 bloat and you cannot reach your veterinarian within 10 minutes you should attempt to insert a stomach tube before going to the veterinarian.

For phase 3 bloat, if you cannot reach your veterinarian within 10 minutes apply first aid immediately. Attempt to insert a stomach tube. If this is not acomplished quickly, you should use Trocharization procedures to relieve the gas pressure! Death is imminent!

DOGS MAY GO TO PHASE 3 BLOAT WITHOUT SEEMINGLY GOING THROUGH PHASES 1 OR 2. PHASE 3 CAN BE FATAL IN MINUTES. BE ALERT!

——————————————————————————–

First aid:

In bloat Phases 2 and 3, attempt to pass a tube through the dog’s mouth into the stomach. Two persons are normally required for this procedure.
NOTE 1: Pre-measure and mark each stomach tube for each Great Dane in the household. To do this, place the dog in a sit position. Measure the stomach tube on the outside of the dog from the front of the mouth to the last rib and mark the tube at the front of the mouth with a piece of tape.

Remove an eighteen inch strip of tape from the tape roll. Insert the roll of tape in the dog’s mouth behind the front teeth. Ensure the tape roll hole is pointed toward the dog’s front and rear. Using the strip of removed tape, tightly bind the do g’s muzzle with the roll of tape in position (figure 3).

Lubricate the bevelled end of the stomach tube with K. Y. jelly (be careful not to plug up the tube holes with the jelly).

Carefully insert the tube into the dog’s mouth through the hole in the tape roll (figure 4). Some resistance will be felt when the tube reaches the dog’s throat. However, the dog will start to swallow as you push the tube deeper into the throat and the tube should enter the esophagus with little resistance. It the dog does not swallow the tube or the tube seems stuck, gently move the tube back and forth until it enters the esophagus.

Once the tube is in the esophagus, gently blow through the tube as you advance it toward the stomach. This will expand the esophagus and allow the tube to pass more easily.

The tube may encounter a resistance when it reaches the stomach because of muscle spasms in the stomach valve or twisting of the stomach (torsion). If this happens, blow more strongly through the tube while turning the tube in a clockwise direction. If the tube does not enter the stomach, continue blowing and carefully turn the tube back and forth.

You will feel a quick, forward movement of the tube when it enters the stomach. Caution! Do not insert the tube too far into the stomach and pierce the stomach wall.

Immediately remove the tube from your mouth. Gas will be expelled through the tube as it enters the stomach (figure 5). Fluids will follow the gas.

After the gas and fluids stop, you should squeeze the dog’s abdomen to remove as much of the remaining stomach contents as possible. To do this, stand over the dog facing the same direction as the dog. Grasp the dog with locked wrists around the abdo men and squeeze firmly (figure 6). Continue to remove the stomach contents for five/ten minutes.

Cover the end of the tube with your thumb and carefully remove the tube from the dog. Then, transport the dog to the veterinarian immediately.
Note 2: If you are unsuccessful in inserting the tube into the stomach after five minutes, it is probably not possible to pass a stomach tube.

If you are unable to pass a stomach tube and the dog displays phase 3 bloat symptoms, you have a very short time to act to save the dog’s life. By this time, the dog will normally be gasping for air and unable to stand. The abdomen will be very distended and sound like a drum when thumped. The heart rate will be over 100 BPM and the gums will be white, blue or grey.

Trocharization must take place immediately. This action can save your dog’s life. The veterinarian will appreciate the fact that you took the Trocharization action and brought in a dog that has a chance of recovery.

Locate the last rib on the dog’s left side. The stomach is located on the left side of the dog’s abdomen under the last few ribs (you will not have any problem finding the stomach because it will be very distended).

Remove the cap from the 14 gauge needle.

Firmly grasp the blunt end of the needle and with a sharp motion, stab the needle into the dog’s stomach on the left side behind the last rib (figure 7). Gas will be expelled immediately through the needle. Do not be concerned about hurting the dog because he is already in such intense pain from the bloat and torsion he will not notice the pain from the needle.

Squeeze the abdomen (subpara 5.A.(8) above), then remove the needle. Immediately transport to a veterinarian.

——————————————————————————–

Recommendations to help avoid Canine Bloat:

Veterinarians continue to study the bloat problem and still have many unanswered questions. Researchers prepared the following recommendations to help prevent canine bloat. You should discuss these recommendations with your veterinarian and other Great Dane owners:

Feed the dogs two or three times daily, rather than once a day, and at times when someone can observe them after they have eaten.

Avoid vigorous exercise, excitement and stress one hour before and two hours after feeding. Walking is okay because it helps stimulate normal gastrointestinal function.

Feed dogs individually and in a quiet location.

Make diet changes gradually over a 3-5 day period.

Ensure water is always available but limit the amount immediately after feeding.

Watch for any actions or behavior that may signal abdominal discomfort (abdominal fullness, pacing, salivating, whining, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, anxiety and unsuccessful attempts to vomit, etc.

Establish a good relationship with a veterinarian. Discuss emergency procedures, preventative surgery (Gastropexy (circumcostal, tube, incisional)) and overall medical management of your dog.

Source

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