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Maximum adult size depends on breed, sex, and overall health of
your companion animal. It can be difficult to predict the size of
mixed breed puppies, but they generally will not be significantly
larger than one of their biggest parent.Your veterinarian may be
able to advise on your puppy's adult size. By providing a high quality
diet, a health-conducive environment, and appropriate preventative
medical care, you can assist your puppy reach his or her happy adult
growth potential.
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It is recommended that your female animal companion be spayed or
male be neutered by six months of age. Spaying prevents unwanted
pregnancy and cancer of the reproductive system, eliminates the
potential for infections of the uterus later in life, and reduces
the potential for breast cancer, especially if performed before
the first heat cycle. Neutering, or castration, of your male animal
companion eliminates the potential for cancer of the testicles and
reduces the risk of prostate cancer and possibly a form of cancer
that develops around the rectal area. The male is also no longer
agitated by females and the strong hormonal drive to reproduce.
He will tend to roam less, decreasing the potential to be hit by
a car or otherwise injured, become lost, or be involved in territorial
fights.
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A high quality diet is essential for proper growth and development
of your puppy and for maintenance of a happy, healthy adult. Table
food, scraps, and cat food are not adequate to maintain the long-term
health of your canine companion. Given the huge number of foods
available, choosing the proper diet for your puppy or dog can be
a very confusing experience. Your animal companion's age, overall
health, exercise level, environment, and breed can all be factors
to consider in choosing the right diet. Consult your preferred pet
shop or veterinarian for valuable advice on the best diet for your
canine friend. Most veterinarians recommend a predominantly dry
food diet for normal pets as this will help maintain good tooth
and gum health. Semi-moist diet on the other and is recommended
to maintain the protein profile essential for their optimum growth.
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Bathing and general grooming are important and essential towards
maintaining good coat and skin health for your animal companion.
The frequency will depend on coat length and type, activity level,
environment, and overall health. bath is appropriate whenever you
want your canine friend to be clean and smell fresh. However, overly
frequent bathing, or use of harsh or drying products can dull the
coat and cause dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy skin. When it is
bath time, consider other grooming needs which includes ear cleaning,
coat brushing and trimming, if appropriate for your canine companion's
hair type. Consult a professional groomer for specific recommendations.
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You should handle your animal companion's feet and nails frequently
from as early an age as possible to let them be accustomed to having
their nails trimmed. Make it a pleasant experience- offer a treat
and lots of praise when he or she behaves positively during the
handling. This will let him or her become used to having the toes
and nails touched and allow for easier nail care.
Invest in a good nail trimmer; you will be glad you did. Canine
nails contain nerves and blood vessels, or a "quick",
just like ours. The pinkish-coloured quick is usually easy to see
in light coloured nails. It may be impossible to visualize in dark
nails. Excessively long nails may have a significantly outgrown
quick. If you cannot see the quick, trim very small bits at a time
from the end of the nail. You may need to repeat this frequently
with over grown nails. Be prepared with a commercial styptic powder
to apply to nails that may accidentally be cut too short and bleed.
If you are uncomfortable with trimming nails at home, have someone
experienced or a professional groomer trim your animal companion.
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Having your puppy properly vaccinated is one of the most important
ways to keep him or her happy and healthy. Vaccines protect against
many serious and even fatal diseases. The following vaccines are
absolutely imperative to your canine companion's health:
• Distemper/Parvo Combination:
This vaccine protects against several potentially fatal diseases.
These vaccines are very highly recommended and can prevent very
serious diseases:
• Rabies:
This disease is fatal for all mammals, including humans.
• Bordetella:( Kennel Cough)
This vaccine helps prevent or reduce the severity of this serious
respiratory infection that can lead to pneumonia.
• Corona Virus:
This is an intestinal virus that can cause serious disease.
• Lyme Disease:
This is the same tick-borne disease that humans can be infected
with.
