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Do Your Homework Before Buying From A Breeder
I’m an advocate for adoption vs. buying when it comes to adding a new pet to your home, but for those looking for purebred puppies through a 
breeder, here are some points to check out:
- Breeder should breed puppies that are mentally, genetically and physically healthy. They should have paperwork available for you to review to show screening that’s been done to ensure health of puppy’s parents.
- The breeder should allow you to meet the puppy’s parents.
- They should stay in touch with you and follow up to ensure the puppy you purchased from them is doing well.
- Breeder should require puppy be spayed/neutered unless the puppy will participate in dog shows.
- They should thoroughly screen prospective pet parents and require that puppy be given a secure, loving home.
- Puppies should be well socialized prior to going to their permanent homes.
- The breeder should be willing to take back the dog for any reason for the life of the dog.
Information for this post from Your Dog, April 2011.
Most Common Canine Diseases
Whole Dog Journal published some interesting statistics from a Banfield Pet Hospital study of their patients in 2010.
One of the most startling stats was a 32 percent increase in canine diabetes. A leading cause of diabetes in dogs is obesity. Obesity was one of the leading diagnoses in dogs in 2010, correlating with the diabetes increase.
Dental disease is also very common, affecting 3/4 of all dogs over age 3. Dental disease can lead to other problems like heart and kidney disease. Many small breeds like Toy Poodles and Pomeranians pare very prone to dental problems.
Flea infestation has increased 16 percent since 2006. Tick problems have also risen 6 percent in the last five years. This tick increase undoubtedly led to double the number of dogs diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the last five years.
Ear infections were the second most diagnosed illness in dogs, increasing 9.4 percent since 2006. Infections are often linked to allergies, with some dog breeds more susceptible to them. Beagles, Bassett Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers are a few breeds most often impacted.
Heart worm disease is also on the rise. Cases have been found in all states, but Southern states have the highest number of cases.
Knowing what’s ailing our dogs can help us watch for signs of trouble. It’s important to pay close attention to subtle signs your dog may not be feeling well. Annual, or twice yearly exams get help nip problems in the bud.
Is something ailing your dog?
What’s Ailing Your Dog?
According to VPI, a leading pet insurance provider, following is the list of top 10 medical conditions dogs suffered with in 2010:
1. Ear infections
2. Skin allergies
3. Skin infection/hot spots
4. Gastritis/vomiting
5. Enteritis/diarrhea
6. Arthritis
7. Bladder infections
8. Soft tissue trauma
9. Benign tumor
10. Hypothyroidism
VPI reports that policyholders spent almost $43 million treating these conditions.
Source: Your Dog, May 2011
Sunscreen for Dogs? Seriously?
Jessie, the sun-kissed dog: Well, as summer begins to tailspin into fall, I still want to take every opportunity to worship the sun and maintain my sexy glow. Now that the kiddos in the neighborhood are back in school, I have the pool side to myself. Tried to get that darned house cat of ours to serve me some fun umbrella drinks, but he wants nothing to do with that. Geez! Is putting sunscreen on me really such a big deal?
What? Are you freaked out about a dog wearing sunscreen? Just like humans, we need protection from the sun and its potentially-damaging UV rays. Dogs can, in fact, get sunburned. In fact, dogs are quite sensitive when it comes to sun exposure, and those dogs with lighter-colored coats really need some protection from the sun. If dogs are over-exposed to the sun, it can lead to serious sunburns, ulcerations, autoimmune skin diseases, and other problems. They can even get skin cancer.
As with humans, it is best to limit time spent in the sun or just stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even in the winter…as snow reflects the sun!
When deciding on which sunscreen protection factor to use on your dog, you should take into consideration the length of his hair, the color of his coat, and his skin. Lighter-skinned dogs, as well as those with shorter hair, will require a greater protection factor cream. If you have a long-haired dog but cut its hair short for the summer, you will need to take that into consideration, as well.
Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about the proper sun protection product you can use on your dog. To prevent any possible allergic reaction, opt for the fragrance-free kind. DO NOT USE HUMAN SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS! Those may contain zinc oxide, which is toxic to dogs.
Use sunscreen on your dog whenever you would use it on yourself. To apply it, use a sponge or your hands…and don’t forget the nose, tummy, and private parts! If you are using a spray version, be careful not to let it get into your dog’s eyes!
Now, enjoy the sun, but be careful! And be sure to tip that darned cat a dime or two if he brings you a soda and some dog biscuits! We have to keep him around to do all the dirty work, you know! Being a sun goddess takes time and energy!
(Thanks to vetinfo.com for this cool information!)
Keeping a preventative eye on heart worm disease
Jessie, top dog: Oh, the dreaded heart worm tablet. Groan. I took one last month. Do I have to take another one?
Bolt, the adorable Yorkie-Poo: You know, I never really liked taking those things, either, but after my recent visit to the vet to get all of my annual shots, she told me that if I did not take the monthly heartworm preventative, the risks of contracting this potentially fatal disease are greatly increased. Did you know that it only takes one heart-worm carrying mosquito to infect a pet? Adult heartworms can actually survive in dogs for up to seven years and in cats for a few months or up to several years.
Even if your pet is taking the monthly heartworm preventative, it is important to have your vet check him annually. There have been reported cases of a pet contracting heartworm disease even when taking the monthly prevention measures. Conventional treatment for dogs that contract heartworm includes several expensive visits to the vet for x-rays, blood tests, and injections. Not fun. It is estimated that 95% of dogs diagnosed with this disease are successfully treated.
The common signs of heartworm disease are a persistent cough, sudden weight loss, weakness, and difficulty in breathing. Please immediately consult your vet if your pet displays any of these symptoms, and please be sure to have your pet visit his veterinarian regularly for preventative measures. There are some topical medications that provide protection from heartworms, fleas and ear mites.
The experts of Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City will be happy to help you find a local veterinarian for your pet.
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