Breeding Golden Retrievers

Most people can breed mongrels as all you have to do is introduce a male dog to a female in heat. However, people who buy Golden Retrievers only want top quality dogs. To do this, it is a complicated process and as a result, for beginners, breeding Golden Retrievers is nearly impossible. You should never attempt to breed unless you know a lot about requirements for hobby breeders, as it is simply unfair to the breed and your potential customers if you have a litter of puppies that simply aren’t what they should be. This is why you shouldn’t attempt to breed just to have puppies or make a few bucks.

Breeding Golden Retrievers is a very serious hobby, one that should be left to those who know how to make the right choices. Because Golden Retrievers are very popular, it is imperative that litters be of good quality to maintain the breed standard. You should be aware that there is a certain amount of cost and care involved with breeding, especially if you want to ensure that you maintain the breed quality. There is also a lot of responsibility involved as well, because you do not want to be known as the breeder who lowered the quality of the breed. Furthermore, proper breeding of popular breeds can take quite a bit of time as well.

Breeding may help to fulfill the needs of a Golden‘s owner, but if a dog isn’t bred, it will have no knowledge of missing it, no regrets, or no guilt toward living a life without having been bred. Frequently, pregnancy causes a Golden Retriever female to develop health problems; it has no known health benefits.

If you wish to become a quality Golden breeder, you will have many choices in front of you. You will need to determine the mother and the father that will produce the best litter. To get the highest quality possible from the litter, you will need to determine the traits of both dogs, their temperaments and how well they seem to react to one another. You will also need to determine in either of the dogs has any type of health problems, to prevent any diseases or ailments from being passed onto the litter. Once you settle on a female Golden, you will have to thoroughly examine her and determine how close she matches the breed standard. If you notice any shortfalls, then you will have to find a male that is strong in these areas. In this way, you can have a better chance at a good litter of puppies.

Sometimes, when breeding Golden Retrievers, the mother of the litter will prove to be poor at motherhood, which will require more work for you. If the mother isn’t doing her job of nurturing her young, then you will have to assist her to ensure the puppies live. This can be the most time consuming aspect of breeding, because you will have to feed the young and make sure that they turn out as healthy as possible.

Aside from that, as a breeder, you will face many costs. As well as the cost of food and vet bills, you will have to pay stud fees for the male if you do not have a suitable one of your own. When you add up all of the costs, you will quickly realize that breeders do not make much money when they make a sale. In fact, most breeders do it as a hobby, not as a money making proposition. Quality breeders usually are not concerned with money as much as they are with the quality of their litters. Quality is better than quantity, as even the best breeders have problems selling puppies from time to time.

Although breeding is fun for hobby breeders, it is something you really should not be doing if you do not have the experience. If you are very sure that you want to breed your female Golden Retriever, then find a knowledgeable breeder who will give you the assistance you will need to ensure you end up with a healthy litter and that you do not endanger your pet’s health. If you are the least bit unsure about breeding your female, then I advise you to get her spayed so that you do not end up with a litter of unexpected mongrels. A purebred Golden Retriever should be bred only with dogs of her breed, to help preserve the breed and keep their bloodline going. If you have thought about breeding in the past - you should study long and hard before you actually make it a reality, because there is a lot of work and responsibility that you must undertake when you do it.

Until next time,

Teia

Bedding For Your New Puppy

Bedding for your new puppy is very important, as this is where she will be spending quite a bit of time - especially at night. The ideal bedding for your puppy should be a natural fibre, such as wool, because wool absorbs moisture and it will keep your companion warm. When you go to buy your blankets, you may want to try thrift stores, as their blankets will be relatively inexpensive. Puppies love to chew, so you don’t want to buy expensive blankets. They can chew or tear blankets in a very short time, so expensive blankets would be a waste of money.

When you bring your new puppy home, you may find that she is a little stressed by having to leave her mom and the others of her litter and by being in a new environment with strangers. The scents and memories that she came to know and love are now being replaced with new ones. If you are going to get your puppy directly from a breeder, take an old towel with you when you go. Before leaving the breeder, rub the towel on the mother and other pups in the litter. This towel can then be given to your puppy to sleep with. It may help to ease the transition from her original home to yours. If you get your puppy from a pet store, towels, even if they do not contain the scent of her mother and litter mates, when wrapped around a windup clock, are a great way to help her relax and sleep.

