Canine Fitness

Immunologic

• Rabies
• Leptospirosis
• Distemper
• Parvo
• Bordatella (kennel cough)

Parasitism

• Minimal annual deworming, prefer twice annually. Use a broad-spectrum dewormer. (Fenbendazole or Panacur, for example.)

Physical

• Cardiovascular
• Hydration
• Energy

What’s Normal?

• Temperature: 100.5 – 102.5
• Pulse / Heart Rate: 60 – 100 for large breeds, 100 – 140 for small breeds
• Respiration: 10-30 breaths per minute (unless panting)
• Capillary refill time: less than 1 – 2 seconds

Common Injuries

• Pad injuries
• Sprains, strains, breaks
• Lacerations
• Stings, bites
• Ears – lacerations and foreign bodies (i.e. foxtail)

Restraint

• Muzzle
• Headlock
• Lateral recumbency

First Aid Kit

• Tape
• Scissors
• Cast padding
• Spika or Meta Splint
• Roll guaze
• Vet Wrap
• Telfa pads
• Antibiotic ointment
• Benadryl (1mg/1lb)
• Bandage scissors
• Quickstop for broken nails
• Elastikon tape
• Tweezers or hemostats for ticks or foreign body removal
• Tissue glue
• Antiseptic wipes (betadine)
• Vet-prescribed pain relief (NSAID) – no safe human equivalents!
• Ear wash
• Eye flush

*Note – we also discussed QuikClot to stop bleeding.