Dog's Sweaters and Coats

While your dog goes out walking he might need protection against winter cold. The universal rule is: when you put on a topcoat yourself, set a sweater or coat on your dog if he is used to living in a heated house. Naturally, when he is let out for a couple of minutes to scamper around the yard or when he goes for a walk on a mild day, he does not need to be bundled up. But if he is out for any duration of time, or walked in cold or wind, he must wear a covering.

 

Should each dog wear a sweater or coat? The bigger, long-haired breeds don't need clothing of any type, particularly when fully grown. By that time their thick undercoat, covered with a coarser outer coat, protects the body from the cold. The flimsy puppy coat, however, isn't weather-resistant. Hence, if your pet is still bearing his puppy coat on his first winter, keep him moving outdoors and dry him well when his hair gets wet. For the fine-haired, thin-skinned, small breeds kept as house pets, these would require sweaters or coats on cold days.

 

Pet shops typically stock several different types of sweaters and coats for dogs. When selecting one, be sure that it covers the dog's chest, since this is the part that calls for the most protection. Fancy forms that are made of flimsy materials might be pretty to look at but are not much protection against the cold. Raincoats serve another purpose, naturally, and protect the neck and back including the chest. These save the owner loads of work, too, since a dog that's walked uncovered in the rain should be dried well when he comes in.

 

Have your puppy get used to clothing of some sort while he is still young, for you never know when it might be useful. When sick, a housebroken dog often insists on going outdoors to relieve himself and, at these times, will require extra protection. Be cautious when putting on a sweater for the first few times. Don't scare the dog by pulling it over his head and ears. Rather, hold the sweater in one hand then place your other hand through the neck opening and spread it sufficiently to slip over the head softly.

By Tip Writer

First Aid for Pet Burns and Scalds

Almost all animal burns and scalds ensue from contact with direct heat like hot water, with grease, or other liquids; with chemical agents, or from gnawing on wires. A burn is induced by dry heat, like flames, while a scald is caused by damp heat—hot liquids spilled on the body, for example. Emergency treatment involves the following:

Thermal—For heat burns, help cool the area by putting on cold water or an ice pack for 20-30 minutes. Put on an antibacterial cream. Never apply butter, margarine, grease, salad oil, or other home remedies; these would just trap the heat and hold up the healing.

Chemical—For burns by corrosive chemicals, flush the skin with large amounts of cool water. If the substance contains an alkali, follow with a rinse of equal parts water and vinegar. If the substance contains an acid, follow through using a baking-soda rinse (2 to 3 tablespoons per quart of warm water).

Electrical—unplug the wire from its power source when it is still touching the dog's body. When you can not unplug the cord, cover a heavy towel around your hand or use a ruler, broom handle, or other nonconductor of electricity to force the wire out of the mouth or off from the body. Keep the dog warm and get veterinary attention right away.

Extensive outside burns from fire and scalding liquids can be a very serious emergency. Keep the dog warm and quiet and get prompt veterinary treatment.

© 2011 Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Doberman Pinscher

image via Wikipedia

The Doberman Pinscher takes his name from Louis Doberman, a German tax collector who produced the breed about 1890 by crossing shorthaired Shepherd, old English Black-and-Tan Terrier, Rottweiler, and German Pinscher stock. Popular as an outstanding watchdog, guard dog,  police and war dog, its very elegant-looking and clean of line all over. His head is long and wedge-shaped, and his ears are typically cropped and carried upright. His eyes are almond-shaped instead of round, and his lips are tight. The back is short, and the tail docked, while the smooth, hard coat fits close to the skin.

WEIGHT: 55-75 pounds

HEIGHT: males 26-28 inches; females 24-26 inches

COLOR: black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella) with rust markings.

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Bullmastiff

image via Wikipedia

A mixture of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog, the Bullmastiff was bred in England about 1860 to guard large estates and game preserves free from poachers. Fearless and obedient, they kept company gamekeepers on their late-night rounds. Since they were less visible, the darker brindles were favored to the more common fawn colors. Here is a powerful-looking, short-backed, compact dog having a large, broad head, dark eyes, and a fair quantity of wrinkle on the black-masked face. Ears are V-shaped and carried near the cheeks. The tail, powerful at the root and tapering to the end, might be short or curved. The coat is short and compact, affording good weather protection.