You should keep her food and water near her bed, so if she gets hungry or thirsty she can get what she needs. In addition, you should plan to take her out between one-half hour and one hour after she has eaten. You should place a puppy piddle pad about 6 feet away from her bed so that she can use that in emergency situations. You will have to place her on the pad whenever she shows signs that she needs to go to the bathroom. (Some puppies turn in circles just before they relieve themselves, so keep watch for this.)

If you are planning to have your puppy sleep with you, you must be ready to get up once or twice during the night to take her outside to go to the bathroom. You don’t want her to have an accident on your bedding.

If you decide to leave your puppy outdoors, you’ll obviously need to use a different style of bedding. Doghouses are essential for dogs who stay outdoors, as it helps to keep them warm and protects them from inclement weather. Inside of the doghouse, most people tend to use straw so the puppy can make a bed out of it. You can also use a blanket or quilt as well, so that your puppy can wrap herself up in it should she get cold.

If you do not want to use straw, you can consider using wood shavings or newspapers as they also work quite well. Note that newspapers tend to get damaged much more quickly than other forms of bedding, so they will have to be replaced more frequently. You must provide something other than the wooden floor or bare ground for your dog to lie on. Dogs that lie on the ground or cold wooden boards tend to develop arthritis more quickly than dogs that have soft absorbent bedding.

In northern climates where the temperature drops below freezing, puppies should not be left outside in a doghouse in cold weather because they have not been exposed to it during the time they spent with the rest of their litter mates and they could succumb to it. Wait until the weather warms before putting your puppy into the outside doghouse.

Although having an outdoor dog works great for some families, you should still take your dog for walks on a daily basis and let her join you in activities that she finds enjoyable. This way, you can build a unique and lasting friendship with your pet. A dog can quickly become the best friend you have ever had - as long as you take care of her. Making sure that she has proper bedding is a great place to start.

Until next time,

Teia

Tips for Buying a Golden Retriever Puppy

Anyone that has ever been around a Golden Retriever knows that they are beautiful, obedient, and make great family pets and hunting dogs. Golden’s, as they are frequently referred to, also make great guide dogs for the blind, narcotic detection dogs and even tracking dogs for finding missing people. Although there are many other dog breeds out there, Golden Retrievers remain one of the most versatile and most astonishing breeds that you can get.

Before you rush out to buy a Golden Retriever puppy, you should first take the time to learn a bit more about the breed. You can attend dog shows, meet with various owners of Golden Retrievers and even go to your local kennel club. Most people who own Golden Retrievers are extremely proud of them and will be more than happy to share their enthusiasm with you.

When you buy your Golden Retriever puppy, it’s worth considering the possibility of buying it from a backyard breeder. Backyard breeders usually know and care a lot about the breed. Usually backyard breeders aren’t just in it for the money - they actually care about their dogs and want you to get the best Golden possible.

You can also visit the Golden Retriever Club of America or their local member clubs, as they can supply you with a list of breeders in your area. If these breeders don’t have any Golden’s for sale themselves, they will be more than willing to help you find what you’re looking for. If you do not have a club in your area, then check with your local veterinarian. Since veterinarians usually treat most dogs in the area, they are familiar with any local breeders. By dealing with someone from a Golden Retriever Club or veterinarian recommendation, you can get a Golden from a very reliable source.

Whatever you do, you should never rush into buying a Golden Retriever. You should always take your time, because when you buy your puppy, you want a healthy puppy that will grow up to be a fine testament to the breed. By taking your time and making a careful decision, you can save yourself a lot of time and money later on down the road.

Golden puppies that are of poor quality, are normally produced by breeders who just want to have a litter or breeders who are just looking for the profits and care very little about giving thoughts to looks, quality, or temperament. If you buy a puppy from either of these types of breeders, you’ll more than likely end up with a puppy that has poor health, poor temperament and even flaws in relation to the breed standards.

When you get your puppy, you should always think long term. If you buy from a quality breeder, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Always remember that you aren’t just buying a Golden Retriever puppy - you are buying a companion and a friend for life.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The Old English Sheepdog

If you've ever previously owned or had a chance to play with an Old English sheepdog, then you know that they have a sweet demeanour and that they are very intelligent. Their soft fur matches their personality. These dogs are very hard workers, but if given loving attention and plenty of exercise, they have adjust well to being family pets. As well as being friendly, sheepdogs provide great companionship to their human families. Go to the library, or do some online research and you will understand why they are so popular in both the country and the city.

