| When a dog is incontinent (this often happens in paralysis) several newspapers arranged under his hindquarters will help to keep the bed dry |
When a dog is incontinent (this often happens in paralysis) several newspapers arranged under his hindquarters will help to keep the bed dry. Cotton wool arranged between the thighs and under the tail is a great help and a gentle sponging with very weak Dettol and warm water two or three times a day is advisable. Talcum powder used regularly helps to prevent soreness on the abdomen, and zinc ointment should be used for the same purpose in cases of diarrhoea. The dog must not be made wet but he must be kept clean. Long-haired dogs should have the hair cut off round the tail and hindquarters or the tail can be enclosed in a muslin bag which can be burnt when soiled.
Any treatment, simple or complicated, must be carried out with the unhurried speed which characterises the good nurse. To ensure this, have everything ready beforehand. For example, for cleaning the animal you will need cotton wool, lint (for washing), a basin with Dettol and warm water at the correct temperature, a receiver for soiled material, talcum powder, zinc ointment, scissors (for long-haired dogs) and a thick towel to arrange under the hindquarters to keep the bed dry. These articles should be placed on a tray, the home equivalent of the hospital dressing trolley! The window should be shut if any process is likely to chill the patient, and a covered hot water-bottle afterwards is very comforting in cold weather.
Handle the dog gently but firmly, supporting him if necessary for feeding and drinking, and be especially gentle in your care of the paralysed patient. Remember that the patient unable to protect himself is easily bruised and injured just in the same way as a dog under anaesthesia. These animals are particularly subject to bed-sores and must be turned every two hours or so, and their beds kept smooth and soft.
It is important in nursing a sick dog to do what is necessary and no more. In other words, leave the animal to sleep between food and treatment; undisturbed quiet is an essential part of recovery. Of course this does not mean neglect, such as leaving a dog for hours and hours in a wet bed with a cold bottle and a raging thirst. But there is always a great temptation to be over-attentive to the patient, especially if dearly loved, and self-control must be exercised by the nurse. Try to keep calm and cheerful, even if feeling the reverse, as dogs are very sensitive to the tone of voice.
Diet, taking temperatures, post-operative care, and so on, will be found under specific headings.
The pulse is best felt in the femoral artery which crosses the thigh. The normal rate is between seventy and ninety beats per minute, smaller dogs having a faster rate than the bigger breeds.
After feeding, the mouth should be swabbed out with a weak solution of permanganate of potash and water, and this can be repeated every two or three hours during the day if the dog is feverish and thirsty.
Sponging the face and head is very refreshing in hot weather and helps to reduce a high temperature. Try to put yourself in the dog's place and foresee and prevent discomfort. To take a tiny example—bright sun shining into the dog's eyes. Understanding, imagination and common sense are all qualities valuable in the canine nurse. Quiet is essential with nerve cases and, indeed, in any serious illness; if you
have ever been ill yourself you will remember how irritating you found the banging door, the clattering footsteps and the loud voice.
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