Is this an emergency? If so, contact the EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER at (320) 412-5402. If this is NOT an emergency, please fill out the Foster Request Form.
Veterinary Protocol
Let me start by saying, veterinary care for an animal in rescue can be quite different then for your resident animal. In rescue, of course, our main goal is to provide the best care to the animals in our care but we also have to be very cautious of resources and funding. While we strive to do everything we can for the animals in our care, it’s not always possible. This can be difficult for fosters but we hope while you foster with our organization that you respect the decisions we make regarding the animals in our care. We work with partner veterinary clinics that too are mindful of our resources and funding and we will follow their recommendations for treatment.
With that being said, here are the most common procedures we see at Grey Face Rescue.
Spay/Neuter
What is the process of spaying a dog? The surgery consists of making an incision just below the umbilicus (belly button) and removing both the ovaries and uterus, or just the ovaries depending on your veterinarian's technique. Many veterinarians use absorbable sutures so that you do not have to return to have them removed.
What is the process of neutering a dog? A veterinarian puts the dog under anesthesia, makes an incision in front of the scrotum, cuts the stalks of the testicles, and then removes the testicles through the incision.
Neither procedure will require an overnight stay at a veterinary clinic (unless recommended by the veterinary clinic).
Dental
Dogs require regular dental care, just like we do. One of the biggest issues with dogs is the development of the periodontal disease, which is caused by plaque.
Periodontal disease (Periodontitis) is the most common dental issue in dogs. It is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, which triggers inflammation. Periodontal disease affects canine teeth and the surrounding structures (the gums and bone).
What are the signs of dental pain in dogs?
decreased interest in eating dry food.
decreased interest in hard treats.
chewing more slowly than usual.
dropping food from the mouth while chewing.
excessive drooling.
pawing at the mouth.
new or worsening resistance to having the face/mouth touched.
Depending on the severity of the dental disease, we will either do it in rescue OR ask the adopter to be responsible for providing a dental to the dog post-adoption. If the Periodontal disease is stage 4, it will be our priority to address prior to any other procedures (aside from mast cell tumors) which means if your dog needs to be spayed and receive a dental procedure then the dental will take priority as it is painful for the animal and could cause heart, liver and/or kidney disease. It also is a factor in your foster dog’s behavior. If you are seeing negative behaviors such as biting or growling, it could be due to the pain they are experiencing from dental disease.
Mass Removal
Since our rescue caters to senior animals, lumps and bumps will be common for your foster dogs. Most often, they are just fatty masses and do not require removal. Removing a fatty mass that isn’t causing interference with their everyday would be considered a cosmetic surgery and is not apart of our veterinary protocol at Grey Face Rescue, however, adopters will have the choice to remove if they choose to.
We rely heavily on our veterinary partners when it comes to their recommendations for masses.
First, they will examine the mass. If there is a cause for concern, they will aspirate the mass. Fine needle aspiration (FNA), also called fine needle biopsy, is a type of biopsy where a needle is inserted into a lump or mass to collect a sample of cells. These cells are then looked at under a microscope to help your doctor determine if the mass or lump is cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
If they are malignant or cancerous then they will be removed and the mass will be sent for a histopathology report. A histopathology report describes the tissue that the pathologist examined. It also identifies features of what cancer looks like under the microscope. A histopathology report is also called a biopsy report or a pathology report.
If it seems as though the cancer has spread then your foster will either be a candidate for hospice care through Grey Face or euthanasia.
PRE & POST-SURGERY
The day before surgery:
No food after midnight the night before, water is fine.
Make a post-surgery recovery spot (soft bed or blankets, close access to water, access to you and family members)
Prepare food for post-surgery - anesthesia and medications can cause an upset stomach so it's important to give your foster a bland diet post-surgery. Preparing boiled chicken, rice and potatoes will help settle an upset stomach. Avoid high sodium or fatty foods.
Prepare any supplies needed (dressings for wounds, a cone, etc.)
The morning of surgery:
Bring a familiar blanket and kennel to the clinic.