Although very few records were kept of the origins of Old English sheepdogs, they were first shown in England in 1873 as the “Shepherds Dog.” During the 1880’s they were exported to the United States where they became very popular, particularly with the wealthier families. During this time they also came into prominence in western England where they were used and bred for herding and protecting sheep. Obviously the breeders succeeded, as they created a dog that is intelligent, hardy and protective of its charges.

Since they came from hardy stock and they were bred for working with sheep where they do a lot of running and herding, these dogs need plenty of exercise, both physical and mental. They need to run around outside for physical exercise and they need mental challenges to keep them from getting bored.

When they get these physical and mental stimulations on a regular basis, they are extremely playful and sweet. They make excellent companions for active children and other dogs. Because they are quite intelligent, you may also find that they will sometimes be headstrong and stubborn.

Since they were originally bred to herd and protect sheep, these dogs require something to take care of, which is why they are such great companions for children. They are also excellent stock dogs for farms that have animals that need protection. Since these dogs need activities, exercise and purpose in their life, they will suffer if they are neglected. Old English sheepdogs do their best when they are surrounded by loving attention. So, make sure that you are ready to give this breed the care, attention and activity it needs.

Looking at their long, fluffy fur, you would expect that it would be difficult to take care of their coat, however, it is only marginally more difficult than taking care of a dog with a shorter coat.

Puppies should be brushed regularly to help them get used to being groomed. This will insure that when they grow up, they will be used to having a thorough weekly brushing. Because a thorough brushing can take close to an hour, many people simply clip their sheepdog's fur short during warmer weather and let it grow back for winter. This will cut down the time for the weekly brushing, but it does change the appearance of the dog. You won’t recognize it as a sheepdog. A neighbour a few doors down the street does this with his old sheepdog. The first time he did it, I didn’t recognize the dog and wondered what it was. The old dog felt good though, as he was prancing about the neighbourhood which contrasted with his usual slow gait.

In conclusion, the Old English sheepdog is a great family dog, especially if you have a large yard for it to run in or have time to take it for daily walks or runs. You should also try to have a family member at home as much as possible so the dog isn’t alone all day. As previously mentioned, they do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Old English sheepdogs need social interaction to keep them happy and healthy.

Until next time,

Teia

The Advantages of Having a Microchip Implanted in Your Pets

Every pet owner wants to keep his or her beloved cat or dog as safe as possible. You do everything you can to make sure your pet is well cared for and healthy. If you have an indoor pet, you may not think that keeping identification tags is important, but it is. What if your fuzzy feline accidentally slips out the door at night and you search to no avail? What do you do, especially if your dog or cat has no identification? Placing a collar, with an identification tag, on your pet is important, but collars sometimes become lost or are removed. When you consider the fact that many animal shelters only keep dogs and cats for seven days, you want to make sure that your pet is properly identified. That is where the microchip comes in handy. The microchip is the newest way to identify lost pets and helps ensure that your lost pooch or feline finds his or her way back home.

The technology of the microchip has become so popular that most animal clinics and animal shelters have the ability to scan a cat or dog for microchip identification. If you opt for the microchip, you should know that it is a relatively painless procedure for your pet. Your vet will insert a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice directly under your pet’s skin using a hypodermic needle. The microchip is usually placed in the back of the neck or in the ear. The microchip contains a special digital number that has been entered on a national microchip database. The database will contain your contact information, so when the number is checked, the person doing it will be able to contact you. When your pet is lost, a veterinarian or animal shelter worker can use a special scanner to retrieve the microchip number. It is that easy.

Pet owners love the idea of the microchip because it is permanent. You cannot remove the microchip and unlike a collar or tags, it cannot be lost or destroyed. This is one of the best features of using a pet microchip, especially for cats. If you place a collar on a cat, more than likely it will be a breakaway collar. If your cat climbs a tree, or is caught on something, the collar breaks off. If your cat does not have a microchip, it will be very difficult to identify your cat if it is found.