WEIGHT: males 110-130 pounds; females 100-120 pounds

HEIGHT: males 25-27 inches; females 24-26 inches

COLOR: red, fawn, or brindle.

By Tip Writer

Bernese Mountain Dog

image via Wikipedia

The ancestors of this breed were brought in to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago by invading Roman soldiers. The dogs acted as watchdogs on farms in the canton of Berne who worked as drovers, drawing wagons for basket weavers. A good-looking, strong-boned dog, the Bernese has a long, silky jet-black coat having rust markings on the cheeks and spots over each eye, on all four legs, on each side of the chest, and under the tail. A white blaze graces the muzzle and forehead, white chest markings form an inverted cross, and there is white on the tip of the tail and the feet.

WEIGHT. 80-110 pounds

HEIGHT: males 24 1/2-27 1/2 inches; females 22 1/2-25 1/2 inches

COLOR: black with rich rust and clear white markings. 

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Alaskan Malamute

image via Wikipedia

The Malamute, among the oldest of Arctic sled dogs, was named after the native Innuit tribe, called Mahlemuts, who took root in the north-western part of Alaska. Originally developed to hunt wolves and polar bears, and to haul sledges, in recent years he has been utilized for sled-dog racing and in polar expeditions. They are big and sturdy, having a broad and powerful head, upright triangular-shaped ears, slanting eyes, and distinctive face markings comprising of a cap over the head, with the rest of the face a solid color—or a face marked with the look of a mask. Its feet are the "snowshoe" type, tight and deep, with well-cushioned pads. Its thick and coarse coat is rather short.

WEIGHT: 75-85 pounds

HEICHT: 23-25 inches

COLOR: light gray through intermediate shadings to black with white. 

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Rottweiler

image via Wikipedia

When Roman legions got across the Alps almost 2,000 years ago, they employed this breed's Mastiff-type ancestors as guards and cattle drovers. In time these dogs spread out across the Alps into the southern German village of Rottweil, where they were developed with local dogs to create the Rottweiler. For centuries thenceforth, this robust dog drove cattle to market and functioned as a guard and police dog. Its a stockily built, strong animal, calm and quiet. Its back is short, broad and level, his chest spacious, legs straight, with muscular thighs and quite heavy boned. The head is broad between the ears, with muzzle about as long as the depth of the skull. Its almond-shaped eyes bear a good-humored expression, while its small ears hang flat. The coat is short but really dense and hard.

WEIGHT: 85-110 pounds

HEIGHT: males 24-27 inches; females 22-25 inches

COLOR: black with rust to mahogany markings.

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Newfoundland

image via Wikipedia

Some authorities lay claim he is descended from Great Pyrenees dogs brought by Basque fishermen to the coast of Newfoundland; others consider his ancestors are French Boarhounds. An exceptionally powerful swimmer, it has saved many shipwrecked individuals from drowning. Strength is his trademark, together with a funny rolling gait. The body is strongly built and well-boned, the forelegs straight, the hind legs brawny and well-muscled. The head is massive having a broad skull, the muzzle broad and deep, eyes dark and deep-set, and small ears set well back and lying near the head. The tail drops straight or with a slight curve, while the coat is quite heavy and weather-resistant.

WEIGHT: 100-150 pounds

HEIGHT: 26-28 inches

COLOR: black, brown, grey, or white and black (Landseer). 

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Kuvasz

image via Wikipedia

The Kuvasz is an ancient breed whose ancestors came from Tibet, named after the Turkish Kwaz, meaning “the armed guard of nobility,” It was bred in his present form in Hungary and attained great  prominence throughout the reign of King Matthias I in the 15th century. There it served as a sheep herder and protected noblemen against assaults by the populace. He is characterized by a tough build. His body is deep-chested, broad in back, heavy-boned and muscular, and is embraced with luxurious white hair. His head, regarded to be the most beautiful part of the breed, is complemented by beautiful dark brown, moderately slanted eyes and V-shaped ears.

