GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PETS
PART 1 First Aid in Dogs

I have been asked to give detailed instructions on how to perform several different types of First Aid. You need to know the following or what is NORMAL for your pet.

A. What is the Normal Temperature of my Dog?
This will vary by Breed, Size and Individual. Normal readings should range from 100.4 degrees to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Digital thermometers are safer and more accurate than the old rectal ones.

How To Use a Digital Rectal Thermometer.
1. Turn digital thermometer on.
2. Apply lubricant to the thermometer
3. Restrain pet by yourself or with the help. Holding the tail up and to the side, gently twist thermometer into the anus and hold securely until tone sounds.
4, Withdraw and write down temperature.
5. Be sure to clean thermometer and store safely away.
6. Keep a record the pet’s temperature so you have the information.
You need to know what is Normal for your pet so when it is ill you
know how much it is elevated/below the normal temperature. You can then report it to the Vet when you call.

B. What is a normal Capillary Refill Time? What do different gum colors mean?
Gum and mucous membrane tissue color can assist you in determining the immediate underlying health of the pet. As a General Rule: pale/white can mean anemia; yellow can indicate jaundice; blue/grey can indicate lack of oxygen in the cells; gums and tongue a bright red can indicate heatstroke. If you have a pet with black gums or tongue, look at it often to determine the normal color.

To take the Capillary Refill Time lift the upper lip and press your thumb against the gum area above upper teeth for a few seconds or until the gum blanches white. Remove your thumb and color should return within 1-2 seconds. If it does not return to normal color within the 1-2 seconds there may be an illness/problem pending. Please call your Vet. This is a life saving check!

Next month you will learn how to take your pets pulse and respiration. If you have not had a Pet First Aid/CPR class now is the time to take one! Did you know that 1 out of 4 pets could be
saved by taking and applying the lessons in the Pet First Aid Class?

Article written by Susan Shell Wnetrzak a certified Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor #1217.  Sue has a pet-sitting business and is a Reiki Master.  She offers classes in both pet first aid and Reiki.
You may email at: animalsue@sbcglobal.net or call 586-532-9555.