Recognizing Health Issues and How to Address Them
While you don't have to take your dog to the veterinarian for every little cut or scrape, you need to recognize when you really should do so. This page will help you understand the difference between an emergency, or something you can handle at home. If in doubt, however, always opt for being careful and take your Doodle to the veterinarian.
While you can’t care for your dog like your dog’s veterinarian, there are actions you can take when your Doodle dog is injured or ill. Often, these first line responses can make the difference between life and death. Knowing what to recognize is the first step. Having the supplies to address the issue is the second. Third, having your veterinarian on speed dial can ensure you get help quickly.
Your Canine First-Aid Kit
Following are all the items you need in a basic, in-home first-aid kit. Though you may not need all the items listed here at any one time in your Doodle's life, it’s a good idea to at least own them and remember where you keep them.
* First-aid book
* Adhesive tape or self-sticking Vet Wrap
* Cotton balls
* Square gauze pads, 3 x 3 inches
* Instant hot/cold packs
* Cotton-tipped applicators (like Q-tips)
* Antibacterial ointment (like Neosporin or Bacitracin)
* Bitter Apple cream and/or spray
* Hydrogen peroxide
* Clotisol (clotting cream)
* Activated charcoal (in case of poisoning)
* Tweezers and small, sharp scissors
* Thermometer (Note: A dog’s normal temperature is 101-102 dgF. You can buy ear thermometers for pets at most major pet-supply stores.)
* Aloe-vera gel (to sooth scrapes and cuts)
* Canine antidiarrhea medication (such as Metronidazole, an antibiotic available from your veterinarian) (Note: Human over-the-counter antidiarrhea medications often don’t work at all with dogs.)
* Disposable gloves
* Muzzle (Note: Many injured dogs bite first and ask questions later.) You can make a quick muzzle out of a gauze roll, if necessary.
* Something you can use for a stretcher, such as a board, blanket, or floor mat
If you’re hiking, camping, boating, or engaging in some other outdoor activities with your Doodle dog, place the following items in a zip-top plastic bag and toss it in your backpack:
* Fresh water, at least 1 pint
* Antiseptic wipes
* Sterile gauze pads
* Antibacterial ointment
* Vet Wrap
* Bite/sting stop
* Tweezers
If you’re interested, you can take courses in first aid and canine CPR. Books such as First Aid for Dogs: What to Do When Emergencies Happen, by Bruce Fogle, and The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats, by Amy D. Shojai, are also good sources.
First-Aid Basics
Dogs tend to be inquisitive, which can often get them into trouble. Doodle dogs go head first into everything. No matter where you live, your dog could have an accident, get sick, or get hurt. Few dogs go through life without some physical trauma. In the following sections, I cover the majority of situations, how to recognize them, and what to do if they happen to your dog.
Allergies
Allergies manifest themselves in many ways. The most likely allergic reactions are those to food ingredients, though I’ve known some dogs who are also allergic to specific types of grass, plants, or indoor fabrics, such as carpeting, upholstery, or window treatments. I’ve even known some Doodle dogs allergic to human skin cells! Most Doodle dogs are allergic to fleas, ticks, ant bites, spider bites or bee stings. The allergic reaction can range from mild to horrific, depending on their sensitivity to the allergen.
When your Doodle dog is experiencing an allergic reaction, she may begin sneezing, wheezing, choking, or gagging. She may also develop an itchy rash on her skin. Some dogs will lick and chew themselves. Ear infections can be common symptoms of allergies as well. Sometimes a urinary tract infection can manifest on a regular basis and be sourced to an allergic reaction.
If you suspect that your dog has an allergy, you can either take her to a specialist and find out exactly the cause of the allergic reaction, or you can change her diet and see if you notice an improvement before consulting with a veterinarian. If the allergies are due to your Doodle dog’s environment, you may have to remove some items from her living space. If due to outdoor flora, you may need to choose a different area for her to relieve herself or exercise. Another approach are allergy shots.
The only way of knowing for sure what your dog is allergic to is by taking her to an dermatologist and having her tested.