Young puppies usually need several sets of vaccination boosters
(just like children) to provide them with as much protection as
possible. Adult dogs that are properly vaccinated should be boostered
yearly for most vaccines. Vaccination schedules vary depending on
age, overall health, vaccination type, and risk of exposure.
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Vaccine costs do not vary drastically as the approved medication
used by and large are common to most clinics. Proper vaccination
for your puppy or kitten is one of the most important investments
in your pet's life long good health. Some people chose to purchase
the least expensive products possible and administer them at home.
The cheapest option is not always best. Almost anyone can follow
the manufacturers' directions for administration. However, only
qualified veterinary professionals can advise you on what is best
for your pet, determine if your pet is healthy enough to safely
receive vaccines, effectively and promptly treat possible reactions,
and diagnose and treat other health problems during examination.
Vaccines administered by a veterinarian are your best and safest
option.
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Start a complete flea control programme immediately. Fleas live
by sucking the blood of your companion animals. They can bite humans
as well. Fleas can cause discomfort by biting, anaemia, skin allergies,
spread disease, and transmit tapeworms. Spare your pet the discomfort
of a continued infestation. An effective flea control program must
address three points: treatment of the animal companion(s), the
entire house (and car or crate), and the yard (deck, garage, etc).
All pets that can contract fleas MUST be treated (fish, birds, reptiles,
and small and furry pets do not require treatment). There are many
safe and effective products for adult companions as well as puppies
and kittens (guinea pigs and rabbits too). For house and vehicle
treatment, begin with very thorough vacuuming. Be sure to get under
everything - furniture, rugs, etc. Don't forget the basement or
garage if you stay on landed property. Throw out the vacuum bag
after use to prevent fleas from crawling back out. After cleaning,
use a professional premise spray according to the label directions.
Treat the entire area, even places not frequented by your animal
companion. You may need to vacuum and treat furniture according
to the manufacturers' recommendations as well. Be sure to remove
all animal companions and family members from the area while spraying
and until it is safe to return them. Do not ignore the environment.
Treat as much of the yard as possible with a professional flea spray
according to the label directions. Be sure to treat areas where
your pet spends time, including decks or dog houses. Fleas like
to hide in bark dust and leaf litter as well. For safe and effective
use, always read and follow the label directions for all flea control
products.
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Firstly the cause of the dry skin must be determined. Consider a
veterinary examination to insure your canine companion is not suffering
from a medical condition that may require treatment. For simple,
mild "dandruff", without any accompanying problems, these
are several simple steps that may help:
• Choose a premium diet for your pet. Diet influences overall
health, including skin and coat condition. Some premium diets contain
specific, balanced, fatty acids ratios (Omega 3 : Omega 6 or linoleic
: linolenic) that will frequently improve skin condition and reduce
simple dry skin.
• If the premium diet you choose does not contain a balanced
fatty acid supplement, consider adding one to your pet's diet. Not
any type of "fat" will do. Vegetable oil, grease, butter,
or bacon fat are NOT appropriate choices. For best results, fatty
acids called "Omega 6 & Omega 3" must be fed in specific
ratios. Numerous “omega” fatty acid supplements exist.
• Always use mild grooming products. Consider a skin and coat
conditioner as well. Do not over bathe - this can cause significant
skin dryness. In some cases, a shampoo that helps loosen excess
skin flakes may be needed. Routine brushing and coat trims when
appropriate may help as well. Expect to notice MORE "dandruff"
for a few days after grooming. Bathing and brushing often loosen
surface skin flakes for a few days or until the excess flakes are
brushed out of the coat.
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Shedding is normal for most canine breeds. A few breeds, such as
Poodles, do not shed significantly and need routine coat trims.
Animal companions that shed will do so throughout the year. Shedding
is often increased during stress, illness, and during pregnancy
or nursing. Routine coat brushing and grooming will reduce the amount
of hair your animal companion leaves on furniture and on you. There
are some coat care products that may have partial effectiveness
to reduce shedding. A veterinary examination is appropriate if you
feel the shedding is really excessive or any skin or general health
problems exist. There are medical conditions that can increase shedding.
