Wednesday, August 8th, 2007
by Paul P. Duxbury
In similar ways to us humans, one of the biggest health problems today for dogs is obesity. Many dog owners think that their pudgy dogs are adorable and cute. However, the reality is that they are extremely unhealthy.
It is a know fact that overweight dogs can develop the same kinds of problems that overweight humans can, such as diabetes mellitus, which can be very tricky to treat. Obesity can also reduce the life expectancy of your dog.
If you are not sure whether your dog is overweight, there is a very easy way to check visually and by touch. A dog of normal weight should have an indentation at his waistline, and his ribs should be easily felt under his skin. An overweight dog will not have a waistline and there will be a thicker layer of fat over his ribs.
There are several factors that can contribute to obesity in dogs. Among these are overfeeding, not enough exercise, health conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism, age, gender, and breed. If your dog is overweight, the first thing you should do is to ask your veterinarian to do a full examination of the dog. This will then help to rule out any underlying health conditions.
If no health conditions are present, the next thing you should look at is the quality and quantity of food you are feeding your dog. Many store brand and generic foods do not have the proper nutrients required to keep your dog fit and healthy. If your dog is overweight, you will want to choose a high quality food specifically designed to be low in calories. Many prescription and over the counter diets are available for your dog. Talk with your veterinary staff to help determine which food is most appropriate for your dog. If you decide that you will be switching to a new food, you will want to do this gradually, over the period of about a week. This will help reduce digestive problems like vomiting and loose stools. Feed your dog the amount that the label on the tin or your veterinarian recommends.
While your dog is losing weight, ideally you should cut out all treats. Many people feed their dogs the appropriate amount of food, but do not realize how very high in calories many of the treats they give them are. Keep track of what kinds of treats and how many you are giving your dog. You may be amazed to find out that his caloric intake of treats is greater than that in his food. If you must feed your dog treats while he is dieting, choose healthy snacks like carrots or a low calorie manufactured treat. You should also never feed your dog leftovers from your own food. Not only is this unhealthy for dogs, it can lead to unwanted behaviors such as begging. In general, your leftovers do not have the proper balance of nutrients that dogs require and are often higher in fat and calories than foods that dogs should have.
Proper nutrition is not the only factor in reducing weight in dogs. You must provide them with appropriate amounts of exercise. Many people do not understand that dogs require an awful lot of exercise to maintain their proper health. If your dog is overweight, you will want to go for at least one walk in both the morning and the evening for up to 30 minutes each time, depending on the size of your dog. Dog parks are an excellent place for both you and your dog to get exercise. Sign up for a class like agility or flyball to help keep your dog active. Play lots of games like fetch and Frisbee. You have to be an active partner in helping your dog reduce his weight.
Weight loss in dogs should be very gradual. Dogs should only lose between one and two percent of their overall weight per week. You should weigh your dog on a regular basis to keep track of his weight and to check your progress.
Dogs become overweight by overeating and inactivity. By following the feeding guidelines set by your veterinarian, reducing the amount of treats given, and increasing the amount of exercise and activity your dog gets, you can help your dog lose weight and become the healthy and happy dog you want him to be.
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About the Author – Paul Duxbury writes extensively on Pet Care. You can read more of his articles at Dog Care and Training and Pet Care Centre Download Your Free Dog Training Report
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Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
by Mitch Endick
The Whippet is a sensitive, intelligent and sweet dog. They make good watch dogs. They need plenty of exercise and a safe place to let them run would be ideal. They are generally not to be trusted with other pets as they may consider them fair game. They are said to do well with other canines and children, especially if well socialized when young. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Whippet is 17 to 20 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 18 to 28 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Whippet is no exception. Be on the look out for skin problems, upset stomach, genetic eye disease and sunburn. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Whippet has a smooth, firm, short, close and easy to care for coat. She should be brushed and rubbed down with a damp chamois regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Whippet can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Whippet comes from Great Britain where they were used for hunting fast small game and later racing. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1888.