When you notice an abnormal behavior, such as your dog being unable to eat, get comfortable or irritable, take your Doodle dog to her veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment. Do not settle for a temporary fix, however, investigate fully to discover the source of the allergic reaction.
Bloat
Bloat is a swelling of the stomach from gas, food, fluid, or all. It tends to occur in dogs with large chest cavities, like Pyredoodles or Large Labradoodles, who also like to inhale their food quickly. Doodle dogs prone to this ailment should be fed several small meals each day and not exercise for an hour after eating. A slow feed bowl would be a great way to slow down their eating and prevent the possibility of bloat, along with vomiting up their food, and/or coughing after eating.
The symptoms of bloat include pacing continuously or lying down in odd places, panting, whining, salivating, and agitation. The dog will be unable to vomit no matter how hard they try. They may drool excessively, make retching noises, and have swelling in the abdominal area.
Bloat is potentially fatal, and there’s nothing you can do for your dog to help her other than to recognize the symptoms and get her to the veterinarian immediately. Surgery must be performed within 6 hours to save her life. Bloat has a 30-60 percent fatality rate, mostly due to dog owners who either don’t recognize the symptoms or are too slow to react.
You can preempt the possibility of bloat by asking your veterinarian to perform a gastropexy, to tack your dog’s stomach in place. It is a common surgery, sometimes done when a dog is spayed. A tacked stomach cannot twist and become life threatening.
Broken bones or dislocations
You can never be sure whether your dog has broken or dislocated a bone without the help of your veterinarian. The only symptoms you’ll be able to recognize are your dog being unable to use a limb or the limb appearing to be at an odd angle. If the dog has a rib, shoulder, hip, or back fracture, she may not move at all. Broken toes are very difficult to recognize without the use of x-rays.
If bleeding is involved, try to control it (see “Puncture wounds,” later in this chapter, for tips on controlling bleeding), but don’t try to fix the fracture. Protect the area with cotton padding. If it’s a limb, apply a splint of some sort (two long pieces of wood) and secure them with bandaging such as Vet Wrap. Carefully place your dog on a makeshift stretcher — a rug, blanket, or wide board will work — so that she won’t further injure herself by moving. Take her to her veterinarian immediately.
Choking
You’ll recognize the symptoms of choking by noticing that your dog is having difficulty breathing or swallowing. She might paw at her mouth, and her lips and tongue could turn blue from lack of blood flow.
Look inside your dog’s mouth and throat. Clear it by using pliers or tweezers — if you stick your finger down her throat, you can easily lodge the object farther down her throat.
This can happen if you give your Doodle rawhide toys/treats. Pieces can get stuck in the upper palate or in the throat. They can also cause obstruction in the gut. I highly recommend you never give your dog rawhide of any kind!
If the object is too deep and you can’t get it, perform the Heimlich maneuver by putting your hands on either side of your dog’s rib cage and applying firm, quick pressure. Another way you can perform this is to place your dog on her side and press against her rib cage with the palm of your hand. Repeat until the object is dislodged.
Get someone to take you and your dog to a veterinarian as you are doing the Heimlich. You may not be able to totally dislodge the entire object, and the sooner you can get veterinary attention, the better chance your dog has of surviving.
Doodles eat stuff. This CAN happen!
Cuts
Wash the area with cool water and pat dry. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the area. If it has stopped bleeding (and after the area is dry), apply an antibacterial ointment and then spread a little Bitter Apple ointment around the edges (not in the cut) to prevent your dog from licking off the ointment.
If the wound is deep or doesn’t stop bleeding, apply a pressure bandage and take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. It’s likely to require stitches or staples, as well as drains to prevent a build up of bacteria.
Diarrhea
If your dog has diarrhea, the best thing to do is to withhold food from your dog for 12 to 24 hours. Give her plenty of ice cubes and water — she’ll need to stay hydrated.
Some dogs get diarrhea after eating something that doesn’t agree with them, so after that initial 12 to 24 hours, keep your dog on a bland diet of boiled rice and ground beef, for a couple days and gradually transfer her back to her normal food.
