Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are our friends, companions and often our guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on us for their well-being, it is our responsibility to look after them properly.
One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans. Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild dogs eat fresh meat that they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.
Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.
Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for health, but the dearer brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to supplement whatever is missing from their diet.
A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big bone will help to clean your dog's teeth.
Regular worming will also help to keep your pet in top condition. Shots for distemper, heartworm, parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement. Your vet will need to administer the shots, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer when the dog is hungry. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.
Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately.
Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny cute puppy, simply through blood loss. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem.
If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Your pet's life may depend on it! Grass ticks cause itchy lumps that can become infected when scratched. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath.
Learn all about the husky puppies on Don's site
Adopting a puppy – step by step guide
So you have decided you want a puppy? You have done all your homework to decide the breed you want and you know you have the finances, time and energy to take care of it. Next step is to find a breeder and purchase a puppy.
Be warned...purchasing a puppy from a breeder can be fraught with risks. As in any business there are those breeders who are genuine, who care for their animals and whose reputation is important to them and others, often known as backyard breeders, who are only interested in making a fast buck. It is now up to you to find a honest and reliable breeder.
Step 1 – Research
Do some research before contacting any breeders. Here are some useful resources:
1. Contact the kennel club of the breeds you are interested in and request a list of their breeders.
2. Search on the internet for breeding kennels
3. Ask friends who have dogs of that breed where they purchased them from and if they are happy with their chosen dog.
4. Shows are another place where you can meet breeders and see their animals, both in a show environment and in kennels before and after the show. Just remember this is a busy time for the breeder and they may not have a lot of time to chat. Get their details, observe their animals and contact them at a less busy time.
Step 2 - A close look
Visit the breeders facilities before even choosing a puppy to see how the animals are cared for. Do not buy the first puppy you see. A good breeder will want to ensure you are a suitable owner just as much as you want to ensure they breed quality animals. Look for clean facilities with healthy, clean dogs that are free of parasites. The dogs should behave in a manner you would wish your future dog to behave e.g., if the majority dogs appear to be timid and afraid it is a safe bet any pups will be of a similar disposition.
Ask the breeder questions...
- How long have they been breeding dogs?
- What is the pedigree of the animal you are considering purchasing.
- Are both parents at the kennel?
- Are there veterinary certificates available for both parents and offspring?
- What screening has been done for any common health issues for the particular breed?
- What guarantee will they offer if the pup proves to have any major health issues within a short time of purchase?
The breeder should also ask you questions like...
- Do you have a house/yard suitable for the animal?
- Do you have the time to care for it?
- Are you fully aware of what is required to care for the animal?
- Will the dog be a pet or for breeding/showing?
- Do you have children and their ages?
Step 3 – Buy
Breeders are well within their rights to refuse to sell a pup to anyone they consider not suitable as an owner of their dogs.
A sales agreement should be signed by both parties outlining the obligations of both purchaser and seller.
The breeder will possibly offer advice on feeding, grooming, health care and equipment you may need as well as a schedule for all necessary immunizations.
A reputable breeder will also ensure you do not take your puppy home too early to ensure it gets early socialization with its siblings. A puppy removed from its litter too early may fear other dogs for the rest of its life. While six weeks is the time many puppies are taken to new homes, many breeders prefer to retain the pup until they are around nine weeks old.
Step 4 – Enjoy your new puppy
Once you have collected your puppy keep in touch with the breeder as they will be a fountain of knowledge for you regarding your new dog and often like to keep track of their animals.
If you do all your homework and purchase from a reputable breeder you will have a dog that will be a wonderful part of your family for the next 12 to 15 years. Enjoy...
Teaching Bite Inhibition to Shih Tzu Puppies
Shih Tzu puppies, like children, will never be perfect in behaviors. A certain amount of tolerance is expected, but it is well to understand a Shih Tzu puppy's messages so you can react to reshape unwanted behaviors when limits are exceeded.
All puppies are "mouthy" during the teething process, however, there are exceptions in that you will encounter Shih Tzu puppies that just won't take no for an answer and keeps chomping on people's hands instead of those objects given him to chew on.
First try to understand what nipping means to a Shih Tzu puppy. Put yourself in the shoes of a Shih Tzu puppy. A six to eight week old Shih Tzu puppy finds itself a reasonably confident navigator of its environment. The Shih Tzu puppy may try to explore everything it can and uses one tool with which to investigate its environment – its mouth, not much unlike a small human toddler. To a Shih Tzu puppy, its mouth is like a hand used for exploration of its environment. Generally speaking at this time, the Shih Tzu puppy is not at all vicious or mentally disturbed because they display mouthing behaviors. In fact, this is a very normal behavior in which Shih Tzu puppies use to discover and explore their surroundings.
Shih Tzu puppies direct their first oral attentions to their mother's soft underbelly where they find nourishment. If a Shih Tzu puppy bites its mom too hard during nursing she will rebuke the puppy. This is the Shih Tzu puppy's first lessons in inappropriate "nipping or biting." He learns to listen to mommy. As the Shih Tzu puppy matures mouthing behaviors are directed toward littermates during play. When one puppy becomes too rough during this type of play the others usually complain loudly and withdraw. The biting Shih Tzu puppy learns to be a little easier on littermate if the fun and games are to continue. The puppy begins to learn bite inhibition. The puppies that are bitten learn to avoid the circumstances that lead to the painful consequence and that withdrawing are a good defense strategy.
Almost every Shih Tzu puppy finds itself in a new home without a disciplinary "mom," and former littermates. Instead the Shih Tzu puppy has doting human owners who must serve as parents and siblings rolled into one unit. What happens when the Shih Tzu puppy wants to play, can't find its littermates and nips a human?
A person knowledgeable about puppy matters might react like the mother dog or a littermate with a sharp rebuke, maybe with words like "Stop it" or "Ouch" or a light tap on the nose with a finger, and/or immediate withdrawal of attention. You might even respond by closing the Shih Tzu puppy's mouth tightly and saying sharply "NO BITE" then place an object that is acceptable for biting into the Shih Tzu puppy's mouth.
Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Designer Dog Clothes are offered on the website.
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