GRUMPA'S SHEPHERDS

GSD Health Issues

Purple Ear Cleaner Dixie Dog Ear Treatment This ear cleaner is claimed to be the best for using on dogs subject to continuing ear infections. Unlike regular commercial cleaners, it is soothing on inflammed tissues.

16 oz. isopropyl alcohol
16 drops gentian violet (buy at pharmacy)
4 tablespoons boric acid powder

Put this into a pointed tip dispenser bottle, such as sold in beautician's supply stores. Squirt into each ear (just squirt into the ear, as deep in as possible- which is why you need the pointed tip dispenser...about a teaspoonful each time, maybe a little less) on the following schedule:

For a really bad infection, use 2x daily for 1 week - do not clean out ear. Then go to 1x a day for a week and start cleaning out ear. Once the infection is cleared up use once a month

You need to shake it up before using, to distribute the boric acid powder, which tends to settle. This really works...and it's cheap. For dogs who scratch their ears badly enough that the yeast infection spreads to their paws, you can leave out the gentian violet, because the color will get on their paws...but it best to use the entire recipe.

Flies/Mesquitoes

Fly bites on ears? Cover with vaseline before applying fly spray. Will sooth and protect so ears can heal.

Flies are a horrible bane to your four legged friend. If you are looking for a non-poisionus solution try one of the following old wives remedies.

Dryer Sheets: Rub them on your GSD's coat and hang them around the kennel.

Here's a good old southern remedy. Fill a zip lock bag with water. Put a penny in it - not a shiny one, and hang it by the door or window. Don't ask me why its suppose to work, just does so I hear.

Absorbine Super Sheen Green (a equine shampoo). Mist on dog

Hang buckets of water and clorox. Make sure to keep away from dogs reach!!

And for the pesky mosquitos which carry diseases:

Put some water in a white dinner plate and add a couple drops of Lemon Fresh Joy dish detergent. Set the dish on your porch, patio, or other outdoor area. Not sure what attracts them, the lemon smell, the white plate color, or what, but mosquitoes flock to it, and drop dead shortly after drinking.

GSD Charitable Foundation

If you own or owned a GSD, you can help further the research in breed related health issues. Fill out the AGSDCF Health Survey to help protect the future of the breed you love so much.

Whether you own a pet, show or working GSD, your participation in this Health Survey is necessary to identify the frequency of occurrence of health related diseases and conditions in the German Shepherd Dog. Submission deadline Sept 15, 2004.

First Aid Tips

First Rule of First Aid: Don't hesitate to get professional medical help if in doubt.

If your dog swallows glass, feed them milk soaked cotton balls to wrap around the shards to prevent intestinal damage as it passes through their digestive tract.

See first aid tip list

Toxic Substances

Many household items can be toxic to pets, resulting in minor intestinal upset to kidney failure to death. This is not a complete list, just some of the more well known and some I have heard about through the grapevine.

Chocolate
Onions
Raisins

Poinsettas
Avocado
Macadameia Nuts

ASPCA Poision Control Center

Diseases/Illnesses

All living creatures can be subject to diseases or illnesses. Some can be caught by any breed of dog - purebred or mixed. Some tend to be breeds specific. The best prevention is to only breed quality screened animals combined with appropriate immunizaton and proper care and sanitation. A safe secure pet is safer not only from accidents but infected animals. see list

Hip Dysplasia Research

Seat Belts/Restraints

Seatbelt Feature Comparision

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