If the diarrhea doesn’t cease within a day, take your dog to the veterinarian and bring a stool sample with you for testing. If the consistency of the diarrhea is mucousy, if it’s light in color, tar black or if it contains blood, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately, don’t wait 24 hours.
Loose stool can also be a sign of an allergic reaction or stress. Always aim to discover the source of the problem and don’t settle for treatment which is temporary.
Heat stroke
If your Doodle dog has a short nose (such as a Pekapoo or Shi-Doodle), heavy fur, or large structure, don’t exercise her at all in hot weather conditions — her body can’t handle it. For other Doodle dogs, keep all exercise on hot days to a minimum. Stick to allowing your Doodle dog to run in early mornings and late evenings during warmer months to prevent any temperature-related illness.
The symptoms of heat stroke include difficulty breathing, vomiting, high temperature, and collapse. If the dog isn’t treated immediately, heat stroke can be fatal.
If you can't get your Doodle to a veterinarian immediately, the best treatment is to immerse your dog in a tub of cool water. You can also gently soak her with a garden hose or wrap her in a cool, wet towel. You’ll need to lower her temperature gradually, so don’t put her in a tub of ice — this could go in the other direction and cause hypothermia or shock. If she’ll drink, give her some electrolyte-supplemented water, such as Smart Water. A fan can also be helpful, as can alcohol soaked cotton pads on the bottoms of their feet.
Take her temperature often and stop the cooling process when her temperature reaches 103 dgF.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when the dog becomes too cold. It’s most common in small dogs or those with a short coat and no body fat. (Toy sized Doodle dogs can be prone to this issue.) If this describes your Doodle dog, be sure to never leave her outdoors for a prolonged period of time during winter weather conditions; especially below 35 dgF.
The symptoms of hypothermia are similar to heat stroke (see the preceding section), only the dog will be shaking to try to stay warm, and she’s not likely to vomit. Her limbs will be stiff with cold.
Wrap her in warm blankets and rub her vigorously to maintain a healthy blood flow to all parts of her body. Place her on a heating pad, but be sure to put a towel or blanket between your dog and the pad to prevent burning.
As with all emergency situations, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can.
Insect Bites
If your dog ventures outdoors at all, you can’t avoid it — she will be bitten by bugs. Numerous blood-sucking parasites may attack your dog — including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Some bugs may sting her, especially if she’s chasing them. Other bugs like to fly into eyes, ears, or noses, irritating your Doodle dog.
If you see swelling or redness, or if you notice your dog scratching or appearing to be in pain within an hour of the bite, be sure to investigate it further. If there’s a stinger, try to remove it using tweezers. Then apply a cold pack for a while to reduce the inflammation. A topical cortisone or anti-inflammatory ointment can be used on the bite area. Some dogs require oral antihistamines due to allergic reactions.
If symptoms persist, call your veterinarian.
Toxicities
Dogs will eat nearly anything, so a toxic reaction is always a possibility. It may be mild (such as eating fallen nuts) or it can be severe (from eating garden poisons or antifreeze).
The symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, convulsions (in severe cases), diarrhea, salivation, weakness, depression, or collapse. Also in severe cases, if it isn’t caught in time, poisoning can be fatal.
Give your dog activated charcoal mixed with a small amount of canned food in the case of poisoning.
If you saw what your dog ate, write it down and try to note the amount she ingested as well as the time it occurred. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (a fee of $55 may be charged to your credit card) and give the operator the information. Or, if you prefer, call your veterinarian.
Don’t induce vomiting unless your veterinarian directs you to do so. If the poisoning is topical (on her skin or coat) from substances such as oil, paint, or chemicals, wash her with a mild soap and rinse well.
Puncture Wounds
Punctures commonly occur when animals fight. They also happen when dogs go after wild creatures with sharp teeth. If your dog has gotten into a fight, you may not be able to see all the puncture wounds unless they’re actively bleeding.
Apply firm direct pressure over any bleeding areas until the bleeding stops. Hold that pressure for ten minutes and don’t bandage it, because the wound needs air circulation for proper healing. Then take your dog to the veterinarian for a thorough investigation and treatment.