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That really depends on why your pet is itchy. Many skin conditions,
some of them serious, can cause excess itching and scratching. Consider
a veterinary examination for your canine companion to determine
if any medical conditions exist or if treatment is needed. This
is especially important if your pet has any skin redness, scabs,
or sores. Common reasons for a healthy companion with normal skin
to itch are fleas, dry skin, or a coat in need of grooming.
Purchase a flea comb and use it at least weekly to look for evidence
of fleas. Fleas are very good at hiding from you. Often, you may
not notice fleas until the infestation is already severe. A flea
comb lets you spot the problem early. Comb through your companion’s
coat, several times, down to the skin from the shoulders to tail
base. Look for fleas, or flea dirt in the comb. Flea dirt will look
like small black pepper specs or shaped like a comma. Fleas may
also be visible scurrying across your companion's abdomen (where
the hair coat is usually thinner and easier to see through). See
the section on flea control for additional information.
Dry skin can be very itchy. It is usually accompanied by excess
"dandruff" or
skin flaking. A matted, oily, or dirty coat can also cause discomfort
that leads
to scratching.
Consider the following steps to help dry skin problems:
• Chose a premium diet for your animal companion. Diet influences
overall
health, including skin and coat condition. Some premium diets contain
specific,
balanced, fatty acids ratios that will frequently improve skin condition
and reduce
simple dry skin.
• If the premium diet you choose does not contain a balanced
fatty acid supplement, consider adding one to your companion's diet.
Not any type of "fat" will do. Vegetable oil, grease,
butter, or bacon fat are NOT appropriate choices. For best results,
fatty acids called "Omega 6 & Omega 3" must be fed
in specific ratios.
• Always use mild grooming products. Consider a skin and coat
conditioner as well. Do not over bathe - this can cause significant
skin dryness. In some cases, a shampoo that helps loosen excess
skin flakes may be needed. Routine brushing and coat trims when
appropriate may help as well. Expect to notice MORE "dandruff"
for a few days after grooming. Bathing and brushing often loosen
surface skin flakes for a few days or until the excess flakes are
brushed out of the coat.
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A good crate training piece will be featured as a monthly feature
article.
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Dogs bark for many reasons, including boredom, in play, aggression,
fear, and as a form of protection or warning, etc. Expect your dog
to bark in these situations. If the barking is excessive, your pet
will benefit from basic obedience training that includes ways to
reduce barking behaviors. Making a loud noise when barking occurs
or teaching a "no bark" command may be helpful as well.
Dogs should be taught to lay or sit quietly on command with positive
reinforcement methods. Contact a qualified obedience trainer for
additional suggestions.
In nuisance barking cases when training has failed, you may need
to consider a “bark” collar. These usually work by delivering
an unpleasant odour or noise to your animal companion when he or
she makes a loud noise. Be sure to follow all product label directions
and use common sense when trying such a product.
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Puppies need to chew and will! However, they should never be allowed
to bite or mouth your hands, even in play. If so, they will think
it is all right to bite. Play bites in a six-week-old puppy can
easily become obnoxious, painful, or dangerous as your puppy grows.
There are many methods to discourage biting. Start this training
as young as possible, even at six weeks of age. A few common methods
include:
• As a bite occurs, immediately hold the puppy's mouth closed
(firmly, but not painfully) for a few seconds as you give a firm
"no bite" command. Repeat this every time your puppy bites.
• Immediately as a bite occurs, give a firm "no bite"
command and put the puppy down or into its crate (keep the crate
close by), walk away, and ignore him or her for at least 5 minutes.
This usually only works for younger or smaller puppies that can
easily and quickly be placed in their "puppy time out"
area (crate, etc) or those puppies that already kennel well on command.
Repeat this every time your puppy bites.