There are a few important things to remember about pet microchips. First, if your pet gets lost, you should never just sit back and wait for a call, even if your pet has a microchip. Not all veterinarians and shelters are equipped with this technology. You need to take the time to call around and place “lost pet” flyers around your neighbourhood. In addition, you need to make sure you take the time to update your contact information should you move. It does little to no good to have your pet implanted with the microchip if the information on the national database is incorrect. Your veterinarian can tell you how to update this information.

It is important to get your pet implanted with the microchip at a young age. Puppies can have the microchip inserted at age six weeks. Even small breeds of dogs can handle this procedure. Kittens can also undergo this procedure at six weeks. The insertion of the microchip is not painful and feels like a regular vaccination shot. You can have your pet implanted with the microchip at your veterinarian’s office and can expect to pay $30 or more for this service. However, this is a small price to pay for something that can be the difference between finding your lost pet and not finding her.

Until next time,

Teia

Getting Your Pet Through an Animal Rescue Group

Birdhouse Publishing and I advise that animal rescue organizations or groups offer you a great place to get your next family pet. These groups are all different, but they do have common goals. They work hard to locate a permanent loving home for unwanted, abused or misplaced pets. Many of these rescue groups rely on volunteers and donations to care for these pets while they are between homes.

When you begin looking for a rescue group to work with, you will find that most of these groups rely on their hard working volunteers and support from the local community to operate. You will also find a wide variety of animals available through these rescue groups. Some rescue groups are dedicated to the rescue of a specific type of animal, however, many of these groups handle all types of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even older pets available for adoption. You might be surprised to learn that some groups even offer exotic pets such as reptiles, pot bellied pigs, ferrets and even guinea pigs. Some groups specialize in rescuing racehorses and greyhounds who have been injured or who have reached the end of their racing days.

As you begin looking at pets available through rescue groups, keep in mind that many of these animals have had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was abused by its owner. You may find a female cat that has just given birth and her owner no longer wants her. Owners have relinquished many of the animals offered by rescue groups because they can no longer care for them. In addition, some of these groups take animals that live in kill shelters or as strays living on the streets. Some groups also offer spay and neuter release programs for feral cats.

Rescue groups do a good job of screening animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also screen potential pet owners. If you find a pet offered through a pet rescue group, you will be asked to sign a contract saying that you agree to care for the pet long term. You will also be asked several questions about your home, your children and other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey—it is simply to help match an owner with the right pet. If the animal suffers from a medical condition, such as diabetes, the new owners know this up front before adopting. Having the animal’s health history at the time of adoption helps the animal find a permanent home.

You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction by adopting your next pet through an animal rescue organization. You know you have done something to help and your new pet will show its appreciation. If you are interested in adopting through one of the many rescue organizations, it is easy to find one in your area. Your veterinarian can give you the contact information for organizations near you. Most of the time, these pets are kept in private homes (foster homes) until they are adopted. This gives the animal time to be socialized with other pets, or children and time to get used to living in a home. Sometimes, animal rescue groups will bring their animals that need homes to pet stores or other locations for interested people to see and meet these animals on certain weekends.

When you choose a pet in a rescue program, be prepared to go through an interview and application process. Adoption fees vary with each organization, but you can expect to pay $100-$200 or more for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. These fees cover the cost of the animal while it was in the care of the organization. This adoption fee usually covers vaccinations, medical exams, spaying and neutering.

Getting your next pet through an animal rescue organization is a responsible way to get your next family member. You can also find many volunteer opportunities through these organizations.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. These groups provide an invaluable service to the communities they are located in. If you see the pictures of some of the animals they have rescued, it is heart breaking. It also makes you wonder if the human race really is civilized or if it is just a thin veneer covering a vicious nature.

Choosing The Right Pet For You

Most individuals have an idea just what type of pet they want; however, the maintenance of a pet can cause some concern. Knowing how to choose the pet you want may be easy. You may have had several pets as a child and know you need a companion for your own home, or you may have always wanted a pet but been told you could not have one. Whatever the case, you need to take into consideration some key points about pet care when deciding what pet is right for you.