Many veterinarians will shave the hair around the wounds, and possibly put drains in place to ensure the wounds don’t become infected and can heal properly from the inside out. The drains normally remain in place for three days, at which point they’re removed and the wounds kept clean and dry for another week. Your dog will likely be on antibiotics for a period of time.
Be sure to check your Doodle dog’s entire body for any swelling in areas where you didn’t see a wound. Sometimes puncture wounds aren’t obvious right away and over time will swell as they become infected.
Run-ins with wild animals
If your dog has a run-in with a wild animal, clean the wound with large amounts of water and dab it with hydrogen peroxide. Any large, open wound should be wrapped to keep it clean. If it’s a puncture or bleeding profusely, apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
Take your dog to the veterinarian. Saliva has a high concentration of bacteria, so your dog will need to be given antibiotics to prevent infection as well as a Rabies booster, as you never know what they might be carrying.
If your dog has a run-in with a porcupine or foxtails, take her to the veterinarian to have them removed. Don’t try to remove them yourself.
Seizures
Some dogs inherit epilepsy, others develop seizures due to toxicity or illness. The symptoms include salivation, disorientations, violent muscle twitching, an inability to control their excretions, and, sometimes, loss of consciousness.
The first thing you should do if you see these symptoms is to move your pet away from any objects that may be harmful — furniture, floor fixtures, children’s toys, and so on.
Don’t put yourself at risk during your dogs’ seizure. Dogs are apt to lash out without control while having a seizure, so don’t try to restrain her. Time the seizure so that you can tell your veterinarian how long it lasted. Most last approximately one minute.
If your dog experiences multiple or prolonged seizures, take her to the veterinarian immediately; she may have been poisoned and will need immediate treatment. On your trip to the veterinarian, try to keep your dog quiet. Speak in a soothing tone and try to prevent her from seeing anything that might excite her (like another dog).
If the seizure is due to epilepsy, or another illness, your veterinarian can prescribe a daily medication to minimize the incidence, and severity, of the seizures.
Shallow Wounds
Do you go to see a doctor every time you cut your finger? Probably not. Unless your wound is deep, you probably just apply hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial cream, and slap a bandage on it, and go on with your life. If you’ve got these items for yourself, you have all you need to treat your dog’s minor wounds.
Always clean a cut or an abrasion thoroughly with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt and debris. Pat it dry, then apply antibacterial ointment. Some dogs will lick off the ointment — to prevent this, either apply a bandage or, if the area can’t be bandaged, apply Bitter Apple around the wound. She’ll be less likely to lick off the antibacterial cream again.
Shock
Shock can occur after a serious injury, fright, or a reaction to extreme temperatures. Shock is a means of the body protecting itself from trauma, but it can also threaten a dog’s life. The symptoms are irregular breathing, white gums, and dilated pupils.
You’ll need to keep your dog gently restrained, warm, and quiet. Also elevate her lower body.
Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Only your veterinarian is equipped to treat your dog for shock.
Snake Bites
Snake bites are extremely dangerous for your Doodle dog. There are many venomous species that, with one bite or spit of venom, can damage your dog’s nerves or body tissue on contact. Many types of snake bites can be fatal to dogs.
Once bitten, the skin will swell quickly. You’ll notice a skin puncture. The dog will display pain in the bitten area. Sometimes the puncture area turns black. All you can do is to clean the area and rush your dog to the veterinarian to be treated. He may prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection, or anti-venom as well as cold compresses to reduce inflammation. Snake bites often haunt dogs later in life as the joints near the bite become arthritic.
Vomiting
Dogs vomit a lot — from mother dogs regurgitating meals for puppies to older dogs who enjoy eating grass, vomiting is part of a dog’s life.
You don’t need to be concerned about vomiting unless your dog is doing it many times throughout the day, or more often than she normally does. Also be aware of the consistency of the vomit: If it’s mucousy, there may be a serious problem. If it’s merely a meal that was eaten too quickly, it’s probably not anything you need to see a veterinarian for. Sometimes, if the dog is ill, she’ll vomit up her meals. If she continues vomiting with nothing coming up, you can be certain there’s something to be concerned about — she could be choking.