Puppies may often try to challenge you by repeated, rapid, or even
aggressive biting. Do not let them have the last bite! If so, you
will be teaching them that persistent or aggressive behavior will
give them their way. Offer your puppy chew toys instead of your
hands, clothing, shoes, or household items. They just have something
to chew and play with. Numerous resources exist to help you. Consider
contacting a qualified obedience trainer or purchasing a good training
book.
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Many wonderful toys are available. The following points can make
your choices easier:
• Choose toys appropriate to your puppy's size (do not forget
how quickly he or she is going to grow). Toys should not be small
enough to swallow or have easily chewed off pieces that can be swallowed.
Some soft plastic toys can easily and quickly be reduced to many
small pieces by sharp puppy teeth. Hard rubber, chew-resistant,
toys are better choices.
• Items made of food material, like nylon, vegetable may be
appropriate as long as you monitor your puppy while chewing. He
or she should still not be allowed to ingest very large pieces or
chew items that have become excessively dirty, soiled with body
wastes, moldy, or spoiled. Do not allow ingestion of the large,
whole, extremely hard knots in the ends of some rawhide products.
These may be so firmly knotted that digestion can be very difficult
and lead to possible intestinal blockage.
• Strings, rubber bands, balloons, children's toys, clothing,
and shoes are not appropriate chew toys.
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Yes, if some simple precautions are taken. Always buy clean, high
quality rawhide that does not have an unpleasant odour or appear
spoiled. Monitor your puppy while chewing. He or she should not
be allowed to swallow very large pieces or chew items that have
become excessively dirty, soiled with body wastes, moldy, or spoiled.
Do not allow ingestion of the large, whole, extremely hard knots
in the ends of some rawhide products. These may be so firmly knotted
that digestion can be very difficult and lead to possible intestinal
blockage.
Chewing on appropriate rawhide products can help reduce dental plaque
build up and gingivitis for your animal companion. The action of
chewing helps pull soft debris off the teeth before it can harden
into actual tartar and become trapped against the gums contributing
to gum disease. Good "chew" items are an important part
of a complete home dental care plan for your pet.
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Intestinal parasites can cause severe and life-threatening diseases.
Several canine and feline parasites are transmissible to humans
as well. There are many more parasites than the roundworms and tapeworms
that commonly come to mind i.e. hookworms, whipworms etc. Numerous
disease-causing microscopic parasites exist as well. Many intestinal
parasites, including tapeworms, are not effectively treatable with
over-the-counter de-wormers. A veterinary examination, stool examination,
and appropriate treatment is the best way to keep your canine friend
happy, healthy, and parasite-free while reducing concerns for your
human family members.
Animal companions with worms may show no obvious outward signs of
infection. Normal bowel movements do not rule out the possibility
of parasite infection. However, when signs are present they can
include diarrhea, or blood-tinged stool, mucous in the stool, variation
in appetite, poor hair coat, weight loss, and vague signs of abdominal
or rectal discomfort, abdominal enlargement, scooting of the hindquarters,
and excess licking or irritation around the anus. Some parasites
can cause severe blood loss and even death, especially in young,
weak, or malnourished companions.
Occasionally, worms may be seen in the stool of infected animals.
In the stool, adult roundworms and hookworms will appear as small
to large, off-white to tan, spaghetti-shaped parasites. Human infection
with roundworms and hookworms is possible. Although human infection
occurs infrequently, it can cause very significant problems. Dogs
and cats become infected with roundworms by eating worm eggs from
contaminated soil or stool, or by eating infected rodents. Hookworms
are contracted by ingestion of microscopic larvae by mouth or from
larval entry through skin, usually on the feet.
Tapeworms will appear as small, off-white to tan segments in stool
or clinging to hair around the genital area. Fresh segments will
be white, about 1/4 - 1/2 inch long, and may expand and contract.
Dry segments resemble sesame seeds or rice grains and will be darker
in color. Most tapeworms are not directly passed from companion
to companion, but require an intermediate host. Common intermediate
hosts include fleas and small rodents. Your companions will become
re-infested with tapeworms if these hosts are not controlled.
