CUTS: Examine a cut carefully and clean with disinfectant. If the wound is deep or jagged, take your Shapherd to the vet and have it stitched. If there is excessive bleeding, apply a pressure-pad and keep it on for sometime after all bleeding has ceased. If it is taken off too soon, the bleeding could start again. If an artery has been severed, the blood will be bright-red and pumping. Apply a tourniquet between the wound and the heart, and get to the vet as soon as possible. Never leave a tourniquet on for longer than twenty minutes. Release for a few minutes to allow blood to get to the limb, then apply again. For small cuts, dust with antiseptic powder.
STINGS: If your dog has been stung by a wasp, bee or anything else, give antihistamine tablets and try to remove the sting. If it is in a tender place, such as the eye, and there is undue swelling, take your dog to the vet.
POISON: The most common poisons are Warfarin and slug bait. If you suspect your dog of eating poison, shove a a lumb of washing soda down the throut to induce sickness. Take the dog to the vet immediately, and if possible give details as to what poison your dog has eaten.
LAMENESS AND BROKEN BONES: If you suspect your Shepherd of having broken a bone it needs immediate veterinary attention.
Lameness can be caused by a veriety of different things, including strained muscles or tendons. Try and resr the dog as much as possible, and see whether there is an improvement. If, however, there appears to be no improvement after a few days, a visit to the vet is the best answer. If a limb or any part of the body is swolle, apply hot and cold poultices one after another.
CONSTIPATION: If your Shepherd has faild to pass a motion for two or three days, a dessert spoon of liquid paraffin should do the trick. But if the condition persisits, and the dog keeps on straining without passing anything, it possibily has a blockage. Seek you vet’s advice.
CONVALESCENCE: This is most important part of getting your Shepherd fit again, and must be taken very slowly and carefully. When starvation has been necessary, give only boiled water or a saline solution to start with. A teaspoon of honey can be added. Start solid food very gradually with natural yoghurt followed by scrambled eggs, fish and chicken.
Watch your dog’s motion very carefully. Any sign of looseness means that you are progressing too fastin getting your dog to normal diet. Never mind how thin your Shepherd gets; as soon as recovery is underway the weight will return to normal. Just because your Shepherd appears to want more food, don’t give in. As long as the dog is gaining strength and the motions are normal, you can gradually increase the quantities you are giving. Check your dog’s temperature every day and make sure your Shepherd is kept warm and quiet.
HOMEOPATHY: Many breeders and dog owners think very highly of this form of treatment. Certain vet practice homeopathy with remarkable success. We have tried some of their remedies with certain amount of success, but we are by no means expert on homeopathic practice, so we feel we are not in a position to give any conclusive comment.
HERBALISTS: We feel that some herbs can definitely be beneficial. Garlic is one which we have found most helpful in dealing with certain skin complaints. Several UK firms supply herbs, and if you contact them, they will supply you with a booklet giving all the information you need.