If your dog is vomiting her meal, isolate her from other pets to prevent possible contagion. Stop offering food and water for 6 to 12 hours. Then gradually reintroduce water and then food.
Take your dog to the veterinarian to have her checked for disease or any other possibilities. There are medications that can reduce nausea, making your dog more comfortable.
Your Canine First-Aid Kit
Following are all the items you need in a basic, in-home first-aid kit. Though you may not need all the items listed here at any one time in your Doodle's life, it’s a good idea to at least own them and remember where you keep them.
* First-aid book
* Adhesive tape or self-sticking Vet Wrap
* Cotton balls
* Square gauze pads, 3 x 3 inches
* Instant hot/cold packs
* Cotton-tipped applicators (like Q-tips)
* Antibacterial ointment (like Neosporin or Bacitracin)
* Bitter Apple cream and/or spray
* Hydrogen peroxide
* Clotisol (clotting cream)
* Activated charcoal (in case of poisoning)
* Tweezers and small, sharp scissors
* Thermometer (Note: A dog’s normal temperature is 101-102 dgF. You can buy ear thermometers for pets at most major pet-supply stores.)
* Aloe-vera gel (to sooth scrapes and cuts)
* Canine antidiarrhea medication (such as Metronidazole, an antibiotic available from your veterinarian) (Note: Human over-the-counter antidiarrhea medications often don’t work at all with dogs.)
* Disposable gloves
* Muzzle (Note: Many injured dogs bite first and ask questions later.) You can make a quick muzzle out of a gauze roll, if necessary.
* Something you can use for a stretcher, such as a board, blanket, or floor mat
If you’re hiking, camping, boating, or engaging in some other outdoor activities with your Doodle dog, place the following items in a zip-top plastic bag and toss it in your backpack:
* Fresh water, at least 1 pint
* Antiseptic wipes
* Sterile gauze pads
* Antibacterial ointment
* Vet Wrap
* Bite/sting stop
* Tweezers
If you’re interested, you can take courses in first aid and canine CPR. Books such as First Aid for Dogs: What to Do When Emergencies Happen, by Bruce Fogle, and The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats, by Amy D. Shojai, are also good sources.
First-Aid Basics
Dogs tend to be inquisitive, which can often get them into trouble. Doodle dogs go head first into everything. No matter where you live, your dog could have an accident, get sick, or get hurt. Few dogs go through life without some physical trauma. In the following sections, I cover the majority of situations, how to recognize them, and what to do if they happen to your dog.
Allergies
Allergies manifest themselves in many ways. The most likely allergic reactions are those to food ingredients, though I’ve known some dogs who are also allergic to specific types of grass, plants, or indoor fabrics, such as carpeting, upholstery, or window treatments. I’ve even known some Doodle dogs allergic to human skin cells! Most Doodle dogs are allergic to fleas, ticks, ant bites, spider bites or bee stings. The allergic reaction can range from mild to horrific, depending on their sensitivity to the allergen.
When your Doodle dog is experiencing an allergic reaction, she may begin sneezing, wheezing, choking, or gagging. She may also develop an itchy rash on her skin. Some dogs will lick and chew themselves. Ear infections can be common symptoms of allergies as well. Sometimes a urinary tract infection can manifest on a regular basis and be sourced to an allergic reaction.
If you suspect that your dog has an allergy, you can either take her to a specialist and find out exactly the cause of the allergic reaction, or you can change her diet and see if you notice an improvement before consulting with a veterinarian. If the allergies are due to your Doodle dog’s environment, you may have to remove some items from her living space. If due to outdoor flora, you may need to choose a different area for her to relieve herself or exercise. Another approach are allergy shots.
The only way of knowing for sure what your dog is allergic to is by taking her to an dermatologist and having her tested.
When you notice an abnormal behavior, such as your dog being unable to eat, get comfortable or irritable, take your Doodle dog to her veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment. Do not settle for a temporary fix, however, investigate fully to discover the source of the allergic reaction.