Some Registries:
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR =American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 8 Whippet puppies
Category: Hound
Terms To Describe: Elegant, fit, speed, power, strength, balance, affectionate, friendly, gentle,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS Pretty much odor free coat. Makes a good watch dog.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS Does poorly in cold climates. Makes a poor guard dog.
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
About the author:
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular pet site:
http://www.petpages.com. He provides informative advice on all pets including dogs, puppies, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs. Petpages.com also has an extensive pet classified ads section.
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Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
by David Beart
You’ve already made two big decisions: 1) To add a dog to your family and 2) The breed of dog. The next important step is selecting a breeder. With thousands of breeders to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start, but by taking the time to do research and to find a quality breeder, you help ensure that your new family member will be a healthy and happy addition to your home.
Before visiting breeders, a stop to a local SPCA or other humane organization might surprise you. Thousands of purebred animals are surrendered to shelters each year, and all are in need of a loving home. If you prefer to go through a breeder, then be sure to choose wisely.
A good first stop is the American Kennel Club’s website. There is information about every breed of dog that is recognized by the group, as well as information on reputable breeders and breed specific rescue groups. This is a good jumping off point for your puppy search, but is by no means the only way to find a good breeder.
High quality breeders may choose to advertise in any number of mediums. They may take an ad in the local paper, hang fliers or work solely by word of mouth. Unfortunately, not-so-savory dog breeders also use these methods of advertising. So how can you be sure you are getting your pet from a good breeder?
There are several qualities that EVERY reputable breeder will have in common. Here are some things to look for when searching for a breeder.
Veterinary and Other References A quality breeder is going to have an established relationship with a local veterinarian. Talk to that vet, and make sure that all dogs owned by the breeder are up to date on shots.
Also, call past customers who are willing to vouch for the business practices of the breeder. If any references, such as from a state or national breed club, are offered, follow up with those as well.
Treatment and Condition of the Dogs A high quality breeder will not have her dogs living in dirty, cramped, outdoor kennels. Rather, her dogs will live inside with the family. When you spend time with the dogs, they will appear happy and healthy. They will not be terrified of outsiders, and they will allow you to pet them.
The areas where the dogs spend most of their time should be clean, and fresh water and a high quality food should be available.
Under no circumstances should you buy a dog from a breeder that you have not visited personally. No reputable breeder is going to have a problem showing you where the dogs live, what type of food they eat and how they interact with outsiders. In fact, many breeders will require multiple visits before agreeing to sell you a dog. If a breeder will not allow this then move on to another breeder.
Written Contracts and Health Guarantee A breeder should offer both a contract and a health guarantee. The contract should protect the best interests of the puppy as well as the buyer. It should require that the dog be spayed or neutered (unless it is to be a show dog), and should state that if the buyer cannot keep the dog for any reason that it must be returned to the breeder.
All quality breeders will offer both of these documents.
Puppies for Sale (but not every breed and not all the time)
A breeder should not have puppies available at all times. Rather, they should be making a list of interested buyers, doing some screening of their own and then calling the buyers they are interested in when puppies become available.
Also, breeders should not offer several breeds of dogs. Instead, they should focus on one or two breeds. They should be very well versed about breed standards and belong to breed clubs on a local, state or national level.
The breeder should be able to answer all of your questions about the breed, and should offer information on the potential future health problems the dog may have.
A good breeder is going to be as careful about selecting a buyer as you should be about selecting a breeder. Below are some items that the breeder should require of each buyer. If they don’t, it should raise a red flag.
* They should ask for a letter from your landlord or housing authority stating that you are allowed to have dogs. * The breeder may want to visit your home to see where the puppy will be spending most of his time. * They should require that every family member (including other pets) spend time with the new puppy before agreeing to sell to you. * If you have other pets, they should require a reference from your current vet.
Adding a new furry friend to your family is a big step, and requires a commitment of up to 20 years. By using a high quality breeder, you help ensure that the pet will be your loving companion for many wonderful years.
About the author:
David Beart is the owner of www.professorshouse.com. Our site covers <a
href=”http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/dogs/breeder/dog-breeders.aspx”>puppies for sale</a>, household finances, family.