What you and your foster may experience post-surgery:
They may have little to no interest in food. That is normal. If possible, try enticing their palette with yummy bland foods; plain yogurt, cottage cheese, sodium-free broth, scrambled eggs. If your foster does not eat for more than 48 hours, contact our vetting team at vetting@greyfacerescue.org.
Your foster may not be interested in drinking either. You can try to promote water by having it available at all times, mixing it with broth or even using a syringe to ensure they are getting even a small amount of water to stay hydrated. If your foster does not drink for more than 48 hours, contact our vetting team at vetting@greyfacerescue.org.
Typical anesthesia side effects can include minor vomiting and diarrhea, as well as a decreased appetite and activity level.
Dog's just don't understand when they are in recovery and are likely to become frustrated at the reduced level of activity, the itchiness of their incision site, or just the overall lack of stimulation following surgery, so it's important that you give your pet stimulation and loving reassurance in other ways.
Minor symptoms post-surgery include:
Depression
Dehydration
Lack of appetite
Vomiting after anesthesia
Diarrhea
Coughing from endotracheal tube
Lethargy from anesthesia
Red and itchy skin around the incision
Signs you may see that can indicate problems
Lethargy - particularly after 24 hours
Vomiting - particularly after 24 hours
Excessive redness around the surgery site
Swelling around the surgery site
Bleeding from the wound
Discharge from the wound
If you experience any of the above, contact our vetting team at vetting@greyfacerescue.org - you may be instructed to contact the clinic where the procedure took place so you can properly explain the symptoms your foster is facing and can receive direct instructions on the next step.
If you have to purchase medication from a pharmacy for your foster, please submit receipts to foster@greyfacerescue.org for reimbursement. We will only reimburse medications - all other supplies must be approved prior.
HOW TO GIVE MEDICATIONS
It can be tough to give your foster their medication, especially if they are not eating. Here are a few ways to give medication to your foster.
The easiest way to give your dog a pill is to hide the pill in food. This usually works best if you hide it in a special treat such as a small amount of canned dog food, peanut butter, or cheese. Soft treats are also available that can be used to hide the pill by molding the treat around it (e.g., Pill Pockets™). To ensure that your dog swallows the pill, you should hand feed the medicated piece of food or treat rather than offering it in a large portion that the dog may not completely consume.
Some dogs may spit out the pill, so it is important to watch your pet after administering the medication. Frequently, people find a pile of pills behind a bed or couch when dealing with a particularly clever pet!
If your dog persists in spitting out the pills or if dietary restrictions prevent you from hiding the pills in an appealing treat, you will need to administer the pill directly into your dog's mouth. Make sure that you have carefully read the prescription label and understand the dosing instructions.
Follow these steps when administering a pill to your dog:
Place your dog in a safe and comfortable area where he can be easily handled. Have the pill ready and easily accessible.
Lubricate the pill with a very small amount of margarine or butter so that it does not stick in your dog's mouth or throat and is easier to swallow. Pill Pockets™ can also be used to coat the outside of the pill.
Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger. Use your dominant hand - for example, if you are right-handed, use your right hand.
Gently grasp your dog's muzzle from above with your other hand, by placing your thumb behind the canine teeth on one side of the upper jaw and your fingers on the other.
Once you have a firm but gentle grip, tilt your dog's head toward the ceiling. The lower jaw will usually drop open. With your pilling hand, use the little finger and ring finger to open the dog's mouth further by gently putting downward pressure on the lower lip and front teeth.
Quickly place the pill as far back over the tongue as possible. Your dog is more likely to swallow the pill if you place it beyond the hump of the tongue at the back of the mouth. Try not to place your hand or fingers too far back in the mouth to avoid stimulating a gag reflex.
Close your dog's mouth and hold it closed while you return the head to a normal position.
Gently rub your dog's nose or throat, or blow lightly on his nose. This should stimulate swallowing. Usually, the dog will lick his nose with his tongue if he has swallowed the pill.
Make sure you give plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat or extra playtime after giving the medication. This will make the experience more positive and make it easier to give the medication the next time.