Bloat
Bloat is a swelling of the stomach from gas, food, fluid, or all. It tends to occur in dogs with large chest cavities, like Pyredoodles or Large Labradoodles, who also like to inhale their food quickly. Doodle dogs prone to this ailment should be fed several small meals each day and not exercise for an hour after eating. A slow feed bowl would be a great way to slow down their eating and prevent the possibility of bloat, along with vomiting up their food, and/or coughing after eating.
The symptoms of bloat include pacing continuously or lying down in odd places, panting, whining, salivating, and agitation. The dog will be unable to vomit no matter how hard they try. They may drool excessively, make retching noises, and have swelling in the abdominal area.
Bloat is potentially fatal, and there’s nothing you can do for your dog to help her other than to recognize the symptoms and get her to the veterinarian immediately. Surgery must be performed within 6 hours to save her life. Bloat has a 30-60 percent fatality rate, mostly due to dog owners who either don’t recognize the symptoms or are too slow to react.
You can preempt the possibility of bloat by asking your veterinarian to perform a gastropexy, to tack your dog’s stomach in place. It is a common surgery, sometimes done when a dog is spayed. A tacked stomach cannot twist and become life threatening.
Broken bones or dislocations
You can never be sure whether your dog has broken or dislocated a bone without the help of your veterinarian. The only symptoms you’ll be able to recognize are your dog being unable to use a limb or the limb appearing to be at an odd angle. If the dog has a rib, shoulder, hip, or back fracture, she may not move at all. Broken toes are very difficult to recognize without the use of x-rays.
If bleeding is involved, try to control it (see “Puncture wounds,” later in this chapter, for tips on controlling bleeding), but don’t try to fix the fracture. Protect the area with cotton padding. If it’s a limb, apply a splint of some sort (two long pieces of wood) and secure them with bandaging such as Vet Wrap. Carefully place your dog on a makeshift stretcher — a rug, blanket, or wide board will work — so that she won’t further injure herself by moving. Take her to her veterinarian immediately.
Choking
You’ll recognize the symptoms of choking by noticing that your dog is having difficulty breathing or swallowing. She might paw at her mouth, and her lips and tongue could turn blue from lack of blood flow.
Look inside your dog’s mouth and throat. Clear it by using pliers or tweezers — if you stick your finger down her throat, you can easily lodge the object farther down her throat.
This can happen if you give your Doodle rawhide toys/treats. Pieces can get stuck in the upper palate or in the throat. They can also cause obstruction in the gut. I highly recommend you never give your dog rawhide of any kind!
If the object is too deep and you can’t get it, perform the Heimlich maneuver by putting your hands on either side of your dog’s rib cage and applying firm, quick pressure. Another way you can perform this is to place your dog on her side and press against her rib cage with the palm of your hand. Repeat until the object is dislodged.
Get someone to take you and your dog to a veterinarian as you are doing the Heimlich. You may not be able to totally dislodge the entire object, and the sooner you can get veterinary attention, the better chance your dog has of surviving.
Doodles eat stuff. This CAN happen!
Cuts
Wash the area with cool water and pat dry. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the area. If it has stopped bleeding (and after the area is dry), apply an antibacterial ointment and then spread a little Bitter Apple ointment around the edges (not in the cut) to prevent your dog from licking off the ointment.
If the wound is deep or doesn’t stop bleeding, apply a pressure bandage and take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. It’s likely to require stitches or staples, as well as drains to prevent a build up of bacteria.
Diarrhea
If your dog has diarrhea, the best thing to do is to withhold food from your dog for 12 to 24 hours. Give her plenty of ice cubes and water — she’ll need to stay hydrated.
Some dogs get diarrhea after eating something that doesn’t agree with them, so after that initial 12 to 24 hours, keep your dog on a bland diet of boiled rice and ground beef, for a couple days and gradually transfer her back to her normal food.
If the diarrhea doesn’t cease within a day, take your dog to the veterinarian and bring a stool sample with you for testing. If the consistency of the diarrhea is mucousy, if it’s light in color, tar black or if it contains blood, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately, don’t wait 24 hours.
Loose stool can also be a sign of an allergic reaction or stress. Always aim to discover the source of the problem and don’t settle for treatment which is temporary.
