Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

Keeping your pet healthy and happy

Through our last column, we discussed several communicable diseases. This week Dr. D. A. U. Samankumara B.V.Sc of Kirindiwela Animal Clinic, brings more information about communicable diseases that could be harmful to both you, and your pet.

Toxins and poisoning

There are several ways in which poison or toxins could enter your pet's body, such as through ingestion, inhaling, skin contamination and toxin in the eye.As soon as a toxin enters your pet's body, immediate action should be taken to prevent further spreading. Identify the poison and take steps to neutralise the toxin. Induce vomiting, it's the easiest and the most effective method. Try some washing soda, salt and one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide (3%) to make the animal vomit.

But this should not be practised if petroleum derivatives, strong acids or alkalis have entered your pet's body. Meanwhile, if the animal is unconscious or uncooperative, do not attempt to induce vomiting.

If the substance was a strong acid, alkali or petroleum derivative, the best method is to administer milk or eggs. But, it is always advisable to take the animal to a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.

If the animal has been contaminated with a dry powder, carefully dust off the powder and wash the animal with warm water using a detergent.

Toxin in the eye

Washing thoroughly with water or saline can remove the toxin from the eye. Saline is more comfortable to the ocular tissue of the eye, and can be made at home by adding two tablespoons of table salt to a quart of warm water.

Here again, take the animal to a veterinary surgeon immediately, for treatment.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea could take place due to many reasons; parasitic infection (especially due to worms), some types of bacterias and viruses, inappropriate diet and indigestion.

If your pet is suffering from diarrhoea, do not feed the animal for 24 hours, and adjust its diet. Give it dry food such as biscuits. Milk and glucose are among other better options. Never provide oily food, eggs or meat.

Check faecal samples for worms and maldigestion. If the animal appears dehydrated, it should be rehydrated.

Car sickness

Dogs of any age may suffer from travel sickness. One of the best prevention methods here is giving them glucose. A teaspoon of glucose diluted into two tablespoons of water, given half an hour before the journey, will prevent your pet from getting travel sickness. Repeat an hour after starting the journey, if it's very long.

There are special anti-travel sickness tablets available in the market too.

A dog should not be fed for at least an hour before starting a journey, if it is known to suffer from travel sickness.

- CNK

| News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security | Politics |
| World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries | Magazine | Junior Observer |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.