Dental Procedures
Dental procedures can be as easy as a cleaning which is removing the tarter from their teeth. Dental procedures can also result in multiple extractions which is the removing of the teeth. This procedure can be more evasive which has a more difficult recovery experience. You may experience drooling or blood. If you are experiencing blood, continue to offer your foster water and use a cold wash cloth to clean around their mouth. If the blood continues for more than 24 hours, please contact your Foster Manager.
Preparing a quiet, warm, and comfortable area for your pet to rest after surgery will help in the healing process. Your pet should begin recovering from the anaesthetic within a few hours, though it can take 24-48 hours to fully recover. During this time, your pet will most likely seem drowsy and may lack an appetite.
Most likely, your foster will be sent home after surgery with pain relievers. It will be important to follow the instructions on the bottle during homecare. If your foster refuses their pain-relievers, see above section on how to administer the medication.
Your foster will need to avoid hard kibble and treats for a few days until an appropriate level of healing has occurred. Kibble can be softened with water, or canned food can be given. Some pets may need a watered-down or liquid diet for a prescribed amount of time. Make sure to encourage them to drink water as soon as possible—and as regularly as possible—as water is essential to the healing process.
Once your foster has recovered from anesthesia and is back to eating a (mostly) normal diet, it is important to continue keeping a close eye on her healing in case infection occurs. Pets often show no signs of pain, even when they are suffering. There are some subtle signs of pain to look out for following a dental surgery. If you notice any of the following signs in your foster, let our team know:
Dropping food while trying to eat.
Aggressive or painful behaviors when you touch their face.
Pawing at their face or rubbing it against objects/floor.
Excessive drooling.
Swelling or bleeding around the wound.
Drainage from the eyes.
Swelling around the eyes.
Mass Removal SURGERY
Your pet has had a lump removed from their body under a general anaesthetic. While surgical wounds are generally easily managed, some simple aftercare will help the healing process and reduce the risk of any problems developing.
Due to the anaesthetic they were administered, your dog or cat may be drowsy for several hours after their lump removal surgery and should be allowed to rest.
Keep the surgical sites clean and dry until the stitches are removed. You should check your pet’s wound every day to make sure there is no swelling or discharges and that the sutures are intact.
Your pet may have a protective bandage placed over the wound. Some patients with wounds will lick the area constantly. If this occurs, please contact our team and we will provide an ‘Elizabethan collar’ to prevent your pet from damaging their wound.
Keep the wound area clean and do not wet it until it has fully healed. This means avoiding giving your pet a bath, swimming, going to the groomers, and other messy outdoor activities.
Give any medication your pet has been prescribed strictly as directed. Do not give any other type of medication during recovery unless approved by our team. You must give the whole course of medication prescribed for your pet.
Your dog is fine to go home and eat and drink as per normal. Please ensure that your dog is rested as much as possible to encourage healing. Prevent them from placing any strain on the wound, for example by avoiding the stairs and jumping up and down off couches and beds. After 48 hours, dogs can go for short walks on a lead, but do not allow any off-lead exercise until the sutures have been removed.
Contact our team immediately for advice if:
you notice swelling or bleeding around the wound area
your foster is licking the wound constantly, or the wound appears red and angry
your foster is not responding to treatment as you feel they should be
you need to wash your pet or treat it for fleas before the stitches are removed
SPAY/NEUTER PROCEDURE
The good news is that dog spay and dog neuter recovery is pretty straightforward. Caring for your foster during the first overnight period (if he or she doesn’t stay over at your vet’s), monitoring the incision, and making sure she or he doesn’t traumatize the area are the three most crucial concerns for any owner who needs to know what to expect after spaying or neutering their dog.
What to Expect the First Night After a Spay or Neuter
Unless veterinarians have twenty four-hour care at their facility, most veterinarians prefer to send pets home for direct observation by their people. Here’s what you need to know:
Pay close attention to veterinary recommendations when you pick up your dog after surgery.
Foster should plan on staying with their pet overnight. This is not the night to go out for dinner or plan to attend a concert.
Vomiting, extreme lethargy (beyond what your veterinarian explained you should expect to see), and signs of internal bleeding are the most immediate issues.
Don’t worry if he or she skips that evening’s meal or fails to drink as much water as usual. A small meal is typically recommended anyway.