WEIGHT: males 100-115 pounds; females 70-90 pounds

HEIGHT: males 28-30 inches; females 26-28 inches

COLOR: white.

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Great Pyrenees

image via Wikipedia

The Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an ancient breed that comes from the earliest-known Asian Mastiffs. It was named after the Pyrenees Mountains, where it worked as a shepherd dog and protected its flocks from wolves and bears. It was a darling of the French royal court in the 17th century. Immense size and a majestic air differentiate the Great Pyrenees. Its head is large and wedge-shaped, measuring about 10 to 12 inches from dome to nose; with sloping dark eyes and V-shaped ears. Its body is strong, his bushy tail long and low when relaxed, but curled high over the back and "making the wheel" while alert. Its coat is his crowning glory—heavy and fine underneath, having a top layer of thick, coarser hair, straight or a bit wavy.

WEIGHT: males 100-125 pounds; females 90-115 pounds

HEIGHT: males 27-32 inches; females 25-29 inches

COLOR: all white, or principally white with markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of tan. 

 By: Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Great Dane

image via Wikipedia

The Great Dane sprang up in Germany, not in Denmark as one might conjecture, and has been recognized as a distinct type for over 400 years. The growing of the modern type began in Germany in the 19th century, where they were used as a boarhound, and continued in England and the U.S. Its a giant breed, dignified and regal, having a powerful, well-formed body. Its head is long, narrow, and delicately chiselled, his muzzle deep and square with full flews. The eyes are typically dark and quite bright; the ears must be well-pointed and set erect when cropped, otherwise they drop forward near the cheeks. The coat is short, thick, and glossy.

WEIGHT: 120-160 pounds

HEIGHT: males over 30 inches; females over 28 inches

COLOR: brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (pure white with black patches).

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher takes his name from Louis Doberman, a German tax collector who produced the breed about 1890 by crossing shorthaired Shepherd, old English Black-and-Tan Terrier, Rottweiler, and German Pinscher stock. Popular as an outstanding watchdog, guard dog,  police and war dog, its very elegant-looking and clean of line all over. His head is long and wedge-shaped, and his ears are typically cropped and carried upright. His eyes are almond-shaped instead of round, and his lips are tight. The back is short, and the tail docked, while the smooth, hard coat fits close to the skin.

WEIGHT: 55-75 pounds

HEIGHT: males 26-28 inches; females 24-26 inches

COLOR: black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella) with rust markings. 

By: Tip Writer

Toy Dogs: Pomeranian

image via Wikipedia

This is a member of the Spitz family. This perky dog's name traces to Pomerania, where, around a century ago, it was bred down in size. Its ancestors were the northern sled dogs of Iceland and Lapland. When first presented to England during the mid-nineteenth century, some breeds weighed as much as 30 pounds. Despite its tiny size today, it has retained its make and shape. The Pom's body is short and dense having a level topline. A foxy head, small upright ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, thick coat, and crested tail laid flat over the back complete the picture.

WEIGHT: 3-7 pounds

HEIGHT: 6-7 inches

COLOR: any solid color, with or without lighter or darker shadings of the same color, or with sable or black shadings; particolor; sable; black and tan.

By: Tip Writer

Pekingese

image via Wikipedia

The Pekingese was sacred to Chinese emperors as far back as the Tang dynasty of the 8th century. Thieving of a sacred dog was at one time punishable by death. After the British looted the Imperial Palace at Peking in 1860, one of four dogs smuggled out was gifted to Queen Victoria and a vogue began. Here is a dignified toy with bravery far beyond his size. Its head is broad and massive, muzzle super short, broad, and wrinkled. The eyes are dark and prominent. The body is deep, compact, big-boned, and lionlike—heavier in the front than in back. The short forelegs are strange in that the bones of the forearm are bowed. The feathered tail rests back to either side, and the coarse, thick coat has a lush mane which forms a ruff or frill around the neck.