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A veterinary examination, stool examination, and appropriate treatment
is the best way to keep your canine friend happy, healthy, and parasite
free. Oral and injectable de-worming medications are available at
pet shops but it is advisable to consult a veterinarian before purchasing.
The tapeworm is a parasite found in the intestines of many animals.
Worm segments containing eggs are shed and passed into the stool,
leaving the tapeworm head still attached in the intestine to produce
new segments. Of the most common types of canine and feline tapeworms,
infection occurs by ingestion of an infected flea or infected wild
prey (including rodents) to infest the intestinal tract.
Tapeworms can cause diarrhea or blood tinged stool, variation in
appetite, poor hair coat, weight loss, and vague signs of abdominal
discomfort. Diagnosis of tapeworm is made by finding the segments
in an infected animal's stool or clinging to hair around the genital
area. Fresh segments will be white, about 1/4 - 1/2 inch long, and
may expand and contract. Dry segments resemble sesame seeds or rice
grains. Most tapeworms are not directly passed from companion to
companion, but require an intermediate host. Common intermediate
hosts include fleas and small rodents. Companions will become re-infested
with tapeworms if these hosts are not controlled.
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A high quality canine diet is essential for proper growth and development
of your puppy and for maintenance of a happy, healthy adult. This
includes a good balance of vitamins and minerals. Table food, scraps,
and cat food are not adequate to maintain the long-term health of
your canine companion.
Growing puppies, geriatric companions, as well as stressed, pregnant,
nursing, or ill companions, and those recovering from surgery, can
all benefit from appropriate vitamin supplementation. Choose a supplement
designed for your companion’s needs. Given the huge number
of supplements and foods available, choosing the proper items for
your puppy or dog can be a very confusing experience. Your companion's
age, overall health, exercise level, environment, and breed can
all be factors to consider in choosing the right diet and supplement.
Your veterinarian or pet care professional can offer valuable advice
on the best products for your canine friend.
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An occasional scratch is normal. However, scratching or pawing at
the ears or head can be an indication of ear infection, foreign
bodies, injury, excess ear wax, or skin problems. Some ear problems
may not be easily visible and require a deep ear exam by a veterinarian
to be properly evaluated. Any discharge, odor, redness, pain, swelling,
or masses may indicate an infection or other abnormality. If you
suspect your animal companion has an ear problem, visit your veterinarian
immediately. Prompt treatment offers a better prognosis, reduces
the potential for chronic disease, hearing loss, and gives earlier
relief for any discomfort your companion may have.
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Yes! Home dental care is one of the best ways to help keep your
animal companion's teeth and gums healthy. Start as early as possible
in your canine friend's life so he or she will become accustomed
to having the mouth handled. Use a moistened, soft, pet or child's
toothbrush, finger toothbrush, gauze around a finger, or a cotton
swab. Pet toothpaste is your best option. Stay way from human toothpaste,
baking soda or salt. Use gentle brushing motions to clean the teeth
and gums, as you would your own. Most animals will not allow you
to brush the inside surface of the teeth, but at least clean the
outside (cheek) surfaces. Be sure to reach the back upper molars
and canines. These teeth tend to quickly build up tartar. Your companion's
teeth should be brushed as often as possible, ideally every day.
There are numerous dental care products, pastes, solutions, brushes,
chew toys, dental diets, etc. Let your veterinarian or pet care
professional help you chose the best products for your companion.
Animals that have a significant tartar build up or gingivitis may
need a veterinary dental cleaning to prevent serious oral disease
that can shorten his/her life if left untreated.
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Yes! Cleaning and caring for your animal companion's ears are important
ways to reduce the chance for ear infections and excess wax build
up. Routine cleaning and at home examination lets you detect any
infections or other problems early. If you suspect your companion
already has an ear problem, visit your veterinarian immediately.