Pain can be difficult to assess, but shaking, drooling, and hiding may be cause for concern. Dogs rarely whine or otherwise vocalize when they’re in pain.
Keep an eye out for bleeding or excessive weeping from the incision site. A small amount may be expected, but little beyond that. An unusually-distended abdomen or pale mucous membranes are also cause for immediate concern, as this may be evidence of internal bleeding (uncommon but possible).
How Best to Monitor the Spay and Neuter Surgery Incision
Keeping tabs on the incision is important to ensure it’s not getting infected. Dog spay/neuter infection symptoms include:
Redness around the incision site
Discharge from the incision, particularly if it’s not clear and thin
A foul smell emanating from the incision
Opening of the incision where the brightly-colored subcutaneous tissues are exposed (called dehiscence)
Swelling of the incision, particularly if it’s bulging
Preventing Self-trauma After Spaying and Neutering
The most common complications to expect after neutering or spaying are related to self-trauma, when pets inflict damage with their tongues or potentially with their paws. Infection or dehiscence of the incision are typical consequences. Here are a few strategies to help avoid these complications:
Keep that cone on!
Keep a close eye on your dog if you remove the recovery collar for eating or walking. Replace the collar immediately should you notice that they attempt to lick the incision.
Watch out for rubbing of the incision on the floor or other surfaces.
If the cone doesn’t seem to do the trick, try another kind of cone. Investing in a ComfyCone, a padded collar/cone may be in order. Most large pet retail outlets offer alternative collars like this one.
Spay/Neuter Recovery Time
Recovery time varies and tends to depend more on size and age than anything else. Here are some general guidelines for dogs:
A spay is an abdominal procedure that’s far more complicated than a neuter. As such, boys recover more quickly than girls. Some neutered males may not even act as if anything ever changed.
In general, larger, older dogs experience a longer recovery period. For these, it often takes two to three days for dogs to return to their normal selves after a spay and one to two for a neuter.
Dogs over three years of age may take a day or two longer to recover.
In many instances, older dogs (over six) can take up to a week to feel completely better after a spay or neuter surgery.
In general, smaller dogs recover more quickly. The incisions are smaller, and so is the internal anatomy affected, hence less discomfort. The risk of bleeding after surgery is also lower among smaller dogs.
Behavior and Other Long-term Changes After Spaying and Neutering
While a dog’s fundamental personality will not change after a spay or neuter surgery, there are some changes you might observe, including:
Behavioral changes are more pronounced among neutered males. They’re less likely to hump people, other dogs, and inanimate objects (though many persist).
Males tend to wander and urine mark less, and aggression may be diminished in dogs who previously were.
Females rarely experience behavior changes, though many will take on a lazier disposition.
Activity levels may be reduced in both males and females after spaying and neutering, but this is by no means certain in all dogs.
It’s important to note that males may still engage in full-testosterone male behaviors while their male sex hormone levels diminish after surgery. This can take up to six weeks. It’s crucial for owners to know that they can still get females pregnant.
Appetite may increase after spaying and neutering, and so can their weight. Owners should be counseled to expect this change and adjust feeding amounts accordingly.
DIARRHEA AND VOMITING
(Non Emergency)
Fostering at times can be messy but we ask for your patience. Just like people, our fosters can feel under the weather and it’s our job to make them feel comfortable.
If your foster is experiencing diarrhea, follow these steps:
Have your dog FAST for 24 hours (no food).
Provide 5-7 small meals of a bland diet (see below for examples).
Start adding small amounts of regular dog food.
Send answers to the following questions to your Foster Manager if your foster is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.
How long have they been experiencing diarrhea and/or vomiting?
How many times have they had episodes of vomiting or diarrhea?
Have you tried boiled rice and/or chicken? (NOT broth - we’re talking a very BLAND diet)
Did they happen to get into anything that would cause an upset stomach? Garbage, people food, another pet’s food, medication, etc.?
Have they recently chewed on a bone that could have caused this?
Did they recently start a new medication or supplement?
Has the environment changed? Another animal in the home or human?