WEIGHT: under 14 pounds

HEIGHT: 6-9 inches

COLOR: red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white, and parti-colored, frequently with black mask and spectacles.

By Tip Writer

Toy Dogs: Japanese Chin

image via Wikipedia

The Japanese Chin was the spoiled pet of Oriental royalty for centuries and was allowed to associate only with those of noble birth. Commodore Perry first presented them to the West in 1853. A lively, well-bred fellow, the Chin spells quality from nose to tail. Its head is big for his size, having a broad skull rounded in front. His dark lustrous eyes are striking and set wide apart, while his small V-shaped ears fall gradually forward. His muzzle is broad, full, and quite short. The body is square and dense, legs exquisitely boned and tail heavily feathered and set up over the back. The long and silky coat has an inclination to stand out, particularly around the neck, so as to produce a thick mane or ruff.

WEIGHT: 5-7 pounds

HEIGHT: about 10 inches

COLOR: black and white or red and white.

By Tip Writer

Toy Dogs: English Toy Spaniel

image via Wikipedia

English Toy Spaniels, perhaps native to Japan or China, was well known for four centuries in England, where they were pets and darlings of royalty. There are 4 kinds, similar in type but different in color. They're compact and short-bodied dogs, relatively broad in chest. The strange skull is well-domed, with large, dark, widely set eyes. The stop, or indentation between the eyes, is remarkably deep—deep enough to bury a small marble in it—while the short nose is somewhat turned up, as is the under jaw. The coat is long, silky, and wavy.

WEIGHT: 9-12 pounds

HEIGHT: about 10 inches

COLOR: King Charles— black and tan; Prince Charles—white, black, and tan; Blenheim—red and white; Ruby—solid red. 

Italian Greyhound

image via Wikipedia

Believed to have originated in the Mediterranean basin around 2,000 years ago, the Italian Greyhound was a darling of European sovereigns, including Francis I of France,  Catherine the Great of Russia, Frederick the Great of Prussia, and Queen Victoria. He is elegant, slender and graceful, a true Greyhound in miniature. The head is long and narrow, the eyes dark and expressive and the muzzle fine. The small ears are tossed back and folded. The body is arching over the loin, the chest is deep, and the tail is long and carried low. The legs are exquisitely boned, having long feet like those of a rabbit. The hair is satiny and soft to the touch, thin and glossy.

WEIGHT: 6-10 pounds

HEIGHT: 13-15 inches

COLOR: any color and markings, sans brindle and tan markings.

By TipWriter

Chihuahua

image via Wikipedia

The world's smallest breed of dog begets his name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. His origins are a mystery, although relics from the ancient Toltec civilization inside northern Mexico show small dogs having large ears that closely resemble modern Chihuahuas. He is all dog, alert and active. He bears a well-rounded "apple-dome" skull, with lean cheeks and jaw, and somewhat pointed nose. His ears are huge, typically erect and flaring slightly outward; his eyes are full and shining. The back is short, the bones relatively fine, the tail moderately long and carried away from the body. There are two coat types, smooth and long.

WEIGHT: under 6 pounds

HEIGHT: about 5 inches

COLOR: any color, solid, marked, or splashed. 

By TipWriter

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon was produced fairly recently from numerous breeds, among them the German Affenpinscher, the Pug, the Belgian street dog and the Ruby Spaniel. He was an efficient ratter in his native Belgium, but here he is generally a pet and companion. He is short-backed and chunky, with a virtually human expression. The domed forehead bulges over large, wide set eyes, and the ears stand semierect. The nose is exceedingly short and tipped up, the muzzle broad. Bushy eyebrows, whiskers, and cheek fringes complete a curious but appealing picture. There are two distinguishable types of coat: rough and smooth.

WEIGHT: 8-10 pounds

HEIGHT: about 8 inches

COLOR: reddish brown, black, or black with reddish-brown markings.

