Things my vet has told me that might help others

GROOM OFTEN!!!
Bacteria like warm, moist environments.
Increase airflow to prevent ear and skin infections.
It has been many YEARS since I have paid the vet for an ear or skin infection.

One note on swollen lymph nodes: if you find them, DON'T PANIC! Any systemic infection or infection close to the site of the node can cause swelling, so don't just it's lymphoma. Lymph nodes are a great thing to check during your regular handling of your dog, but temporary swelling there doesn't always or even often mean lymphoma.

That said, if the nodes are persistently swollen or extremely swollen, head on over to the vet. I believe lymphoma is currently the leading Golden cancer, and it's highly treatable, especially if it's caught early, and if the lymph nodes are persistently or extremely swollen, you probably have something that needs treatment, even if it's not lymphoma.

One thing I've learned from my vet is how important it is to keep teeth clean, to do regular ear cleanings, and to do regular brushing with a slicker and a rake.

I've also learned how important a topspot treatment is in tick-heavy areas as well as how important a regular SNAP test is for the big three TBDs.

keep 'em coming guys!

My vet likes a single dose of doxycycline if multiple ticks get embedded just like the protocol for humans.

His best advice is that any chronic inflammation promotes abnormal cells, and that dealing promptly with inflammation is crucial in the fight against cancer. He thinks buffered baby asprin(ascriptin) and fish oil show promise in fighting canine cancer because they do lower systemic inflammation0 however, since they carry a risk of stomach bleeding, you have to discuss with your own vet.

The original, simple Pepcid is a pretty safe way of quelling a plethora of stomach woes- more than in humans.

The emergency vet told us this when Gus got bit by a snake (most likely Copperhead): something like a bee sting will cause more all-over, symmetrical swelling, whereas with the poisonous snake bite, it will be more localized to the actual bite. And of course, the old faithful, 1mg of benadryl/pound of your dog.

Bring them to me!!!! Have your paycheck direct deposited to my account. Vets have bills too......

Seriously, I do take my old guy in frequently but I panic and he also has old ageitis and other issues so I think he needs to go.
There have been at least two times that my promptly taking him to the vet probably made the difference between life and death in copper's case.
so when in doubt, take him/her in and get (hopefully) expert advice and treatment.

Keep up to date on heartworm meds. Be very careful and SLOW changing food especially with an older dog.:doh:
Trust your judgment. If you think your dog feels "off", he probably does.

Have a sense of humor and remember to enjoy your best friend. He doesn't mean to cause a problem when he learns to open doors, cleans the litter box, eats your whatever......
We have them because we love them and enjoy their company. Keep that a priority.

My vet told us to never take a lump in the mouth lightly. Teddi had an epilus early this year while hers turned out to be nothing, he said those faithful words. Then we found Max's lump. Ok so that was not so bad, but we did catch it early and if we had wanted to put her through radical surgery she may have been saved.

Backing up what Barb says and I admit I need to be better with my goldens. FEEL YOUR DOGS ALL OVER!!! In horses I tell people all the time learn what is normal. Then abnormal stands out, and you can have it checked. My lab it is easy to see certain things golden fluff hides stuff.

more more more, this is great stuff!

I guess one thing I can remember my vet likes to say is when checking your dogs ears to also smell them........:yuck:

Rob's GRs said:

I guess one thing I can remember my vet likes to say is when checking your dogs ears to also smell them........:yuck:

Click to expand...

Good idea! Gus's ears STINK (my husband says they smell fine, but his nose must not be up to snuff). And he is going to the vet tomorrow get them checked.

Keeping good weight on your dog is important to their overall health

Food allergies are almost never the problem with itching. Chiggers, mosquitos, fleas and other bugs are the main aflictors of skin issues.

Might be a bit controversal but he was right in Lucky's case.

When in doubt GO TO THE VET!

I smell my dogs ears regularly. Great way to keep on top of any infection. Clean ears after swimming!

Cleaning with antibacterial soap can help paw lickers (especially if they lick until they are red)

I always keep benadryl on hand, 1 mg per pound

Vaccinations can cause welts a few days after...

Good grooming can go a long way in preventing problems...

Rob's GRs said:

I guess one thing I can remember my vet likes to say is when checking your dogs ears to also smell them........:yuck:

Click to expand...

I smell the Pud's ears all the time! I love the way they smell

keep them on the lean side of a healthy weight. Overweight will increase their odds of just about any health problem there is.

After her recent "find" however, I'd steer clear of smelling her breath:yuck:

Pudden said:

I smell the Pud's ears all the time! I love the way they smell

Click to expand...

I think the very best advise I ever received was

You know your dog best, so if you feel there is a problem get the dog to the vet and really talk to the vet about your observations and concerns.

Ivermectin, for HW prevention and treatment of ear mites, scabies, and demodex and most worms (not tapes, and needs supplimenting for hooks). Godsend. Cost next to nothing, and lets me treat rescues with mange for literally $5. Lets me HW prevent my own dogs for pennies a month. I couldn't live without the stuff. Been a faithful fan since I was a teenager, and first got the tip when I worked for a vet

Flagyl. I'll NEVER be without it. Handles all kinds of crap and if after deworming a dog still has loose stool, flagyl is my savior. Down here coccidia and other nasties are rampant, and this stuff is great. I don't leave home without it.

I agree about grooming, but I figured that one out on my own, as well as feeding raw meaning never ever having to get a dental done on a dog in my life.

Oh and yeah, keep them slender! Of course. SHOULD go without saying. Thought of one more but now I forget.