When is the diarrhea and/or vomiting occurring? During the day, evening?
Where is your foster when this is occurring? Kennel, room, bed, outside?
Is there blood in either the diarrhea and/or vomit?
What color are their gums? Pink, light pink or white?
How is there energy level? Are they lethargic, even tempered or acting normal?
If your foster needs to go to the vet, what days and times would work best?
After you have answered the following questions, attempted to feed your foster a bland diet and the animal is still experiencing diarrhea and/or vomiting, then together we will determine the next steps. That could be scheduling a vetting appointment or moving foster home if we feel the environment is contributing to the diarrhea and/or vomiting. However, requesting your foster to move due to diarrhea and/or vomiting is not a reason for moving foster homes - our first priority is making your foster feel better.
Once the fasting 12 – 24 hours are over, it is time for you to introduce food back into your dog’s body. If they’re still struggling and suffering from diarrhea, keep them off food for another 12 hours and re-introduce food when the loose stools have stopped.
As the cause of your dog’s upset stomach could be due to something they have eaten – or even an allergy they have developed from their normal food, you will need to make sure that they are re-introduced to food with a very simple diet. Slowly get them to eat small portions of plain, boiled white meat – like chicken, finely shredded over plain, boiled white rice.
Some bland diet options for dogs that you can choose from:
Cooked white rice (no butter or flavorings)
Cottage cheese (no liquid)
Boiled chicken (no grease, no skin, no flavorings)
Boiled turkey (no grease, no skin, no flavorings)
Scrambled egg (no butter or oil)
Boiled egg (no butter or oil)
Boiled potato (no skin or flavorings)
Baked potato (no skin or flavorings)
After the 24 hours period of bland food is over, still introduce their normal food slowly, starting with 75% plain and 25% of their normal food. Continue this for a day or two, then mix 50/50 and reduce every day until your pup is back to their normal, healthy self.
Here are some articles that will assist with diarrhea:
https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/dog_diarrhea_treatment-2/
Seizures
(Non Emergency)
Seizures can be scary - we know it, especially if you have never experienced one.
First, do not panic. When a dog is having a seizure, he is unconscious and is not “suffering.” Keep your dog as quiet as possible and prevent him from hurting himself. Loud or sharp noises may prolong the seizure or make it worse.
Other animals in the household may be frightened or threatened by the seizuring dog. Remove them from the immediate area if this is a concern. If you speak to your dog while he is experiencing a seizure, it may comfort him and may smooth the recovery period. Never put your hands near the dog’s mouth as he may involuntarily bite you. Remember: Your dog is unconscious and may do things he would not normally do.
Send answers to the following questions to your Foster Manager if you believe your foster is having a seizure.
Was the pet conscious during the episode?
How long did the episode last?
How many episodes has the pet had in the past?
How close together were the episodes?
How was the pet before and after the episode?
Did they defecate during the episode?
Has the pet demonstrated any other strange activity recently?
Has the pet been exposed to any toxins or chemicals?
Seizures don’t always require veterinary care immediately. Most often, vet clinics want to see various seizures in order to properly diagnose an animal. If your foster has a seizure, notify your Foster Manager and include answers to the questions above. The team will then determine if the animal will need veterinary care. If the animal is having multiple seizures, please include the amount of time between the seizures and if there is any difference between them. The more information the better!
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) or Bladder Infection
(Non Emergency)
One of the first symptoms of a UTI in your foster may be that he or she has had a few “accidents” around the house. If you notice this, then it’s a good idea to observe for other symptoms of a UTI. These can be any of the following:
Pinkish stains where your dog has urinated due to blood in the urine
Changes in urination habits – either going more frequently or less
Signs of pain while urinating
Excessive licking of the genital area
Dribbling small amounts of urine
Send answers to the following questions to your Foster Manager if you believe your foster has a UTI.
Is your foster having accidents in the house? How frequent and where?
Is your foster urinating more often?
Is your foster crying when they are urinating? Are they straining (squatting but nothing coming out)?
Is the penis or vagina red or look irritated? Does it have mucus coming out?
Does your foster seem painful if you gently press on their stomach or bladder?
