Pet Care Tips, Advice and Information

Prices, for the most part, reflect the individual anima;s conformation to the breed standard. Excellent examples of any breed will demand higher prices than average for “pet quality” dogs.

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If you obtain your new pet froma reputable source, you will minimize the ikelihood of problems. Do not rush into a decision - allow yourself time to watch the puppies. You can then see that a puppy moves freely and looks alert. Check specific points. As the seller if you can pick up the puppy. The eyes should be clean, with no sign of discharge. The coat should also be clean, with no fleas, yicks or other parasites. Check particularly at the rear end, as staining in this are could indicate diarrhea.

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From a reputable breeder. Newspapers and dog magazine ads are a less desirable way to find puppies, since these ads may reflect “puppy mill” pups of questionable quality and health. Ask questions on the telephone about the dogs for sale, and only consider thos ethat are registered, have pedigrees, and have parents that you can see and handle. Backyard breeders often are a source of companion pets, and you can’t be sure of the anbimal’s health or temperament . Pet stores may recommend reputable breeders in the area.

The breeds that have been developed to work closely with people represent the easiest training prospects. Sporting breeds can be recommended, as can herding dogs, although these types of dog often have activity levels that preclude urban living. Hounds are usually independent dogs, due to their instinctive trailing behavior, and are less responsive to companion dog training than others. Large dorminant breeds often require more training to control their territorial and inherent protective nature. Toy breeds often have minds of their own, and may resist even the most rudimentary training. Mixed breeds are often easily trained.

The temperament of dogs is hereditary to a great extent. Different purebreds have certain innate characteristics, but the temperament of dogs within any breed varies according to the male and female that are selected for breeding, and external factors, such as socialization and training, also have some bearing. When a breed is decided upon, analyze the temperament of both the pup’s parents. If they are shy or grouchy, the pups are likely to express this characteristic. You can’t be sure that a pupp of an aggressive breed will be aggressive just because the bbreed has an aggressive reputation. Nor can you be sure that a pup will be friendly based on the breed characteristics. Ask questions about the breed, but place more credence in the attitude of the parents of your selection. When you have purchased a pup, treat it with respect, kindness, and lobe, and you will enhance its hereditary temperament.

It is estimated that roughly one in a thousand dogs is unable to manufacture this vital vitamin in its body, and it will then be vulnerable to a deficiency if vitamin C is not present in its diet. Signs of scurvy in dogs ae not dissimilar to those seen in people, with cracking of the skin and subsequent bleeding being quite typical. Once this condition has been diagnosed, you will need to continue supplementing your dog’s diet for the rest of his life. This can be carried out most simply by using vitamin C tablets, which quite inexpensive, and they can be concealed in the dog’s food, or given directly. It is generally recommended to gie 1g of vitamin C per 55 lb. body weight. Unfortunately, ascorbic acid, the active ingredient of this vitamin , has a short shelf life, so do not purchase more tablets than you are likely to require, based on the expiration date, and be sure to store them ina dark place, as this vitamin is adversely affected by sunlight.

Small breeds are likely to be fussier about their food than their larger relatives are. If you change your dog’s diet, and especially its consistency, your dog is unlikely to eat with its former enthusiasm. Dental problems can also be to blame. Some small dogs do not lose their deciduous (puppy) teeth, and if these are stilll present with the emerging teeth, they could be a source of pain. In older dogs, kidney failure can have a detrimental effect on appetite. Take your dog to the veterinarian for a physical examination to exclude the possibility of a health problem. Environmental condirions may be a factor. Loud noises, such as thunder or fireworks, can cause a small dog to lose interest in food, as can the presence of strangers in your home. If there is a female in heat in the neighborhood, your dog may be more intent on getting out than on eating his meals.

This problem may be due to vegetables in the dog’s diet, which affect its intestinal tract, or to food scavenged away from home. It is no always easy to overcome, but a probioic that includes yucca extract may help. Another remedy is garlic, obtainable in capsules formulated for dogs from pet supply or health food stores. Charcoals based cookies may not appeal to your dog but can be beneficial.

Chronic renal failure affects all older dogs to some extent. There is no cure for the condition, but it can be stabilized, at least temporarily. Increased thirst and a correspondingly higher urinary output are the classic symptoms. This is because the dog’s kidneys can no longer concentrate the urine effectively. More water is lost through them, and a greater volume must be drunk in order to maintain the body’s fluid balance. A nephritis diet, prescribed by your veterinarian, can help to alleviate the symptoms. The diet is formulated to lower the dog’s overall protein intake while including protein of high biological value, such as that derived from eggs, to meet the dog’s nutritional requirements. It is vital to provide your dog with a plentiful supply of water at all times,because dehydration is a constant risk of this condition, and can prove fatal.

Some people believe that dogs eat grass to compensate for a lack of fiber in their regular food. Dogs are choosy about the kind of grass they eat, and prefer tough, woody stems to short lawn grass/ There is little nutritional value to be gained from this type of grass, especially since dogs lack the necessary enzymes to break down the cellulose in grass and digest it properly. A dog may consume grass as an emetic, and such behavior could be an attempt to rid itself of roundworms and vomiting. If you suspect worms, take a sample of the dog’s stool to your veterinarian to check microscopially for worm eggs.