Medical Care for Your Foster Dog

Foster families play an important role in noticing changes in a dog's health and helping MLRR respond quickly when medical concerns arise.

What Should I Report?

If something seems unusual, it is always better to ask.

Please contact Natalie and Donna for concerns such as:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Not eating or drinking normally
• Lethargy or sudden changes in energy
• Limping, stiffness, or signs of pain
• Wounds, swelling, sores, or new lumps
• Skin irritation, rashes, hot spots, or hair loss
• Ear redness, odor, discharge, scratching, or head shaking
• Eye redness, swelling, cloudiness, or discharge
• Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or unusual breathing
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
• Broken nails or paw injuries
• Dental concerns or difficulty eating
• Anything else that seems unusual or concerning

Pictures and Video Are Extremely Helpful

When contacting Natalie and Donna, send pictures or video whenever you can.

Examples include:

• A photo of a wound, rash, lump, ear, eye, or skin concern
• A video of limping or unusual movement
• A video of coughing, breathing, shaking, or other unusual behavior
• A photo of vomit, stool, urine, or anything else that may help explain the problem

Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention

All MLRR dogs come with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

• Keep all prevention that comes with your foster dog.
• Give the prevention as soon as you are directed by the MLRR medical team.
• Once it has been given, text the MLRR medical team to let them know.
• Make a note of the date it was given so that information can be passed along to your foster dog's adopter.
• Do not give additional flea, tick, or heartworm prevention unless directed by MLRR.

Medications That Come With Your Foster

Some foster dogs arrive with medications. Please do not assume that a medication should be given immediately.

Keep all medications, preventatives, and medical paperwork together in a safe place. These items stay with the foster dog and may need to be transferred to the adopter.

Do Not Schedule Veterinary Care on Your Own

Except in a true emergency, please contact MLRR before scheduling a veterinary appointment or taking your foster dog to a veterinarian.

MLRR coordinates medical care and will let you know where the dog should be seen and what steps to take next.

Giving Medications

Once the MLRR medical team has confirmed that a medication should be given:

• Give the medication exactly as directed.
• Follow the correct dose and schedule.
• Do not stop a medication early unless instructed.
• Do not change the dose or timing without approval.
• Do not give human medication or medication prescribed to another pet.
• Let the medical team know if your foster refuses medication, vomits after taking it, or appears to have a reaction.

Keep Us Updated

If we are monitoring a medical concern, please continue sending updates as requested.

Let Natalie and Donna know if the problem:

• Gets worse
• Does not improve
• Changes in appearance
• Begins affecting eating, drinking, walking, sleeping, or bathroom habits
• Develops any new symptoms

When It May Be an Emergency

Some medical problems require immediate attention.

Examples may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Repeated seizures
• Severe trauma
• Suspected poisoning
• Repeated unproductive attempts to vomit with a swollen abdomen
• Extreme weakness or inability to stand