This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through the link, I’ll earn a small fee. At Daily Dog Tag, we only link to products and services we love. All photos by Alice G Patterson Photography.
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. Some time back we covered what you should have in your First Aid Kit for pets, as well as general and advanced First Aid care. Recently, I read a great book that I think every dog lover should have: Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: How To Tell If Your Dog Is Sick and What To Do Next. It is an informative guide to help you figure out what is going on health-wise with your dog. I loved it so much that I’ve teamed up with the author, Jana Rade, to give away one copy. (This giveaway is open to both U.S. and Canadian residents.)
Unlike many medical books, this one is easy to read and written from the perspective of a dog lover and advocate. I recommend reading it thoroughly upon getting it and then keeping it on hand for easy reference. By reading the book first, it will help you recognize important symptoms that you might otherwise miss. For example, discolored gums are usually a sign of an emergency. 
In addition to listing many symptoms that indicate an emergency, Jana walks us through the symptoms dogs exhibit when they are ill or injured. She explains what constitutes an emergency, and what doesn’t. It is really helpful to have when you aren’t sure what the next step should be.
After raising five kids, and having dogs all of my life, I think I have a pretty good idea of what constitutes an emergency. However, I have no medical training. At the end of each chapter, Jana lists the signs of an emergency. These follow up segments are very helpful, and could help save your dog’s life. No one wants to pay for an emergency vet visit when it isn’t necessary. Even more importantly, none of us want to regret not taking our beloved dog to the vet because we underestimated the issue. This book is an excellent guide to help make the correct decision.
This book is also available on Kindle.
If you have a dog, this is my top book recommendation for you!
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About Alice G Patterson Photography: Based in Syracuse, New York, Alice specializes in pet portraits and the photography needs of creative entrepreneurs. She has a few spots left in her 5th Annual Profile Portrait special.
It looks like an amazing book and I know I should invest in it but am afraid that I will drive myself nuts every time Layla looks at me so am avoiding putting books like this one in my house. LOL
This one will actually give you peace of mind!
It is always so frustrating that our fur babies can’t tell us what is wrong, and this sounds like it will be a great resource for dog owners!
Wish I had something like this when we had our dog. Good book and information to have on hand
Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve seen the book over on the Dawg Business blog but haven’t checked it out yet. I really need to expand my dog book collection!
This sounds like a great book for dog owners to have in their home. There are so many things we need to keep an eye out for when it comes to our pets.
This sounds like a helpful book. I know I always want to be sure my pet is healthy. I only have cats, but I still make sure they are doing well!
I just had to take my cavashon to the vet because he had an open sore on his back leg. It’s hard to determine what it is, but the doc said we did the right thing to bring him in.
Good to know! I didn’t even know this type of book existed. It’ll save me so much time worrying or taking them to the vet and spending money for no reason. Thank you for the recommendation.
I’ve read quite a few articles by this author, and I know how valuable and easy to understand the advice is. It seems like the type of book any household with a dog should have. As I deal with old dogs, as soon as there is any change in behaviour, no matter how slight, I always recommend a visit to the vet.
This is a book every dog owner should have. I don’t have dogs but I enjoy the authors blog posts just the same.
oh my gosh this is a great book i just finished it myself and although im not a dog owner i loved the book too! cant wait to share w/ friends!
I’m so happy to hear that.
Thank you so much for a chance to win this book. I think it’ sone I’m going to check out if I don’t win the giveaway. My dog is getting older and I’d like to learn everything I can and what to watch out for.
Thanks for the great review – I need to look into getting this great reference!
With four pups, different breeds, I need this book! I am always going to Dr Google to try to figure out what is going on with them.
This book is so much more reliable than Dr. Google!
Looks like great book for a dog owner. we don’t have any dog may be this summer we will get one. I will check it out in library.
Sounds like a very useful book for dog owners! I missed my Pomeranian!
Every dog owner should have and read this book! Thanks for sharing about this giveaway!
We don’t have a dog, but my in-laws have two. That book would be a great gift to give them.
Sounds like a great book! I can’t wait to grab it! I’m always looking for the best way to take care of my pups!
This book needs to be on the New York Times Best Seller list! It is a sensible and well thought out help book for Dog lovers.
Aww. That means a lot to me for you to say that.
Thank you so much for the kind review. The photos are wonderful.
I am not very familiar with dogs, so this would be a helpful guide if we got a dog. The kids have been begging! Definitely a good resource for pet owners to have.
It is really is!
This sounds like a wonderful book for dog owners. A great reference for when things pop up (as they always seem to do)!
I love reading Jena’s posts about dogs. I always learn something that I didn’t know. I’ve share many of her posts with members of my family.
A great review! With five Siberian Huskies, one who was a special needs with epilepsy, canine health care has always been a top priority and still is for me. I always find Jana’s posts very informative, and I’m sure her book is terrific and a real help to dog families, especially anyone new to being a dog parent! It’s great you are hosting the giveaway for a lucky winner!
This sounds like a good book! Our dog had a stomach bug over the weekend and we should’ve seen the signs because we thought it was so much more serious than it was.
I hope your dog is feeling better!
This sounds like a really good book for pet owners! REally helps you understand your pets looks
I’m a dog owner and my dog is beginning to age. This is such a wonderful detail resource to have as now I am watching his health much more closely. Thanks for the recommendation!
We have 2 dog at home. Bitsy and Buster. Both are pitbulls with the most amazing hearts!
Sounds like a great book! I always panic when Juno seems sick.
i have 2 min. schnauzer girls, 1st cousins
I have two!
I have one dog.
I own a copy of this book and love reading Jana Rade’s blog. Your photos, as always, are marvelous!