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  • Be Prepared: Common Emergencies Every Dog Parent Should Know | Animal Wellness Magazine

    Be Prepared: Common Emergencies Every Dog Parent Should Know | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Dog parents see their fair share of emergency cases. But here’s the good news: being informed about common emergencies can help you stay calm and take the right actions when your dog needs you most. Here are some situations you should be aware of.

    When Your Dog’s Belly Becomes a Ticking Time Bomb

    Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition in which a dog’s stomach fills with gas and potentially twists on itself. Large, deep-chested breeds are especially prone. Watch for symptoms like a swollen abdomen, unsuccessful attempts to vomit, and restlessness. If you suspect bloat, it’s crucial to get to a vet immediately – this is a true emergency where every minute counts.

    When Fun in the Sun Turns Dangerous

    Dogs can’t sweat like we do, making them vulnerable to overheating. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, and collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of water, and use cool (not cold) water to wet their coat. Then, head to the vet right away.

    Curiosity Can Be Toxic

    Dogs are curious creatures, sometimes to their detriment. Common toxins include chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), grapes and raisins, onions, and certain plants. Symptoms of poisoning vary but can include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or collapse. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately.

    When Accidents Happen

    Whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or a fight with another animal, trauma can lead to serious injuries. Look for signs like limping, bleeding, swelling, or changes in behavior. Even if external injuries aren’t apparent, internal damage could be present. When in doubt, a vet visit is always the safest decision.

    When Your Dog’s Brain Short-Circuits

    Witnessing your dog have a seizure can be terrifying. During a seizure, clear the area around your dog to prevent injury, and never put your hand near their mouth. Time the seizure if possible. Once it’s over, keep your dog calm and call your vet. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your dog has multiple seizures, it’s time for immediate veterinary care.

    When Something’s Stuck

    If your dog is choking, they may paw at their mouth, gag, or have difficulty breathing. For a conscious dog, you can try gently removing the object if you can see it. If you can’t, or if your dog loses consciousness, perform the canine Heimlich maneuver and rush to the vet.

    The Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Not Scared

    While these situations are scary, remember that knowledge and quick action can make all the difference. Keep your vet’s number and the nearest emergency vet clinic’s information easily accessible. Consider taking a pet first aid course to feel more confident in handling emergencies.

    Remember, you’re your dog’s first line of defense in an emergency. By staying informed and prepared, you’re giving your best friend the best chance at a quick recovery should the unexpected occur. Here’s to happy, healthy adventures with your canine companion!


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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  • Bloating 101: Why You Feel Bloated

    Bloating 101: Why You Feel Bloated

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    Bloating 101: Why You Feel Bloated

    Bloating, gassiness, and abdominal discomfort aren’t limited to the occasional holiday feast. It can happen even if you haven’t eaten a large meal. In some cases, bloating can even cause distention, or a perceptible swelling of the abdomen.

    Bloating and gas are usually not signs of a serious health problem. They’re tied to what and how you eat, so a few simple changes may help.

    Keep Bloating at Bay

    Here are three common causes of bloating, and how you can avoid them.

    1. Overeating is probably the most common cause of bloating. Smaller portions should ease the pain.

    2. Eating rich and fatty food can make you feel uncomfortably stuffed. Fat takes longer to digest than protein or carbohydrates, so it keeps the stomach full longer. Avoid bloating by limiting fats in your everyday diet.

    3. Eating too fast adds to the risk of bloating after a meal. The remedy is simple -‑ eat more slowly. Satiety signals can take up to 20 minutes to reach the brain and ease your appetite. Many weight loss experts believe that eating slowly helps prevent overeating.

     

    Reducing Gassiness

    The second most common cause of temporary bloating is gas in the abdomen. About half of gas in the digestive system is swallowed air. The rest is produced by bacteria in the gut that help digest food. If the gastrointestinal tract does not move it through efficiently, gas builds up in the intestines, causing bloating and discomfort.

    If you often experience bloating caused by gas, avoid these habits that make you swallow more air:

    • drinking through a straw

    • chewing gum

    • guzzling carbonated beverages

    • sucking on hard candy.

    Some people swallow more air when they’re nervous. It’s possible that practicing ways to reduce stress and anxiety, such as breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation, may help reduce excess gas and bloating.

    Avoid Bloat-Inducing Foods

    Difficult-to-digest foods can cause gassiness and bloating. These are some familiar culprits.

    1. Beans and lentils are very healthy foods that contain indigestible sugars called oligosaccharides. These sugars must be broken down by bacteria in the intestines.


    2. Fruits and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, prunes, and apricots. These items contain sugars and starches that may cause gassiness and bloating, even though these foods are good for you.

    3. Sweeteners can also cause gas and bloating. Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener, can’t be digested. Fructose, a natural sugar added to many processed foods, is hard for many people to digest. To avoid bloating, be aware of these sweeteners in the foods you eat and limit the amount you consume.

    4. Dairy products can be a source of intestinal distress and bloating if you have trouble digesting lactose, or milk sugar.

    5. Whole grains, recommended for their many health benefits, can sometimes cause bloating and gas problems. One reason whole grains are so healthy is their high fiber content. But fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate. Abruptly increasing the amount of fiber you eat can cause gas, bloating, and constipation. Nutritionists recommend slowly adding more fiber into your diet to allow your body time to adjust. At the same time, drink plenty of water with high-fiber foods, says nutritionist Joanne L. Slavin, PhD, RD, professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota. “All fiber absorbs water,” she says. Drinking liquids helps fiber move through the digestive system and prevents bloating and constipation.

     

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