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Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
by Jonni Good
Several months ago I adopted Hank, a five-year old mutt, from the local Humane Society. I had every hope that he would be a companion and playmate for Banjo, my Australian Shepherd. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out the way I expected. All in all, it was a very bad day for me, for the local veterinarian, for the people at the animal shelter who had come to love quiet, mild-mannered Hank, and, of course, for Hank himself.
The first inkling I had that something was very wrong with Hank came while walking him around the exercise yard at the shelter. Hank stopped to piddle so often that I remarked on it, but the shelter volunteer said it was common with animals that are locked in their pens for so long every day. A housebroken dog, she said, will “hold it” until he gets outside, and then the floodgates open. That sounded reasonable to me, so I filled out the adoption paperwork, handed over the fees, and took Hank out to my car, where I saw the second indication of severe illness. Hank actually fell into my small car. This lack of coordination seemed like a small problem, but it did put me on alert.
He and Banjo seemed to get on just fine when I introduced them at home, but Hank still wasn’t acting right. The floodgates were still open, and he couldn’t stay away from the water dish. His fur was falling out in great gobs, and something in Hank’s eyes told me he just didn’t feel good. I called the local vet and asked for an emergency appointment.
To make a long story short, Hank had to be put down that afternoon after tests showed his kidneys were shutting down. The vet said it was most likely that Hank had been poisoned, probably with antifreeze, a sweet-tasting liquid that dogs find irresistible, but which can cause mental confusion, vomiting, kidney failure, and death. Hank would have lapped up the antifreeze before he was brought to the shelter, where he spent several weeks waiting for someone to take him home. If the shelter volunteers had been more observant, could they have saved Hank? It’s possible, but we’ll really never know.
Unfortunately, antifreeze is not the only common household chemical that can cause serious illness in dogs. Since dogs are curious creatures, and some of these poisons taste good to both dogs and children, special caution should be taken to keep the following substances away from your pets. If you suspect that your dog has ingested any of these products, or if it shows any of the following signs of illness, he must be taken immediately to the nearest veterinary clinic.
Antidepressant drugs, which can cause irregular heartbeat, vomiting hyperactivity, tremors and seizure.
Pesticides, such as flea and tick collars, sprays and powders; rat poisons; strychnine; and zinc phosphate. The symptoms of poisoning will vary, depending on the particular pesticide that was ingested. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of balance or coordination, nosebleeds, internal bleeding through the gut or urinary track, difficulty breathing, listlessness, nervousness, seizures, and death. If your pet gets into one of these poisons, try to take the container with you to the vet’s office, so he or she can give the appropriate antidote and emergency treatment as quickly as possible.
Antifreeze, as noted earlier. Immediate veterinary treatment may be able to save your pet, from kidney failure if it is rushed to the animal clinic in time.
Ammonia, disinfectants, and fabric softener can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Call your pet’s veterinarian immediately – the clinic may suggest that you give the dog milk or water to dilute the poison before rushing it to the clinic.
Household bleach can cause excessive salivation (or slobbering), and vomiting. Again, call your vet immediately to see if you should try to dilute the poisons by giving your dog emergency care at home before rushing it to the clinic. Bleach can cause ulcerations to the stomach lining and gastrointestinal tract.
Lead from old paint, batteries, lead glazing on pottery, and bird shot may cause vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, muscle spasms, blindness, and personality changes. The dog’s veterinarian will need to run some tests to see if lead is the cause of the illness, and may need to perform surgery if the item is still in the dog’s stomach.
Petroleum products, like gasoline or other fuels, solvents, and paints, can poison a dog either through eating it, breathing it, (which can burn the lining of the lungs), or getting it on the skin. If one of these products gets on your dog’s fur, immediately wash it off with water and detergent, and then get him to the vet. If the product has been ingested or if the dog has been breathing the fumes, medical care will be required to reduce the damage.
Less potent but still dangerous substances that can cause symptoms of poisoning in dogs are chocolate, caffeine, onions and garlic.
About the author:
Jonni writes about <a href=”http://www.older-dog.com“>dog adoption and dog health </a> on her website at http://www.older-dog.co
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