Prompt treatment offers a better prognosis, reduces the potential
for chronic disease, hearing loss, and gives earlier relief for
any discomfort your companion may have. Any discharge, odour, excess
scratching, pawing, or rubbing at the ears, redness, pain, swelling,
or masses may indicate an infection or other abnormality.
To clean normal ears, choose a mild ear-cleaner specifically for
use on your companion. Do not use vinegar, alcohol, or hydrogen
peroxide routinely. These substances can be irritating to some dogs
and painful to an already inflamed ear canal. There are several
types of cleaners to choose from. Some cleaners break up wax, while
others dry the ear canal. There are combination products as well.
Consult a professional groomer, pet care associate, or veterinarian
for the best
options for your companion.
Ear cleaning starts with good general grooming. Excess, dirty, or
matted hair should be removed from around the ear canal and the
ear flap. Heavy, matted, or constantly moist ear flaps, surrounding
hair, and excessively hairy ear canals will decrease air flow to
the ear canal, trap wax and other debris, and can lead to infection.
In some animals, excess hair may need to be gently removed from
inside the ear canal by applying a ear cleaning powder to the roots
of the concerned hair before slowly plucking. This must be done
carefully to avoid canal damage and minimize discomfort. Consider
having a professional groomer or medical professional remove the
hair if needed.
After grooming the ear area, it is time to actually clean out the
ear canals. Always be gentle! The ear canals and flaps are sensitive.
Overly aggressive cleaning can actually cause damage to the delicate
ear structures. Pick up an ear flap and dribble a small amount (a
few drops) of the appropriate ear cleaning solution into the ear.
The solution should flow down deep into the canal. Massage gently
at the ear base for 10-20 seconds- you will probably hear the solution
"squish" around as you massage. This should not be painful
for your companion. If it is, have him or her examined by your veterinarian.
Repeat the cleaning procedure with the other ear canal. After massaging,
stand back and let your companion shake his or her head to bring
softened wax up and out of the ear canals. Use clean cotton balls
to gently wipe along the canal, removing any wax, debris, or cleaning
solution you see. For small dogs, you may need to use cotton balls
that have been pulled in half. Avoid cotton swabs, unless your companion
will be very still and allow ear care without moving the head. Even
in that case, never place the swab any farther into the ear canal
than you can see. A cotton swab placed too deeply or forcefully
into the ear can cause permanent ear drum damage, pain, and hearing
loss.
How often you will need to clean depends on your companion’s
breed, hair coat, activities, age, and amount of ear wax he or she
produces. Most dogs with normal ears should have a cleaning at least
once a month. Others may need more frequent cleanings, especially
those that swim or get the ears wet regularly.
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Yes, any excess mucous, secretions, tears, or matter should be routinely
cleaned from these areas. Most animal companions will collect a
small amount of eye secretion or debris at the inside eye lid corners,
just like we do. Some breeds, especially many toy dogs, can produce
a large amount of tear or debris and may also have chronic hair
staining at the eyelid corners from proteins in the tears. However,
be sure NOT to mistake an eye infection or other problem for "normal"
eye secretions. If your companion has any eye redness, swelling,
pain, excess discharge, loss of vision, changes from normal eye
ball appearance, excess blinking or pawing at the eyes, he or she
may have an infection or problem. If you have any concerns about
your companion's eyes, see your veterinarian immediately.
To clean normal tears or debris from the eyelids, use a moistened,
soft, clean cloth, cotton ball, or tissue to gently wipe any secretions
away with eye cleaning solution. Avoid rubbing or touching the eyeball,
as this can cause injury to delicate eye structures. If a large
amount of debris has built up, you may need to soak the area with
your moist cloth to soften the secretions before removal. Some companions
may need this cleaning repeated daily. Many breeds with long facial
hair will greatly benefit from careful trimming or grooming to keep
hair out of the eyes. If you choose to trim this hair yourself,
use care to avoid injury to the eye or eyelids. Consider using a
professional groomer as well.
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