First, some pets take more care than others. Dogs are very needy animals. They are very sensitive toward their owners. You have probably heard of dogs tearing up a house when left alone all day. Dogs can get bored even when they have other dog companions and toys. They need human interaction. Most dog owners take their dogs out for a walk before work and after work for exercise and play time. Other owners, who work outside, will often let their dogs come to work with them to keep the dog(s) out of trouble. Cats, on the other hand, can amuse themselves and as long as you put your valuables on a shelf they cannot reach and keep a clean house, they will sleep, look out windows and play with toys while you are away. Fish are another type of pet that is typically low maintenance except for cleaning the fish tank, which can be quite a job if it hasn‘t been done for a while.

Pet care is very important when you own a pet. They need attention from their owners, positive reinforcement, training and love. Fish are usually excluded from this statement, as they just need food, proper tank maintenance and a few plants to sustain life. However, contrary to popular belief, fish if made a fuss of on a regular basis, also enjoy human interaction. Of course they don’t need training or being taken for a walk, but they do enjoy being talked to and having their owner peer through the glass at them and wiggle their fingers along the tank front. The point is, proper pet care is required when you own ANY pet. The decision will be yours to make in choosing what the right pet is for you. Above I mentioned three types of pets and a little about their care. Now we are going to look at it in a little more depth.

While dogs are high maintenance and require the most training, they are also one of the best pets to own. They can alert you to danger, alert you to someone at the door and give unconditional love to you. A dog only asks, in return, for proper care and a great deal of attention. If you cannot be home all the time, you will want to make sure the dog has a roof over its head in case of inclement weather and a huge yard to play in. Some dogs can jump six foot fences so it may be best to erect a dog run with a roof so it can move about, but not escape. Also remember that some dogs, if left alone in a yard, bark or howl incessantly, which will make the neighbours unhappy and could lead to you being charged with an offence under a noise bylaw. You may also find that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) begins to visit frequently. And, if they are active in your area, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which don’t always obey the law, could make your life a living hell. I’m not trying to scare you, but you should know all the possible things that must be considered when determining whether you want a pet and if you do, which one is best for you and your lifestyle.

Cats on the other hand can be high or low maintenance depending on the breed as well as their personality. Some cats require hours of people attention while others shirk attention. Some cats belong in a one pet household. They do not like to share their owner’s affections and will become upset and possibly mean toward a perceived invader. Others need a playmate’s attention to live happily. It will be hard to determine just which type of cat you own when you first obtain it as a kitten, because its personality is just developing.

Pet care is the most important factor to consider when you are deciding which pet is right for you and your home. For example, if you have very expensive furniture and carpet throughout your home, you may want to avoid dogs or cats as accidents or scratching or chewing of furniture will happen. Therefore, you will want to consider all the pet care needs of the animals you are looking at, as well as the breed you are looking at, to determine if they will have a happy place in your home and in your heart.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. Remember that getting a pet is a commitment to keeping them for their whole life. The Humane Societies in most towns and cities are overwhelmed by abandoned pets and frequently have to euthanize them to make room for new arrivals. I also recommend that you have your cat or dog, if you choose them as a pet, spayed or neutered. There are too many unwanted puppies and kittens being abandoned or taken to the Humane Society. Don’t think that you will be able to make a few dollars selling any kittens or puppies that your pet(s) may produce because by the time you pay for food, veterinarian bills, vaccinations, etc. the costs will be greater than the income. Being a profitable breeder is a full time job, not a sideline.

Whelping Puppies

Preparing Your Bitch for Mating.

It is important to feed your brood bitch a balanced diet. She needs adequate protein and carbohydrates and you should include all the vitamins and minerals needed to supply a balanced diet. You can prepare her meals yourself using fresh meat and whole meal bread with fine minced veggies, or buy a high quality dry food such as Eukanuba, Medi-Cal or Science Diet. After mating continue feeding her as before until about 2 weeks before whelping, at which time you should increase the amount of food by 25%, and split her food into two feeds daily. This is because there's not much room inside her for a large meal and a belly full of rapidly growing puppies.

When your brood bitch comes into season, worm her with a good quality broad spectrum worming preparation. Also take her to the veterinarian for a culture and sensitivity test, to guard against any possible vaginal infections. You should take her to the stud dog by about the 8th or 9th day of bleeding so that the “stud master” can monitor her progress and ensure she is mated on the correct day. Generally they will mate at the 14th day, but they can be ready as early as the 8th or as late as the 24th day. You can get progesterone tests done to get it exactly right if you wish, especially if using frozen semen.

