"Safety First"

[ruby55]

"Safety First"

I subscribe to Modern Molosser online; can't afford to get the magazine..but this article was sent to my email. I tried to locate the article so I could post a link, but I'm too lazy today to do a lot of research.
Anyways, Ms. Nietsch is an excellent judge of bullies. Our dogs have gone before her, & she makes every effort to judge fairly and soundly. No politics with her. We have a great deal of respect for her.
Since many of us travel with our dogs, I thought this would be a good read for everyone. There are items on Ms. Nietsch's list that I never would have thought of, & our dogs travel all the time.
If you're going somewhere for the holidays, this is a good list to keep in mind. Have a happy, SAFE trip.

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December 2012 Greetings! It's a little early for New Year's, but one of our resolutions for 2013 is to rededicate ourselves to sending out the email newsletters that you've told us you enjoy so much. So we're pleased to offer this cautionary tale from longtime Bullmastiff breeder and judge Helene Nietsch. We think of Molossers as big'uns who can take care of themselves -- and most everyone else, too -- but Helene's story reminds us that they are vulnerable, too. If you'd like to share your opinions and comments with us, just email them to denise@modernmolosser.com. Denise and Theresa Modern Molosser The Bullmastiff is indeed a "Peerless Protector," (to quote the title of the Shastids' breed book of years past), but the breed sometimes needs protection from an altogether different kind of threat. Safety First By Helene Nietsch Anticipating a great judging assignment in Spain, my expectations were high for great travel, great sights and great dogs. Lost luggage, a two-hour wait for a driver and broken-down transportation to the host hotel were minor inconveniences. But they were soon remedied by a shopping spree to replace some necessary items and a great tapas-and-wine dinner at a typical Spanish restaurant that evening with the president of the Molosser Club of Spain and other judges. What I was not anticipating was tragedy. Leaving the parking garage of the hotel, we witnessed the unnecessary and senseless loss of three Bullmastiffs. They were housed in a method of transportation often used for small hunting/sporting dogs with long muzzles -- not for short-muzzled, large breeds like the Bullmastiff. Not only were the dogs in a "box" with no air circulation, but they were doubled up and left for more than four hours. When we came upon the scene, the owners and the person responsible for the transport had just found the dogs. Three Bullmastiffs were already deceased. Panicked, their people were without the tools to know what to do with the two surviving bitches: an adult and 8-month-old puppy. The adult female was obviously in critical condition, and the pup was left for dead and put aside from the small compartment. The adult was left in the "box" with the door open. If it was not for our fortuitous passing and a quick-thinking passenger in our vehicle with the experience and cool head to prevail, these two Bullmastiffs might not have survived. Fellow breeder-judge Kathryn Roberts of Starrdogs Bullmastiffs in Acworth, Georgia, started critical care by first getting the adult out of the "box" and onto the garage's cool cement floor. The bitch was non-reactive, barely breathing, but alive. Kathy began by calling out for blankets, towels, water, ice and alcohol. The individuals were ill-equipped and had only a small jug of water, not enough to travel with five Bullmastiffs. While working on the adult bitch, I noticed that the pup began to move and was obviously alive. We all then began treatment on her as well. It was obvious that these two dogs also desperately needed to get intravenous fluids into them for a chance to survive. It took entirely too long to get the necessary critical-care supplies to start treatment and a veterinarian or technician to administer the necessary fluids; the vet tech arrived more than an hour after the call. I'm not writing this in criticism of the owners or transporters: Bad things can happen, and these individuals were obviously distraught over the loss of these beloved dogs. But safety is the most important thing when traveling with our pets. We need to know what to do in an emergency situation, and have the necessary supplies on hand. Here are some of the things travelers need in order to be prepared in cases of emergency: Enough water for each dog for two days' travel (you can replenish along the way). Sufficient ice in a large cooler for two days' travel (also something can restock en route). Isopropyl alcohol for various medical emergencies. Medical supplies, such as Benadryl for allergic reactions; bandages and medications for diarrhea, lacerations, burns, etc. A knowledge of canine CPR. A bloat kit. (You can acquire one from Bullmastiff breeder-vet Sandra Statter at www.showdownk9s.com/BloatKit.html.) Ask your vet about providing you with IV fluids during travel in southern climates or summer months (especially if you have young or old dogs traveling with you). Sufficient blankets, bedding and towels for each dog. Medical/vaccination records of each dog you are traveling with. Appropriate-sized crates sufficiently marked with the name of the dog and owner and who to contact in case of an emergency (on each crate). List of emergency veterinary clinics in various locations en route to your travel destination. Leashes and collars easily accessed for each dog. List of contacts in case of an emergency involving you and your human traveling companions. If your dog is traveling with a handler, be sure to check the handler's rig, and make sure your handler has the appropriate supplies and information necessary on your dog in case of an emergency and the education to know what to do in an emergency. Awareness of yours and your dogs' surroundings. We can all be too cavalier (including myself) in traveling with our dogs, rarely thinking something bad could happen to us. I urge everyone who reads this to educate themselves on critical care in emergency situations, to bring the appropriate equipment, supplies, water, ice, bandages, alcohol and even IV fluids in cases of emergency. I urge you to set up seminars with your all-breed and national and regional specialty clubs for education in traveling with your dogs and treating them in the event of an emergency. But most of all, keep safety as top priority for our canine traveling companions.

 

[Robtouw]

Re: "Safety First"

The article has some helpful travel tips, I hate what happened to the dogs in the article. Things like that should never happen! Thought I would add some "safety" tips, CPR, as well:

 

[jenny adams]

Re: "Safety First"

thanks for shearing this i will now tack advice from my vet on how to pack for my babys

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Re: "Safety First"

I do need a bloat kit, hope I never have to use it though.....