If your foster needs to go to the vet, what days and times would work best?
If the Foster Manager feels as though your foster is experiencing a UTI, they will connect with the Veterinary Team to schedule a vetting appointment to test your foster.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are painful. Many dogs will shake their head and scratch their ears trying to relieve the discomfort. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs. In chronic cases the ears may appear crusty or thickened and the ear canals often become narrowed (stenotic) due to the chronic inflammation.
Symptoms may include:
An odor or discharge from the ear
Scratching of the head or ears
Headshaking
Soreness, redness and/or swelling of the ear flap
If your foster dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, please fill out the Foster Request Form.
EAR CLEANING
WEIGHT LOSS/WEIGHT GAIN
Figuring out your dog’s ideal weight can be difficult. You can refer to breed standards — assuming the official breed standard includes a weight range — but you’ll also need to consider your foster dog’s age, gender, height and body build.
Can you easily feel your dog’s ribs? Run your hands along your dog’s sides as if you’re petting them. If you can feel their ribs using only slight pressure, your pooch is likely at an ideal weight. But if you need to apply pressure to feel the ribs, then your dog is likely overweight.
Does your dog have an easily identifiable “waist”? When you look down from above your dog, do you see an hourglass shape with a waist between their abdomen and hip joints? Does their belly slope upward from the ribs to the back legs when you look from the side? If your pup looks like a hot dog, chances are they are overweight.
Is your pet’s back flat? Can you see or feel “love handles” over the hips or top of the tail? Overweight or obese pets may look like they have a wider-than-normal back, and fat stores over the hips or tail head can be obvious. If you think you could use your dog’s back for a table or ottoman, they are most likely overweight.
You can research your foster dog’s ideal weight by breed here!
Is your foster dog losing weight?
Weight loss can be caused by disorders in many of the body's organ systems, and can affect any or all organs. Questions that may provide insight into the cause of your dog's weight loss include:
Is your dog's appetite normal, increased, or decreased?
What kind, when, where, and how much dog food are you feeding your dog?
How and where do you store your dog food?
Does your dog have any trouble swallowing?
Have you observed any regurgitation or vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, or changes in water consumption or urination?
What color and consistency are your dog's stools?
Is there a change in volume or frequency of stools?
Has your dog been spayed or neutered?
Does your dog have a fever?
How often do you administer your dog's heartworm preventive? What type of preventative do you use?
Is your dog on any other medications or supplements?
If your foster dog is significantly losing weight (10% of their weight), please answer the following questions and send them to vetting@greyfacerescue.org - please include the original weight and current weight.
APPLYING EYE MEDS OR OINTMENT
MEDICATION LIST
Antibiotics
Antibiotics such as Metronidazole and Doxycycline are frequently prescribed to dogs fighting bacterial infections.
Steroids
The word "steroids" has recently taken on a bad connotation due to its abuse by athletes. However, when used correctly and prescribed by a veterinarian, corticosteroids such as Prednisone can alleviate symptoms associated with inflammation, cancer, and Addison's disease in dogs.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are prescribed by veterinarians to do just that — relieve pain. Tramadol, for example, is used to alleviate the chronic pain associated with athritis or cancer in dogs, as well as post-operative and injury-related pain.
Anxiety
Anxiety medications can be given to your foster if they have fear of the vet clinic, need to stay calm post-surgery or to treat anxiety in the home. Trazodone is a popular anxiety medication for dogs. Prior to a dog receiving medication for anxiety, we will work with you to naturally treat anxiety.
As a rescue, we try our best not to prescribe medications to animals that are not necessarily needed. The more medication a dog needs can reduce the chances of them getting adopted as it’s more of a cost to the adopter.
PREVENTATIVES
Dewormer (provided to each animal upon entry to Grey Face Rescue)
We treat each of dogs with dewormer as they enter Grey Face Rescue. Dewormer treats roundworms, hookworms and whipworms by paralyzing and killing the parasites; tapeworms are killed and broken up into smaller segments.