Toy Dogs: Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

image via Wikipedia

This pert short fellow is known as the "monkey dog" due to its big bright eyes, prominent chin, bushy eyebrows, and hair tufts about the face. Its shaggy coat is hard and wiry. His tail is docked and sported straight up. The ears stand upright when cropped. The breed was known in Europe since the seventeenth century.

WEIGHT: about 7-8 pounds

HEIGHT: under 10 1/4 inches

COLOR: black, black and tan, red, or gray.

How to groom an Affenpinscher:

Toy Dog Breed: Shih Tzu

Its origins are a bit obscure, but the Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed-zoo) originated centuries ago, probably in Tibet or China. Its semblance is portrayed in paintings and objects d'art of the Tang dynasty, dating approximately A.D. 624. The breed was known as the "chrysanthemum-faced" dog since its facial hair grew in all directions. Its princely, long and flowing coat, heavily plumed tail, long mandarin beard, and clearly arrogant carriage give the Shih Tzu a beguiling appearance.

WEIGHT: 9-18 pounds

HEIGHT. 8-11 inches

COLOR: varied

By Tip Writer

Toy Dog Breed: Silky Terrier

image credit 

Named after his fine silky coat, this tiny dog from Australia was once called the Sydney Silky, later the Australian Silky. Derived primarily from Australian Terriers interbred with Yorkshire Terriers, he was first shown in his native land in 1907. A fascinating little fellow of marked terrier character and spirit, he is a lightly built, reasonably low-set dog, with strong, straight forelegs, well-muscled thighs, and having a high-set tail that is sported erect or semierect.

WEIGHT 8-10 pounds

HEIGHT: 9-10 inches

COLOR: blue and tan. 

By Tip Writer

Toy Dog Breed: Yorkshire Terrier

image credit

Named for the English county of Yorkshire, this terrier was produced by workers about 1860 to control rats in mines and mills. He hails back to Waterside Terriers, rough-coated Black-and-Tans, Paisley and Clydesdale terriers. A popular pet in Victorian times, this is a spunky little dog, covered from top to toe with a wealth of glossy, silky hair that's parted down the back and hangs directly to the floor on each side. The body is short and dense with a level topline. The head is small, relatively flat on top, having a short muzzle, dark and sparkling eyes, and small V-shaped ears that are carried upright.  It is also called the Yorkie and is considered one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

WEIGHT: under 7 pounds

HEIGHT. 7-8 inches

COLOR: steel blue and tan. 

By Tip Writer

Teaching Your Dog to Shake Hands

image credit: Petwiki

Even a young pup can learn to "shake hands" since it takes no special strength or skill. It's natural for any dog to lift a paw in greeting or to attract attention. The aim is to make him put out one paw once you tell him to do so.

Now we will stress the importance of the Sit and the Sit-Stay exercises. When your puppy hasn't learned these, teach them first. You'll have to use them constantly. In the Sit, of course, the dog sits alongside you facing straight ahead, while in the Sit-Stay he sits and stays seated as you walk away from him.

Order the leashed pup to Sit-Stay, as you stand facing him. Now stand quite close and a little to one side. Lean toward him. This would make him draw back and raise one foot. If he doesn't raise his foot, tap it softly. Whichever paw he raises as you lean over him, take that paw in your hand and shake it gently as you say "Shake hands!"

 

There appears to be right-handed and left-handed dogs, so at the beginning you never know which "hand" you are going to shake. Take the one extended, then later you can teach the pup to shake first with one and then the other. After you shake the first, say "Now the other one!" If he still offers the same paw, just nudge the other one and he would give it to you. Remember the phrase "Good Rover" as you grant him a tidbit. As this trick is mastered—it won't take long—stand far from the dog instead of near him, and lastly, do it without the leash.

 

By TipWriter 

Competing in Dog Shows

When you take your dog to a show for the first time, this is what you do. Show your ticket at the entrance gate, which admits you and your dog. Nowadays, most shows are "unbenched," which implies that the dogs can come anytime before their scheduled classes and leave right away after, as long as they're no longer needed for additional judging. Some shows are "benched," which means that the dogs have to stay in designated stalls all day long, except when they're being groomed or judged. When the show is benched, the number on your ticket is your dog's bench number.

