FAQ: Health for dogs

Check the paw for a thorn, pebble, cut or broken nail. Let the dog rest and limit its movement. If the limp is severe, the dog will not put weight on the leg, the leg is swollen, or the limp does not pass within a day, see a vet. Do not give painkillers meant for people.

Cool the burned area for several minutes with cool, not ice-cold, running water or a wet compress and cover it with clean, damp gauze. Do not apply oil, butter or creams. Burns are often deeper than they look, so see a vet — urgently for chemical burns or large areas.

Call a vet and say what the dog swallowed and when. Do not make it vomit yourself unless the vet says so, because sharp or large objects can damage the oesophagus. Vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or no stools may mean a bowel obstruction — that is an emergency.

The easiest way is to hide the tablet in a piece of tasty food or a special pill treat, giving a couple of pieces without the tablet first. If you must give it directly, gently open the mouth, place the tablet far back on the tongue, close the mouth and stroke the throat. Then offer a drink or a treat.

They are soft treats with a hollow or a mouldable dough that you press the tablet into so the dog does not notice it. They make giving medicine to picky dogs easier. Before using them, check that the medicine can be given with food, and for dogs with allergies choose treats with suitable ingredients.

A pill gun looks like a syringe with a soft tip: you load the tablet and gently push it to the back of the dog's mouth without putting your fingers in. It helps when a dog bites or spits out tablets. Use it carefully, do not push it too far, and give a drink afterwards.

Use a needle-free syringe and slip its tip into the corner of the mouth behind the canine tooth, angled slightly to the side. Squeeze the liquid out slowly in small amounts so the dog can swallow, and do not tilt the head far back. The vet says how much and how often.

Not always. Some tablets have a protective coating or release slowly, so they must not be crushed, and others taste very bitter when crushed. Ask a vet or pharmacist before crushing a tablet. If it is allowed, mix it into a small amount of food the dog will definitely finish.

A tablet can be split only when the vet or the package leaflet allows it; such tablets often have a score line. A pill splitter helps divide them more accurately. Chewable antiparasitic tablets usually must not be split.

Wash your hands, wipe away any discharge, hold the dog's head slightly raised with one hand and pull down the lower lid, then drop from above with the other hand without touching the eye with the tip. Let the dog blink and reward it. Use only drops prescribed by a vet, as instructed.

Fold back the ear flap, put the prescribed amount into the ear canal without touching the ear with the tip, and massage the base of the ear for a few seconds to spread the drops. Let the dog shake its head. Use ear drops only after a vet has examined the ear, because some drops are unsuitable if the eardrum is damaged.

If you find the tablet intact right after giving it, it can often be given again. But if the dog vomits some time later, do not give another tablet without asking a vet, because some of the medicine may already have been absorbed. Tell the vet about the vomiting as well.

Note the dates in a calendar or on your phone with a reminder, and use a weekly pill organiser for daily medicines. Write the application date on the antiparasitic pack. If you missed a dose, check the package leaflet or ask a vet what to do — do not give a double dose.

A support harness has handles on the back or a sling under the belly that let you lift or steady the dog on stairs, getting into the car or after surgery. It is useful for older dogs, those with weak hind legs or ill dogs. Choose the size by chest girth and pick soft padding.

Steps and ramps let a dog get into the car or onto the sofa or bed without jumping, reducing strain on the joints and spine. They are useful for older dogs, dogs with joint problems, and small and long-backed breeds such as dachshunds. Choose a stable design with a non-slip surface.

Lay non-slip rugs on slippery floors, provide a soft, supportive bed, raise the bowls and use a ramp or steps. Keeping a healthy weight and regular, gentle exercise also matter. Discuss pain relief and treatment with a vet.

Orthopaedic beds with memory foam or dense filling spread the body's weight evenly and reduce pressure on the joints, so many older dogs and dogs with joint problems find it easier to lie down and get up. They do not treat disease but can improve comfort. Choose a low edge so it is easy to step in.

Non-slip rubber grips worn on the nails, or socks with rubber soles, help a dog stand and walk more steadily on slippery floors. They are especially useful for older dogs or those with weak legs. Check regularly that they do not pinch or irritate the skin.

A dog wheelchair is a frame on wheels that supports the dog's hindquarters so it can move using its front legs. It helps maintain activity and quality of life. It must be fitted precisely to the dog's measurements, and whether it suits your dog is worth discussing with a vet or rehabilitation specialist.

Yes, extra weight increases the load on the joints and can speed up wear and pain, while also raising the risk of other diseases. Weight loss is often one of the most effective ways to help a dog with joint problems. A vet can draw up a suitable weight-loss plan.