Preparing Your Bitch for Whelping.

She should be wormed at 4 weeks after mating and again 2 weeks before whelping. She should also be vaccinated either prior to mating or about 2 weeks before whelping. This will protect the puppies from viruses while they are suckling on her. The anti-bodies will pass from her to the puppies in her milk. She will stop eating about 12 to 20 hours before whelping. At this time you should phone your veterinarian and let him or her know that your bitch will whelp in the next 24 hours. Ask the vet if it's OK to call at any time of the day or night if she has any problems. Make sure you have plenty of clean newspapers on hand as whelping can be quite messy. She will start panting, pacing and tearing up her bedding (newspapers) a few hours before the contractions start. The first pup should be born within an hour or two of the start of the contractions. If she goes 3 hours and there's no pup, call your veterinarian.

The Whelping.

As soon as the first pup is born, your bitch will settle down to birthing the puppies and cleaning them up. The pups can be born in their sac or out of it. They can be born head first or tail first, it doesn't matter. Generally they will be born head first and still in their sac. If you have a problem with a pup getting stuck, try and help her by gently pulling the pup as she pushes. Don't try and pull a pup if she's not contracting though. If in doubt call your vet. All the puppies should be born in 8 to 15 hours, but they could take as long as 24 hours in some cases. When she's done, take her for a walk to empty her bladder. You may have to lift her or put a collar and lead on and force her to leave her puppies so she can urinate. Give her a drink of milk with some electrolytes, but don't try and make her eat right away. She will be very tired after whelping. Her appetite should return about 12 hours after she whelps.

After Whelping.

Clean the whelping box up, removing wet and bloodied paper. Replace it with a piece of carpet that you tack to the whelping box floor. Carpet will keep the puppies warm underneath and give them a good surface to grip on while suckling. Make sure the whelping area is warm, but not hot, and certainly not cold. For the next 2 weeks all you need do is feed her. She will begin to eat a lot after about 3 days, so be prepared. By the end of the second week, she'll be eating 4 to 5 times her normal diet. Keep plenty of fresh clean water available for her at all times. You should start feeding the puppies some food from about 4 weeks of age. With a big litter you may need to start feeding from as early as 3 weeks. You can feed them the same food as their mother eats, but be sure it is minced fine, as you don't want them choking. Feed them 2 to 3 times a day to 3 months of age, then twice a day.

Care of Puppies.

Worm them with a worming paste at 2 weeks old, then again at 4 weeks. Use tablet wormers from 6 weeks onwards. Change worming formula's to prevent the worms from building up immunity to the preparations. Trim their nails and dew claws on their front feet each time you worm them to prevent them scratching their mother while suckling. If you don't trim their nails, she will probably wean them early. Give the puppies some meaty bones to chew on and fight over from about 6 to 8 weeks of age. This helps prevent stomach upsets at the critical weaning age. If you follow this advice, you should have very few problems whelping and rearing a healthy litter of puppies. And remember, if you have any doubts or concerns at any time, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian.

Until next time,

Teia

Internal Dog Parasites

The picture on the left shows a Dipylidium caninum (dog tapeworm - sometimes called a cucumber tapeworm and the picture below shows a Toxocara canis (dog roundworm).

Any dog, whether the dog appears to be clean and/or if it is from a seemingly 'well-to-do home' can get internal parasites (endoparasites).

Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) are rather like pale earthworms which can grow to about 10cm in length. Both ends of the worm are pointed. Signs that your dog may have roundworms are mild vomiting, having a pot-belly, having a dull coat and either sudden weight gain or sudden weight loss. A puppy might cough or hiccup. You may also see worms wrapped around the dog's stool when it has a bowel movement.

The Life Cycle of the Toxocara canis starts with the bitch eating contaminated feces. The larvae as well as remaining in the intestine, migrate to the mammary glands and the uterus. When puppies feed off the bitch , the larvae enter their system and grow into adult worms within two weeks. The adult round worms lay eggs which hatch into larvae. The larvae burrow through the gut wall to the liver and lungs, causing respiratory problems. Some lay dormant while others are coughed up and re-swallowed. These larvae pass through the stomach into the intestine, where they grow into adult worms and lay thousands more eggs. These eggs are passed out of the dog where they lay waiting for a passerby to eat the feces enabling the cycle to start over.