Be alert in taking your dog into the ring at the right time. You got a timetable in the mail with your ticket, and it gives the beginning for judging of your breed. Be ready in plenty of time, but allow your dog to relax until just before his class, so he would be clean and fresh. You will get a numbered armband at the ring entrance, and next you are in the ring.

A dog show is a series of contests, each more difficult than the last. Judging always starts with the Puppy dog class. When the class has assembled, the judge generally stands in the center and observes the handlers gait their dogs counterclockwise two or three times round the ring. He then motions them to stop. The handlers then pose their dogs at one side of the ring and the judge checks the dogs one by one. Afterward he asks each handler to move his dog in different patterns, so that he can appraise the animal's gait. As the judge examines each dog, he is finding out how closely it compares, in his opinion, with the breed standard. The judge awards first, second, third, and fourth places.

The Novice dog class is judged next in the equivalent manner, and after that the Bred-by-Exhibitor dog, American-Bred dog, and Open dog classes. When the dog classes are ended, the first-place winners get back into the ring and the judge picks the Winner's Dog.

The same class routine is repeated for the bitches, ending with the judge's choice of Winner's Bitch. The dogs that are named Winner's Dog and Winner's Bitch earn points toward their championship. When the regular classes are ended, additional competition carries on between Winner's Dog, Winner's Bitch, and the male and female Champions of Record. From these, the judge picks out Best of Breed, Best of Winners, and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed.

In an all-breed show, there's an additional competition resulting in one dog being distinguished as the best in the show. Each Best of Breed winner competes inside his group: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-sporting, and Herding. The seven group winners then compete for the grand prize, Best in Show.

Now, this might seem complex. Don't be demoralized. You don't have to understand it all immediately. Actually, if your dog wins first in his class, or even second, third, or fourth, you have every right to rejoice. You can take the ribbon home and show it to your friends with pride . If you win nothing, it's OK; there will be other days, different shows where you and your dog could try once more. But you do not have to keep showing him if you don't want to. Just one show alone would be an interesting experience. Later you can march again if you wish, and learn bit by bit as you go along.

If there's a dog club in your neighborhood, get in touch with the secretary, who would tell you something about the meetings of the group. You'll be welcome to attend, and can learn much about dogs, shows, grooming and general care, and dog breeding as well.

 

By Tip Writer

Feeding the Puppies and the Mother Dog

image via Wikipedia

On the first few hours after delivery, find out to see that the mother dog bears a sufficient milk supply for the pups. The nursing period begins with the secretion of a watery-milky fluid known as colostrum. On the first twenty-four hours of life, newborn puppies get antibodies from their mother's colostrum which protect them against particular diseases for the first few weeks of life. If the mother doesn't have enough milk, or if there's too large a litter for her to attend to, then you should give extra bottle feedings.

You could use a commercial dog bitch's milk replacer like Esbilac, or you could make your own formula using two teaspoons Karo syrup, two cups whole milk, and two egg yolks. You may also use two parts of evaporated milk to one of water, putting a small amount of Karo syrup and the yolk of an egg. thoroughly mix  and keep the formula inside the refrigerator, heating whatever amount is utilized at every feeding. A puppy nursing bottle or small doll's nursing bottle may be used for hand-feeding. A baby lamb nipple or the anticolic nipple employed for premature babies is the best type for puppies. Be sure that the hole allows the formula to pass through easily but not too fast. For pups raised entirely by hand, the feedings must be given every four to five hours round the clock.

For hand-fed puppies, it is crucial after each nursing to get a swab of cotton, dip it in warm water, and massage the puppy between its hind legs till it has urinated and had a bowel movement. These substitutes as the mother's washing, which maintains the pup clean and the bowels open.

For the first day or two after the whelping, feed the mother meat, egg, milk, and other soft foods. She will decline bulkier food, which will make her have to leave the puppies more a great deal. Soon dog meal may be added. She needs even more food now than when she was in whelp. Ask your vet about extra vitamins and minerals that might be needed. As time goes on, the matron will require more food throughout lactation; she is feeding her growing litter as well as herself, and she must be well-nourished if she's to make sufficient milk for her brood. Feed her a minimum of three times every day plus a bedtime snack if she desires it.