Heat stroke
If your Doodle dog has a short nose (such as a Pekapoo or Shi-Doodle), heavy fur, or large structure, don’t exercise her at all in hot weather conditions — her body can’t handle it. For other Doodle dogs, keep all exercise on hot days to a minimum. Stick to allowing your Doodle dog to run in early mornings and late evenings during warmer months to prevent any temperature-related illness.
The symptoms of heat stroke include difficulty breathing, vomiting, high temperature, and collapse. If the dog isn’t treated immediately, heat stroke can be fatal.
If you can't get your Doodle to a veterinarian immediately, the best treatment is to immerse your dog in a tub of cool water. You can also gently soak her with a garden hose or wrap her in a cool, wet towel. You’ll need to lower her temperature gradually, so don’t put her in a tub of ice — this could go in the other direction and cause hypothermia or shock. If she’ll drink, give her some electrolyte-supplemented water, such as Smart Water. A fan can also be helpful, as can alcohol soaked cotton pads on the bottoms of their feet.
Take her temperature often and stop the cooling process when her temperature reaches 103 dgF.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when the dog becomes too cold. It’s most common in small dogs or those with a short coat and no body fat. (Toy sized Doodle dogs can be prone to this issue.) If this describes your Doodle dog, be sure to never leave her outdoors for a prolonged period of time during winter weather conditions; especially below 35 dgF.
The symptoms of hypothermia are similar to heat stroke (see the preceding section), only the dog will be shaking to try to stay warm, and she’s not likely to vomit. Her limbs will be stiff with cold.
Wrap her in warm blankets and rub her vigorously to maintain a healthy blood flow to all parts of her body. Place her on a heating pad, but be sure to put a towel or blanket between your dog and the pad to prevent burning.
As with all emergency situations, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can.
Insect Bites
If your dog ventures outdoors at all, you can’t avoid it — she will be bitten by bugs. Numerous blood-sucking parasites may attack your dog — including fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Some bugs may sting her, especially if she’s chasing them. Other bugs like to fly into eyes, ears, or noses, irritating your Doodle dog.
If you see swelling or redness, or if you notice your dog scratching or appearing to be in pain within an hour of the bite, be sure to investigate it further. If there’s a stinger, try to remove it using tweezers. Then apply a cold pack for a while to reduce the inflammation. A topical cortisone or anti-inflammatory ointment can be used on the bite area. Some dogs require oral antihistamines due to allergic reactions.
If symptoms persist, call your veterinarian.
Toxicities
Dogs will eat nearly anything, so a toxic reaction is always a possibility. It may be mild (such as eating fallen nuts) or it can be severe (from eating garden poisons or antifreeze).
The symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, convulsions (in severe cases), diarrhea, salivation, weakness, depression, or collapse. Also in severe cases, if it isn’t caught in time, poisoning can be fatal.
Give your dog activated charcoal mixed with a small amount of canned food in the case of poisoning.
If you saw what your dog ate, write it down and try to note the amount she ingested as well as the time it occurred. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (a fee of $55 may be charged to your credit card) and give the operator the information. Or, if you prefer, call your veterinarian.
Don’t induce vomiting unless your veterinarian directs you to do so. If the poisoning is topical (on her skin or coat) from substances such as oil, paint, or chemicals, wash her with a mild soap and rinse well.
Puncture Wounds
Punctures commonly occur when animals fight. They also happen when dogs go after wild creatures with sharp teeth. If your dog has gotten into a fight, you may not be able to see all the puncture wounds unless they’re actively bleeding.
Apply firm direct pressure over any bleeding areas until the bleeding stops. Hold that pressure for ten minutes and don’t bandage it, because the wound needs air circulation for proper healing. Then take your dog to the veterinarian for a thorough investigation and treatment.
Many veterinarians will shave the hair around the wounds, and possibly put drains in place to ensure the wounds don’t become infected and can heal properly from the inside out. The drains normally remain in place for three days, at which point they’re removed and the wounds kept clean and dry for another week. Your dog will likely be on antibiotics for a period of time.
