GENERAL ANIMAL HEALTH INFORMATION

1. Kennel Cough: This ailment is prevalent among dogs rescued from shelters. Symptoms may include a raspy cough, sneezing, or a moist cough, which can vary in intensity from dog to dog. If you observe these signs, please record a video and send it to your foster coordinator to arrange a vet appointment. Remember that kennel cough is contagious to other dogs, so take precautions if you have other pets at home.

2. Worms: Most of our foster dogs are dewormed shortly after leaving the shelter, unless they are too young. Consequently, you may notice worms in their feces or signs like bloated stomachs and diarrhea. While it may be unsettling, this should typically resolve within 3 to 5 days. These worms cannot infect humans and should be disposed of in plastic bags to prevent other animals from coming into contact with them.

3. Lethargy/Decreased Appetite: It's common for dogs to exhibit lethargy and reduced appetite during the initial 48 to 72 hours in a foster home due to the stress of transitioning. Allow the dog time to adjust and rest. If the lack of appetite persists beyond 24 hours, consider feeding them boiled chicken and rice. If lethargy continues for more than 72 hours, please consult your foster coordinator.

4. Eye Discharge: Some eye discharge is normal, especially upon waking, and the amount may vary by breed. However, if your foster dog has yellow or green discharge, eye swelling, difficulty opening their eyes, or a visible third eyelid, contact the foster coordinator to schedule a vet appointment.

5. Dehydration: Dehydration is often linked to diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. To check for dehydration, gently pinch the skin around the neck area; if it remains taut, the dog is dehydrated. Please inform the foster coordinator on the next business day to schedule a vet appointment.

6. Vomiting: Occasional vomiting, especially after eating too quickly, is not typically concerning. However, if your foster dog vomits two or more times in one day, please inform the foster coordinator as it could indicate an underlying issue.

7. Pain or Strain during Urination: Initially, stress may cause a dog to refrain from urinating. However, if your foster dog hasn't urinated in over 24 hours or displays signs of straining or pain during urination, contact the foster coordinator immediately, as it may signal an infection or obstruction.

8. Diarrhea: Monitor your foster dog's bowel movements daily. Soft stool is common in the first few days due to stress and dietary changes. If the dog has liquid stool, contact the foster department to schedule a vet appointment to rule out the need for medication. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so prompt communication with the foster coordinator is crucial. If your foster dog has bloody or mucoid diarrhea, reach out to the foster coordinator immediately. Consider adding a tablespoon of pumpkin or sweet potato puree to their food morning and night to ease an upset stomach.

9. Frequent Ear Scratching: If your foster dog frequently scratches their ears or shakes their head, it could indicate a bacterial or yeast infection, or in rare cases, ear mites. These conditions can be treated by a veterinarian, so contact the foster coordinator to schedule a medical appointment.

Some of our foster dogs may arrive with pre-existing health issues. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring you have the necessary resources to address any potential medical concerns that may arise during your foster period.

To support you in this reguard, we ask that you are as communicitive and forthcoming about changes in pet behavior or medical status. Early intervention is essential in getting timely medical care and help to the animal. Most vets are open between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Photos, videos and detailed descriptions are essential to get you to the right facility and doctor.

In the event that your foster dog requires in-person veterinary care, we kindly request that you reach out to your designated foster coordinator as soon as you notice the issue. Our coverage extends exclusively to veterinary appointments within our established network. It is imperative that you do not administer vaccinations, microchips, or make any medical decisions for the foster dog without obtaining prior consent from The Labelle Foundation.

Detecting signs of illness in dogs can be challenging.  Therefore, it is essential to diligently observe your foster dog's daily activities and monitor their appetite. Keeping a journal to record these observations is a valuable practice.

We cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining pet insurance immediately.

One of the primary reasons for pet owners surrendering their animals is their inability to afford veterinary care. Just like with humans, insurance provides crucial assistance when needed.

Although insurance requirements may differ, we are here to assist you with your needs. We are more than willing to offer our personal recommendations and share our experiences upon request.

One of the easiest ways is to consult with your primary veterinarian!

In addition, you can take control of the information you need at your fingertips by visiting the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) at https://www.avma.org/.