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Welcome to Dog Forum’s newsletter.

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• Dog First Aid 101

• How to Get Your Dog to Stop Resource Guarding Their Stuff

• Thread: Help needed with separation anxiety

• Video: Puppy taking a horse for a walk

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG HEALTH

Dog First Aid 101

Hey there, amazing dog parents! 🌞🐾

Ever wonder how you can be a hero for your pup in an emergency? We’re diving into Dog First Aid 101 to help you prepare for any situation. Let’s make sure our furry friends are safe and sound, no matter what comes their way!

Knowing basic dog first aid can be a game-changer. It’s not a replacement for the vet, but it can make all the difference in those crucial moments until professional help arrives.

Recognizing Emergencies: Be on the lookout for signs like difficulty breathing, unstoppable bleeding, unresponsiveness, seizures, trouble moving, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden appetite changes, and ingestion of toxic substances. If you spot any of these, it’s vet time!

Stay Calm & Assess: Keep your cool, assess the situation, and check your dog’s condition. Call your vet and give them the lowdown so they can guide you and prepare for your arrival.

Dog First Aid Kit Essentials:

• Emergency contact info for your vet and poison hotline

• Medical records

• Gauze, bandages, and cotton balls

• Heat/cool packs

• Thermometer, ear wash, saline eye wash

• Styptic powder, hydrogen peroxide, saline solution

• Bandage scissors, clean cloths, disposable gloves

• Your dog’s meds, E-collar, leash, ID tags, and a carrier

Handling Common Emergencies:

Choking: A dog that is choking will have difficulty breathing, paw their mouths a lot, make choking sounds, and may have blue lips or tongue.

1. Call and inform the vet immediately.

2. Look into their mouth and check for any foreign objects blocking their airway.

3. Use tweezers or forceps to remove the object carefully.

4. For larger objects like a ball, place firm pressure with both thumbs underneath the dog’s jaw at the base of the throat and push forwards.

5. For small dogs, lift them by their thighs and gently shake them from side to side in a downward motion.

6. If the above methods don’t work, try the Heimlich maneuver:

   • Stand behind your dog or lift them so their spine is against your chest.

   • Wrap your arms around their belly, just under their ribs.

   • Make a fist and place it under the soft spot on their belly, then push up and forward.

   • Repeat until the object is dislodged enough to remove by hand.

Not Breathing: If your dog is not breathing, act quickly!

1. Call an emergency vet while performing the following first aid:

2. Ensure nothing is blocking their airway.

3. Perform rescue breathing:

   • Hold your dog’s mouth closed.

   • Extend their neck to open the airway.

   • Breathe into their nose until their chest expands.

   • Repeat every five seconds until they regain consciousness or reach the vet.

4. If rescue breathing is ineffective, start CPR:

   • Lay your dog on their back and place your hands on their breastbone.

   • For small dogs, place the heel of one hand over their heart and the other hand on top.

   • For deep-chested dogs, place your hand over the widest part of their chest.

   • For barrel-chested dogs, place one hand over the widest part of their chest bone.

   • Push hard and fast on their heart 100-120 times per minute, alternating 30 compressions with two rescue breaths.

Seizures: Seizures in dogs can be scary, but you can help.

1. Keep them away from anything that could hurt them, like stairs or furniture.

2. Do not restrain them.

3. Avoid touching their head or mouth.

4. Do not put anything in their mouth.

5. Time the seizure. If it lasts more than five minutes, cool them down with a fan or cooling pack on their paws.

6. Once the seizure stops, bring them to the vet immediately.

Bleeding: Bleeding can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

• External Bleeding:

  1. Use a clean cloth or gauze pad and apply pressure to the bleeding area.

  2. Cover and protect the wound with bandages or a clean cloth.

  3. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 5-10 minutes, bring your dog to the vet.

• Internal Bleeding:

  1. Symptoms include pale gums, weak and fast pulse, fast breathing, lethargy, black stools, trouble breathing, and a swollen abdomen.

  2. If you suspect internal bleeding, get your dog to the vet immediately.

Poisoning: Dogs can be exposed to many toxins, so knowing how to react is crucial.

1. If their eyes or skin are exposed to a toxic product, flush the area with soap and water as instructed by the product label.

2. If ingested, call your vet or a poison hotline with all necessary information about the toxic substance.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a serious risk during summer.