Be sure to check your Doodle dog’s entire body for any swelling in areas where you didn’t see a wound. Sometimes puncture wounds aren’t obvious right away and over time will swell as they become infected.
Run-ins with wild animals
If your dog has a run-in with a wild animal, clean the wound with large amounts of water and dab it with hydrogen peroxide. Any large, open wound should be wrapped to keep it clean. If it’s a puncture or bleeding profusely, apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
Take your dog to the veterinarian. Saliva has a high concentration of bacteria, so your dog will need to be given antibiotics to prevent infection as well as a Rabies booster, as you never know what they might be carrying.
If your dog has a run-in with a porcupine or foxtails, take her to the veterinarian to have them removed. Don’t try to remove them yourself.
Seizures
Some dogs inherit epilepsy, others develop seizures due to toxicity or illness. The symptoms include salivation, disorientations, violent muscle twitching, an inability to control their excretions, and, sometimes, loss of consciousness.
The first thing you should do if you see these symptoms is to move your pet away from any objects that may be harmful — furniture, floor fixtures, children’s toys, and so on.
Don’t put yourself at risk during your dogs’ seizure. Dogs are apt to lash out without control while having a seizure, so don’t try to restrain her. Time the seizure so that you can tell your veterinarian how long it lasted. Most last approximately one minute.
If your dog experiences multiple or prolonged seizures, take her to the veterinarian immediately; she may have been poisoned and will need immediate treatment. On your trip to the veterinarian, try to keep your dog quiet. Speak in a soothing tone and try to prevent her from seeing anything that might excite her (like another dog).
If the seizure is due to epilepsy, or another illness, your veterinarian can prescribe a daily medication to minimize the incidence, and severity, of the seizures.
Shallow Wounds
Do you go to see a doctor every time you cut your finger? Probably not. Unless your wound is deep, you probably just apply hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial cream, and slap a bandage on it, and go on with your life. If you’ve got these items for yourself, you have all you need to treat your dog’s minor wounds.
Always clean a cut or an abrasion thoroughly with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt and debris. Pat it dry, then apply antibacterial ointment. Some dogs will lick off the ointment — to prevent this, either apply a bandage or, if the area can’t be bandaged, apply Bitter Apple around the wound. She’ll be less likely to lick off the antibacterial cream again.
Shock
Shock can occur after a serious injury, fright, or a reaction to extreme temperatures. Shock is a means of the body protecting itself from trauma, but it can also threaten a dog’s life. The symptoms are irregular breathing, white gums, and dilated pupils.
You’ll need to keep your dog gently restrained, warm, and quiet. Also elevate her lower body.
Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Only your veterinarian is equipped to treat your dog for shock.
Snake Bites
Snake bites are extremely dangerous for your Doodle dog. There are many venomous species that, with one bite or spit of venom, can damage your dog’s nerves or body tissue on contact. Many types of snake bites can be fatal to dogs.
Once bitten, the skin will swell quickly. You’ll notice a skin puncture. The dog will display pain in the bitten area. Sometimes the puncture area turns black. All you can do is to clean the area and rush your dog to the veterinarian to be treated. He may prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection, or anti-venom as well as cold compresses to reduce inflammation. Snake bites often haunt dogs later in life as the joints near the bite become arthritic.
Vomiting
Dogs vomit a lot — from mother dogs regurgitating meals for puppies to older dogs who enjoy eating grass, vomiting is part of a dog’s life.
You don’t need to be concerned about vomiting unless your dog is doing it many times throughout the day, or more often than she normally does. Also be aware of the consistency of the vomit: If it’s mucousy, there may be a serious problem. If it’s merely a meal that was eaten too quickly, it’s probably not anything you need to see a veterinarian for. Sometimes, if the dog is ill, she’ll vomit up her meals. If she continues vomiting with nothing coming up, you can be certain there’s something to be concerned about — she could be choking.
If your dog is vomiting her meal, isolate her from other pets to prevent possible contagion. Stop offering food and water for 6 to 12 hours. Then gradually reintroduce water and then food.
Take your dog to the veterinarian to have her checked for disease or any other possibilities. There are medications that can reduce nausea, making your dog more comfortable.