The Life Cycle of the Toxascaris leonina starts with the eggs being ingested and hatching in the stomach. They do not migrate, but develop in the wall of the intestine, therefore infection to a bitch's puppies does not occur. However, these worms also lay thousands of eggs which pass out of the dog in its stool, where they wait to be eaten and continue the cycle in another dog.

It is, therefore, advisable that pregnant bitches be wormed under a veterinarian's supervision. Puppies should be routinely wormed after the age of two weeks. They should also be wormed either just before or just after going to a new home. Adult dogs should be wormed every six months. However, if you have young children in your household, it is wise to worm your dog every three months.

Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) are flat, segmented worms that can grow up to 50cm long. They are not normally seen as a complete worm, as these remain in the dog, but as individual segments loaded with ripe eggs. One of the signs of their presence in a dog is that the abdomen may become distorted. However, the most common sign is the presence of rice-like grains around the anus. These worms can also be seen moving in the dog's feces. They can cause diarrhoea and poor growth development in puppies. They can also get into your children if they get contaminated feces or eggs on their hands and then touch their mouth.

The Life Cycle of Dipylidium caninum starts when a dog swallows a flea, which has itself swallowed an embryonic egg. The larvae develop into adult worms in the small intestine. Specific worming remedies for this type of worm are obtained from a veterinarian (vet). Also ensure that the dog is regularly checked for fleas.

Ticks (Ixodes species) are actually ectoparasites (external parasites) but they are mentioned here because they frequently infect dogs with diseases that can also be passed on to humans. They are brownish-white in colour and can be initially mistaken for a wart, but on closer inspection the legs can be seen, while the head is buried in the epidermis. Having gorged on the dog's blood, it grows to the size of a bean or pea. You may spot ticks when you are grooming the dog or when the dog has an allergic reaction to them and begins scratching. At this time they will appear as red sores. Normally a dog will tolerate one or two ticks without showing any signs of irritation, so if you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, you should check your dog for ticks every time he comes into the house from outside.

The Life Cycle of Ixodes species starts with adult ticks laying eggs that drop on the ground. Larvae hatch and climb onto blades of grass, shrubs, etc., where they wait for a passerby to brush past, thus enabling them to attach themselves onto the hair of the dog or the clothes of the owner. Surgical spirit soaked onto the tick suffocates it, thus loosening its grip. It can then be removed with tweezers. Never attempt to pull the tick off without soaking it first, as the head will remain and cause infection. Treat the bite area with antiseptic to prevent infection. A special dip/shampoo can be obtained from the vet if infestation is severe. Ticks can also be removed by covering them with Vaseline. Vaseline coverage impedes the breathing of the tick so it backs out of the epidermis. Once it backs out of the dog’s skin, it can be picked off and destroyed. You can also use this treatment if you get a tick on you while you are walking your dog in an infested area.

For further information on ticks and your dog, do a query, within this blog, on ticks as there are several entries on these dangerous parasites. The blog search field is at the top left of the blog in the blue band next to the Blogger logo.

Until next time,

Teia

Using Dog Toys to Stop Boredom

Many people complain about their new dog chewing everything in sight and tearing up their gardens and admit that they don't know how to stop the dog from doing this. Here are some solutions which may help to stop this problem, although the first one didn't work very well for mom and dad.

A dog usually chews and digs when it's bored. This is often the result of the owners working long hours away from the home, leaving the dog to entertain itself. One solution is to purchase a second dog, which will keep the first dog company. But this can also lead to two dogs chewing and digging, especially if they are only pups. A number of years ago, mom and dad got two pups at the same time. They were German Shepard/Keeshond crosses. Mom and dad had to go away for a while and the pups were left in the care of a working daughter who lived at home. While she was out, the two pups, who had outgrown the kennel, were restricted to the kitchen and the family room. Over a period of just under two weeks, they nearly destroyed these two rooms. They chewed the carpet off the stairs separating the sunken family room from the kitchen. They chewed the corner off the coffee table and a seat off a kitchen chair. They ripped the upholstery off the bottom of a loveseat, knocked over a floor lamp which hit the console television gouging the cabinet. They then chewed up the flattened lampshade. They also got their claws caught in the Berber carpet and pulled long strings out of the carpet. Mom and dad came home to thousands of dollars of damage. Fortunately their insurance policy had a one time pet damage clause, so they got everything fixed or replaced and only had to pay the deductible. Two bored pups “egged each other on” to find ways to make things less boring. Mom and dad said afterwards that the only thing worse than one bored puppy is two bored puppies.