 

[ruby55]

Re: "Safety First"

I do need a bloat kit, hope I never have to use it though.....

Me too. But you never know....

---------- Post added at 03:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:40 PM ----------

Here's another one; came from a different forum with permission to copy/reprint.



TRAVEL EMERGENCY INFORMATION SHEET
(Everyone who travels with their pets should carry one of these sheets in the glove compartment of the vehicle, one in their wallet or purse and one attached to one of the crates that has been laminated and is visible to anyone who would have to go into your car/van incase you were in a wreck or other emergency)

ATTENTION – IN CASE OF EMERGENCY!!!!!
Owners Name: __________________________________________________ _____________________
Address: __________________________________________________ _____________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Pet's Name: __________________________________________________ _________________
Breed: __________________________ Sex: ___________________ Date of Birth:________________

Medical Information:
(This animal is current on all shots - it is of no threat to anyone he/she might come into contact with) the attending veterinarian is: Name:____________________________ Phone #___________________.
(If dog is not wearing a collar when in their crates, this animal's leash is located: ____________________________ and you will be in no danger should you open the crate and attach the lead.) This pet has the following medical conditions that must be treated or other things you must know: __________________________________________________ _______________________________
__________________________________________________ _______________________________
__________________________________________________ _______________________________
This pet's regular veterinarian is:
Name:________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________ ________________________
Phone: _________________________________


SHOULD I BE UNABLE TO ATTEND TO MY ANIMAL DUE TO INJURY OR DEATH:
Contact Name: _________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________ _________________________
Phone: ________________________________
Animal should be boarded in the nearest animal boarding facility or veterinarian. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE my pet to an Animal Shelter or Humane Society. The above person has agreed to pay all fees to retrieve said animal and they have my permission to remove said animal from the boarding facility. Said person also agrees to pay any medical bills for said animal. Should my first emergency contact be unavailable, please contact:
Name: _________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Said individual has also agreed to the above.

Should one of my animals be on the loose following a car/van/truck accident - please contact the above individual who will assist in the search should I be unable to participate. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. This animal is a member of my family and it is my wish that it receives the best care possible.

Signature:___________________________________
Date: _____________________________

 

[ruby55]

Re: "Safety First"

Here's another one; came from a different forum with permission to copy/reprint.



TRAVEL EMERGENCY INFORMATION SHEET
(Everyone who travels with their pets should carry one of these sheets in the glove compartment of the vehicle, one in their wallet or purse and one attached to one of the crates that has been laminated and is visible to anyone who would have to go into your car/van incase you were in a wreck or other emergency)

ATTENTION – IN CASE OF EMERGENCY!!!!!
Owners Name: __________________________________________________ _____________________
Address: __________________________________________________ _____________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Pet's Name: __________________________________________________ _________________
Breed: __________________________ Sex: ___________________ Date of Birth:________________

Medical Information:
(This animal is current on all shots - it is of no threat to anyone he/she might come into contact with) the attending veterinarian is: Name:____________________________ Phone #___________________.
(If dog is not wearing a collar when in their crates, this animal's leash is located: ____________________________ and you will be in no danger should you open the crate and attach the lead.) This pet has the following medical conditions that must be treated or other things you must know: __________________________________________________ _______________________________
__________________________________________________ _______________________________
__________________________________________________ _______________________________
This pet's regular veterinarian is:
Name:________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________ ________________________
Phone: _________________________________


SHOULD I BE UNABLE TO ATTEND TO MY ANIMAL DUE TO INJURY OR DEATH:
Contact Name: _________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________ _________________________
Phone: ________________________________
Animal should be boarded in the nearest animal boarding facility or veterinarian. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE my pet to an Animal Shelter or Humane Society. The above person has agreed to pay all fees to retrieve said animal and they have my permission to remove said animal from the boarding facility. Said person also agrees to pay any medical bills for said animal. Should my first emergency contact be unavailable, please contact:
Name: _________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Said individual has also agreed to the above.

Should one of my animals be on the loose following a car/van/truck accident - please contact the above individual who will assist in the search should I be unable to participate. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. This animal is a member of my family and it is my wish that it receives the best care possible.

Signature:___________________________________
Date: _____________________________

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Re: "Safety First"

I should have brought a bloat kit. The more I read the more I believe I could have helped saved Thor. I implore everyone with these dogs to know the signs of this condition. A few months before Thor passed I caught him in the early stages of bloat. Something I did not mention here. Luckily I was home, before I could do anything to help him out, he managed to correct himself, by successfully vomiting. The second time it happened as you all know know now he didn't make it. Unfortunately my breed is the #1 "spokesman" for this condition, but other mastiff's can be affected as well. I wish I had jumped on this sooner and armed myself with MORE knowledge about this condition. While I am familiar with the signs I didn't know the chances increased drastically if the dog showed the signs once. For some reason males are more susceptible than females, and the chances increase as they get older. Thor was three for three.......

Here are some sites I commonly see for selling bloat kits. A $50 dollar investment is pale in comparison to the life of your dog. I don't want you all to go through what I did, learn from my experience with Thor. His death was not in vain, I WILL make sure I'm prepared should this ever happen with any other dog I own.

http://www.naturesfarmacy.com/store/details.php?prodId=181
http://www.kifka.com/Elektrik/BloatFirstAid.htm

Sites with the symptoms and what to do for those that don't know:

http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm