Spotting illness. Aside from things you can see, smell, or hear (rashes, discharge, wheezing, etc.) look out for loss of appetite, disorientation, lethargy, persistent scratching, coughing, or head shaking. All should prompt a trip to the vet.
Danger-free driving. Use a car crate or harness. Don’t roll windows so far down that your dog can squeeze out. Always keep the leash on for entries and exits. Never leave your dog in a hot car.
Doggie first aid kit necessities. Antiseptic wipes, triple antibiotic ointment, eye wash, petroleum jelly, anti-diarrhea tablets, buffered aspirin, pad bandages and bandage scissors, a syringe, tweezers, vet wrap, a pill splitter, and a rectal thermometer. (For any human meds safe for dogs, first find out the right dosage based on your dog’s weight!)
Safeguard your pooch with… A reflective vest or lighted collar, a life jacket for any water sports, up-to-date ID tags, and a microchip implant with your contact information.