Flea & Tick (provided April - November or as-needed)
Flea and tick infestations can impact the health of your foster animal. By consistently working to prevent fleas and ticks, we can help our foster dogs avoid discomfort, skin infections, and diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If we have an oral preventative, we will give that first but since we rely heavily on donations, at times we have to provide a topical preventative. We try our best to accommodate but at times, we are unable to fulfill the requests of the foster families and have to provide what we have available. See how to apply below.
Heartworm (provided April - November)
Heartworm preventatives work to kill the initial stages. Your preventative works by killing the larvae that have infected your dog during the PREVIOUS 30 days.
HOW TO CHECK FOR TICKS
Starting at the head, run your hands over your dog's body, using your fingers like the teeth of a comb. Make sure to look under the collar, in and behind the ears, and under the tail. Ticks are drawn to the dark, hidden areas on the body, so be sure to check between the toes, as well as by the groin and front legs.
HOW TO CHECK FOR FLEAS
Carefully inspect your dog's skin to look for fleas. Look for tiny, dark insects that are smaller than ants. Your dog's armpit and groin areas are favorite flea hangouts because they tend to be warm and protected. Part your dog's fur with your fingers to expose the skin. If fleas are present, you may notice the following signs:
The skin may look red and bumpy, especially if your dog has been scratching.
You may see tiny adult fleas that scurry away quickly or even jump.
You might see larvae that have hatched or cocooned larvae that are pupating (developing into adults).
More information on how to search for fleas here. If you suspect your foster animal has fleas, please notify our team at vetting@greyfacerescue.org.
FLEA PROTOCOL
Our animals are treated for fleas upon arrival to our organization, however, if you find fleas on your foster animal, please follow the below protocol.
Immediately separate your animals. It’s likely that if they have been in contact then the fleas have spread but take caution by separating them all. Place the animal with the fleas in a bathroom (away from carpet and furniture).
Notify us so we are able to provide an oral flea treatment.
It is important to wash all bedding in soapy, hot water. All of the carpeting should be vacuumed thoroughly, and the vacuum bag thrown away or canister emptied and trash bag taken outside. Steam cleaning the carpet can kill some of the larvae as well. Remember, though, that vacuuming and shampooing a carpet will still leave a good percentage of live fleas, so some sort of chemical treatment may be necessary.
Your foster animal should be bathed daily with Dawn Dish soap using warm water. Leave the dish soap on your foster for 10 minutes prior to rinsing. Continue to keep them separated.
The entire house is now ready to treat for fleas. Grey Face Rescue will provide treatments to use in your household for fleas.
Fleas are frustrating - we understand. This is why we try our best to ensure fleas do not enter the home and we provide preventatives for your foster animal. Be patient - we will get through this.
PARASITES
Parasites can cause diarrhea, stomach bloating or vomiting. Parasites include tapeworms, round worms, hookworms and mange. Tapeworms will look like pieces of rice coming out of your foster dog’s anus or in their stool. Round worms and hookworms may be vomited, and roundworms look like spaghetti (hookworms are smaller and rarely distinguishable without the aid of a microscope). Mange is an infestation of tiny mites that bite and cause intense scratching, reddened skin and loss of fur. Only rare cases of mange (sarcoptic) are contagious to humans. If you suspect your foster dog has parasites, fill out our Foster Request Form. Once diagnosed, parasites are easily medicated and treated. Please, bring a sample of your dog’s feces to their vet appointment (ensure it is not more then 24 hours old).
NAIL TRIMS
Nails grow continuously. When nails are not worn down naturally by activity, they may need to be trimmed.
Nail clippers with two cutting edges (human toe or fingernail clippers) work best for small-dog breeds. Heavy-duty dog nail clippers are best for use on bigger dogs. Lift the dog’s paw and gently squeeze one toe between your thumb and finger to extend the nail. Observe where the quick is. Clip the nail well in front of the quick. Clipping the tip of the nail is sufficient.
The quick may be difficult to see on dark or black nails. If you can’t see the quick, cut the nail just in front of where it starts to curve downward.
If you accidentally cut the quick, the dog will feel pain and the nail will bleed. Apply pressure over the bleeding nail with a cotton ball for a couple of minutes until the bleeding stops. Do not apply pressure on the toe by squeezing, as this will cause the nail to keep bleeding. If bleeding persists, dip the nail in flour or cornstarch to aid in clotting.