1. Move your dog to a shaded, cool area.

2. Pour cool (not cold) water on their body, especially their paws and ears.

3. Place a wet cloth under them and replace it frequently.

4. Turn on a fan or open car windows for airflow.

5. Take your dog to the vet immediately.

Dog first aid can save lives, so stay prepared and keep your furry friend safe. 🐾💖

Source: DogingtonPost

Playful Picks

1. This is the best one I’ve seen in a while. His name is probably cupcake 😂😂

memimalistic

View more on Instagram

2. So much responsibility for a young puppy ))

@pubity

The start of a beautiful friendship ❤️ #RoadTo15M #Pubity (Lacy Jo Liberty via Viralhog)

DOG TRAINING

How to Get Your Dog to Stop Resource Guarding Their Stuff

Let's talk about a tricky issue that many of us face: resource guarding. If your dog growls when you get near their food or toys, you're not alone. It's a common behavior, but it can be managed and even prevented. Here's how!

What Is Resource Guarding? Resource guarding is when a dog tries to keep others away from something they value, like food, toys, or even a person. Signs include growling, showing teeth, stiffening, frantic eating, and more. It's a natural survival instinct, but it's not ideal for our home life.

Why Do Dogs Guard Resources? There are several reasons:

• Genetics: Some dogs are naturally more protective of their stuff.

• Training: If a dog often has items taken away, they might start guarding them.

• Household Changes: New pets or changes in the family can trigger this behavior.

• Scarce Resources: Past experiences of not having enough food or toys can lead to guarding.

Signs of Resource Guarding It can range from subtle to obvious:

• Watching intently

• Stiffening the body

• Hovering over the item

• Growling or snapping

• Frantically eating when approached

Preventing Resource Guarding

To prevent resource guarding, the key is to teach your dog to associate people approaching their valuables with positive experiences. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Toss Treats Near Their Valuables:

   • Start by walking toward your dog while they have something they value, like a toy or food.

   • Toss a high-value treat (like a piece of chicken or cheese) near the item and walk away.

   • Repeat this process several times, gradually decreasing the distance between you and the item.

2. Get Closer Gradually:

   • As your dog gets used to you approaching and associating it with getting a treat, start getting closer to the item.

   • Eventually, stand right next to the item while tossing treats. The goal is to make your dog comfortable with your presence near their valuables.

3. Pick Up and Return:

   • Once your dog is comfortable with you being close, pick up the item, give a treat, and return the item quickly.

   • Do this within a few seconds to ensure your dog doesn’t feel teased or frustrated.

   • Repeat this only once or twice per session to avoid irritating your dog.

4. Maintain Positive Experiences:

   • Avoid actions that could make your dog feel threatened, such as putting your hand in their food bowl or taking items away without offering something in return.

   • Consistently reinforce that your approach means good things happen, which helps in preventing guarding behavior from developing.

Managing Resource Guarding

If your dog already guards resources, counterconditioning and desensitization are effective strategies. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Start at a Safe Distance:

   • Begin by standing outside your dog’s reaction zone, where they feel comfortable and not threatened.

   • Toss high-value treats towards them to create a positive association with your presence near their treasure.

2. Gradually Decrease Distance:

   • Slowly reduce the distance between you and your dog while continuing to toss treats.

   • Move closer step-by-step, ensuring your dog remains relaxed and happy. The aim is to gradually make your presence a non-issue.

3. Reward Calm Behavior:

   • Always reward your dog for calm behavior around their valuables.

   • If your dog remains calm and relaxed when you approach, give them treats and praise to reinforce this positive behavior.

4. Trade Items:

   • Instead of taking something from your dog, offer a trade. Hold a treat or another desirable object by their nose.

   • When they drop the item, give them the treat. This teaches them that letting go of things leads to positive outcomes rather than losing their treasure.

5. Desensitization and Counterconditioning:

   • Continue to desensitize your dog by gradually increasing the intensity of the situation. For instance, start by standing nearby, then move to reaching for the item, and eventually to picking it up.

   • Use high-value treats to countercondition your dog’s response. The goal is to make them happy that you are approaching or handling their valuables.

6. Consistency is Key:

   • Work at each level of intensity until your dog is comfortable before progressing to something harder.

   • Success requires patience, consistency, and many repetitions over weeks and months. Gradually, your dog will learn that your approach is not a threat but a positive interaction.

Living With Resource Guarding 

Some people choose to live with it by avoiding situations that trigger the behavior. It's crucial to keep everyone safe and prevent aggression. With patience and training, you can improve your dog's behavior and strengthen your bond.

When to Seek Professional Help 

If your dog has bitten someone or you have children at home, get help from a professional behaviorist or trainer. They can provide personalized strategies to manage and reduce resource guarding.

Remember, resource guarding can be managed with patience and the right techniques. Your pup can learn to feel secure and happy sharing their treasures. 🐶💖

Source: TheWildest

Quiz Answers

False!

Not all dogs are natural swimmers. While many pups can instinctively paddle, some breeds, especially those with heavy bodies and short legs, might struggle or need special training. Always keep an eye on your furry friend around water to ensure they stay safe and happy! 🌊🐾

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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