A better solution is to keep the dog entertained by giving it something to do. This can be achieved by hiding treats in the yard, designating a play area (like a small sandbox) or by giving the dog special toys. If your dog is a house dog, you can hide treats or special toys around the area of the house that the dog is restricted to.

Dog toys are readily available from most stores and are relatively inexpensive to buy. The only concerns are the size of the toy. It mustn't be so small that the dog will be able to swallow it whole. The material the toy is made from should be hard rubber or plastic that is difficult to bite into small pieces.

Essentially you want a toy that will stand up to the dog's sharp teeth without falling apart too quickly and without small pieces being chewed off and swallowed by the dog. These small pieces can get lodged in the dog's throat or stomach and cause all sorts of health problems, including death.

There are a large variety of toys available which should keep the dog amused. Some are capable of hiding treats inside them, making the dog work for its reward by rolling the toy around until a treat falls out. Others can be placed into the freezer overnight and given to the dog on a hot day, letting the dog lick the cool treat over a period of time as the toy defrosts.

Many other variations can be found or can even be made out of existing household items, just be sure to make them safe for the dog.

An extra step that involves dog toys is to alternate or swap toys on different days, so the dog thinks it is getting a new toy to play with. Yet another option is to smear some edible paste onto the toy, like vegemite, marmite or promite. This is a method used by many animal shelters to give dogs something to do whilst confined to their kennels.

With a little ingenuity and planning, you can entertain your dog with a vast assortment of treats and toys that will keep them amused for hours.

Until next time,

Teia

To Breed or Not to Breed Your Dog?

It is very tempting to think about having a litter of small cuddly puppies from your beautiful bitch, but before even thinking about it, there are important factors to consider.

First of all, you may think your dog is the best in the world, but is it really? Look at her dispassionately. Is she of sound construction and reliable temperament? Is she free from any genetic defects? If she is a pedigree dog, is she a good example of the breed, coming from a good lineage?

Do not be tempted to breed a dog that has serious defects and do not contemplate breeding as a means of trying to compensate for any signs of nervousness or distress in your bitch. Your dog should be mature enough to physically cope with a litter (in a large breed this will be when the bitch is at least two years old.)

If you are happy so far that breeding is the right thing to do, then you should turn your attention to the pups. Have you the room for a whelping box and then perhaps 12 pups running around? Have you the time to sit with your bitch while she is birthing, perhaps more than 12 hours? Then there is the cleaning, weaning, feeding routine for the next eight to 12 weeks. What about money? The cost of the feed can be expensive and you must remember to budget for any veterinary costs that are caused by complications in the birth. Finally, what will you do with the pups? You must be in a position to look after them all. If it is a pedigree dog then you will be looking at registering the pups before they are sold. If your bitch is not a dog with a pedigree, you will be either giving the pups away or selling them for the going rate, in your area, for that type of dog. Either way, you should be checking very carefully where your pups are going, possibly including a home visit; this again takes time and money. Remember that the breeder is usually responsible for ensuring that the puppies have their first set of vaccinations before they are sold or given away. Remember also, that you are responsible for the birth of the pups and you should always be prepared to take them back, for whatever reason, as they are ultimately your responsibility for life.

If you still think breeding is for you, then your final consideration will be the stud dog. If attempting to breed a pedigree dog, then your ultimate aim will be to produce sound, quality dogs of both structure and temperament, that are ideally as near the Breed Standard as possible. Therefore, you should look at your bitch against the Breed Standard, identifying strengths and weaknesses and then look for a stud dog that will complement your bitch, building on her strengths and compensating for her weaknesses. If your bitch has poor pigmentation then do not use a dog that also has poor pigmentation. Study the dog’s pedigree and antecedents. Do whatever research you can to try to ensure you breed healthy well-developed dogs.

Remember you are breeding living animals. Their quality of life should come first and not your own interests, especially money.

Until next time,

Teia