Remember to trim the dewclaws, if present. They grow above the paws on the inner leg.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Is there a way to objectively measure my dog’s quality of life?
Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist, has developed a quality-of-life scale for dogs so that owners can act on behalf of their beloved animal family members as a pet's end of life approaches. The quality-of-life scale provides guidelines that help owners and veterinarians work together to maintain a healthy human-animal bond. The scale provides a tool with which to measure the success of a palliative care or hospice plan for a dog with life-limiting disease and to fine-tune that care/plan.
Dr. Villalobos' quality-of-life scale looks at seven different categories and scores each parameter from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. A score above 5 in each category, or an overall score greater than 35, suggests that the dog's quality of life is acceptable and that it is reasonable to continue end-of-life care and support.
The categories to be measured can be remembered as "HHHHHMM." This list of letters stands for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad.
QUALITY OF LIFE SCALE
What does each category mean for a dog approaching the end of its life?
Hurt. Adequate pain control, including the ability to breathe properly, is an absolute necessity. Most pet owners do not know that being able to breathe is ranked as an important pain management strategy. A dog may benefit from receiving oxygen at home, and it may not be as challenging to provide as you think. Other methods of controlling pain may include oral or injectable medication.
Hunger. If a dog cannot eat properly or willingly, first try hand-feeding. If this is not successful, then it may be appropriate to consider a feeding tube, particularly if oral medication must be given. Blended or liquid diets may offer another alternative.
Hydration. Fluid under the skin is an easy and well-tolerated way to supplement what an ailing dog is drinking. This is not a heroic measure but can really help an older dog feel better.
Hygiene. Can the dog be brushed, combed, and kept clean? Is the coat matted? Can the dog move away from stool or urine if it has an accident? Is there a tumor that has outgrown its blood supply and now has an odor or discharge? Often, a dilute solution of shampoo/soap from your veterinarian on a sponge or washcloth can be used to clear dead cells away without causing pain. Your veterinary healthcare team can help work out the details of this kind of care. It is also important to turn bedridden pets regularly, keep them clean and dry, and ensure that they have adequate padding underneath to prevent bedsores.
Happiness. Is the dog experiencing joy or mental stimulation? Dogs communicate with their eyes, as well as by wagging their tails. Is the ailing dog still interacting with family members and with the environment? Placing comfortable beds near family activities helps a dog remain engaged in life. Dogs are social animals and can become depressed when they are separated from their pack.
Mobility. If the dog can no longer move around on its own, it may be time to consider one of the many mobility devices that are available. A sling or harness for support may be all that is required. Other options, depending on how much support is needed, include two-wheel carts, four-wheel carts, and wagons. Mobility devices allow a dog to stay active. This is particularly important for bigger dogs that cannot simply be carried from place to place. Mobility and hygiene go together when a dog is bedridden. Your veterinarian is an important resource when working through mobility issues.
More good days than bad. When there are too many bad days in a row, or if the dog seems to be turned off to life, quality of life is compromised. Bad days may mean nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, frustration, unrelenting pain/discomfort, or inability to breathe.
How to know when it’s time to say goodbye
Quality of life is important when it comes to our hospice animals. We want them to leave this earth with dignity, knowing love and make it a positive experience until their last moments. We try our best to make this decision prior to it becoming an emergency to avoid their final moments being filled with stress.
No longer can stand, walk, go outside to use the bathroom on their own, peeing on themselves.
Labored breathing, tongue turning purple, gums are more white than pink.
No longer enjoy eating or refusing to eat or drink.
A mass is interrupting their ability to walk, comfortably lay down and affect their quality of life.
An infection we are unable to manage and/or cure that is affecting their quality of life.
euthanasia
Grey Face Rescue provides group cremation therefore foster families will not receive ashes, however, we do provide a clay paw print that foster families are asked to pick up when ready at the clinic.
Grey Face Rescue only euthanizes at partner veterinary clinics. We do not cover the costs of in-home euthanasias or clinics outside of our partner list.