Do you watch over dogs? - 5 Critical Parameter Checks

As a rescuer, it becomes imperative to watch out for signs of distress in dogs and other animals, while you watch over them. It is essential to monitor your companion’s condition regularly to ensure they are healthy and happy. There are several critical parameters that you can check to assess a companion dog’s condition.

In this blog, we will discuss the five most critical parameters to check a dog's condition and the first aid options that you can act upon to provide some relief. If the dog seems lethargic, does not eat or drink water, it is important to get immediate veterinary attention, first aid, as it says is the first help that you can provide, and not a replacement for proper treatment.

1. Temperature: A dog's normal body temperature ranges between 99.5°F to 102.5°F. A temperature outside this range can indicate a fever or other health problems. You can check your dog's temperature using a digital thermometer inserted into the dog's rectum.

   
   

   First Aid :

   Low temp - Use blankets, use carboard boxed for puppies, settle them in a covered area with no wind rushing in from sides. Cover the ears and paw pads especially, use a hair dryer on and off to blow hot air inside the blanket, to provide warmth.

   
   

   High temp - Wet the paw pads, feed water with a syringe from the side of mouth, use ice on the abdomen, paw pads, use a wet towel on the body and make them lie down under a fan.

   
   

2. Breathing Intensity: A dog's breathing should be steady and rhythmic. Rapid, shallow, or labored breathing can indicate respiratory distress or other health issues.

   
   

3. Dehydration: Dehydration can be a severe condition for dogs. Check for signs of dehydration, such as dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity. If you suspect dehydration, provide your dog with fresh water and seek veterinary attention.

   
   

4. Abdomen: Check your dog's abdomen size for any signs of bloating or hardness. A bloated abdomen can indicate gastrointestinal distress or other health issues.

   
   

5. Ticks and Fleas: Check your dog's skin for any ticks, fleas, or other parasites. These can cause skin irritation, infection, and other health problems. Use tick and flea prevention products and regularly groom your dog to prevent infestations.

   
   

Bonus parameters to check the dog's condition include:

1. Mouth: Check your dog's mouth for any signs of dental problems, such as bad breath, tartar buildup, or swollen gums. Dental problems can cause pain and other health problems.

2. Abnormal Growths: Check your dog's body for any abnormal growths or lumps. These can be a sign of cancer or other health problems and require veterinary attention.

3. Open Wounds: Check your dog's skin for any open wounds or cuts. These can cause infection and other health problems if left untreated. And do check for maggots in wounds, which cause severe disconfort eating away at the wound.

   
   

4. Discharge : Check for any kind of discharge buildup in eyes, dripping nose, or vaginal discharge, if there is dripping blood, or the discharge looks bloody. Do not forget to click a clear picture and notice the color, texture, of discharge, that you can describe to the veterinarian.

   
   

In conclusion, monitoring your dog's condition regularly is essential to ensure their health and well-being. The five critical parameters to check your dog's condition are temperature, breathing intensity, dehydration, abdomen size, and ticks and fleas. By regularly checking these parameters, you can identify any health problems early and seek veterinary attention as needed.