By Tip Writer

Is Your Female Dog Fit to Mate?

image credit

You don't have to be a professional dog breeder, but you might consider mating your female dog once or twice, particularly if she has a good temperament, is healthy, free from severe hereditary faults, and is from a good bloodline. Whelping and raising a litter of pups is quite an experience that would teach you a great deal about the ways and wonders of nature.

First, make sure that your female is normal, average-sized for her breed, not too fat or too thin, and in excellent physical condition. You could have her examined by a vet one to two months prior to her heat period is expected. Ask him whether he regards her fit for mating. The odds are that she is, but it's wise to get an expert's ruling. If the vet gives her a clean bill of health, then go for it.

The female's capacity to reproduce is decided by a heat cycle which holds up about twenty-one days and may begin sometime after the age of six months. However, a lot of bitches— particularly the giant breeds—attain the age of twelve months or more before they get their first heat cycle.

The age at the first mating is crucial. With age, the bones turn out to be more set and rigid, hence a female bred for the first time at 4 or 5 years of age could have trouble in delivering the pups. Hence, if you plan to breed your female, do it when she is young. Not too young, though. It's unwise to breed a female that's between 6 and 12 months old when she has her 1st season. Most females are not mature enough to manage a litter at this age, and it gets to be a strain on them both physically and mentally. It's better to wait for the next or third season. If you're confused, seek your vet's advice about the right age to breed, especially with large and giant breeds, where it may be wise to wait till the third season (around two years of age) or later, when the female would be fully grown and sexually mature.

 

By Tip Writer

What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea

Diarrhea often ensues from several systemic and other problems. It's occasionally caused by bad feeding. If it occurs only once or twice, it could be nothing more than a slight intestinal upset. A sudden shift in diet can bring it on; a swap from one brand of food to another is best done over a period of a few days, the new food gradually blended in increasing amounts with the old. Often diarrhea results from nervousness or fear brought on by unaccustomed journeys or exhilaration. Spoiled food, likewise, will cause it.

Diarrhea can be an sign of canine distemper or canine parvovirus, in which case the fecal matter emit a particularly foul odor. Intestinal parasites like hookworms and whipworms are also a chief cause. Serious diarrhea involving numerous daily evacuations, evil-smelling or blood-streaked stools, must be treated right away by a veterinarian.

Mild or casual cases may be eased by the same treatment as for vomiting: withholding food and water for 12 to 24 hours, giving only ice cubes to lick, then extending water gradually, after a period of time. At the same time, Kaopectate or Donnagel, given based on your veterinarian's instructions, will help to stop the diarrhea and calm the stomach. Begin giving bland food after twenty-four hours.

By Tip Writer

Dog Health Issues: Vomiting

Vomiting often happens in dogs of all ages since the dog can vomit at will. When you dose him with a foul-tasting medicine, he might throw it up simply because he doesn't like the flavor. Give him a piece of candy and probably he will throw this up as well. Occasional vomiting, hence, may just show dislike. It's often induced by grass which the dog eats when his stomach feels uncomfortable.

 

Frequent vomiting, nevertheless, can be a symptom of several diseases, among them canine distemper, kidney and liver disease, canine parvovirus, pancreatitis, and bloat (gastric dilation/torsion complex), also digestive upsets. Overloading the stomach is a popular cause; the cure, give less food fed at more frequent intervals. Relentless vomiting of just a little food may entail a change in diet is necessary. Worms can also be responsible; eliminating them solves the problem. Then there are what may be known as mechanical causes, among them poisoning and drug intoxication.

 

To treat everyday vomiting, keep back food and water for 12 to 24 hours to relieve the stomach. After a period, allow the dog lick a few ice cubes when he is thirsty, then water or Gatorade can be given bit by bit in small amounts. During the fast, an antacid product having a protective coating action, like Pepto-Bismol or Maalox, would help sooth stomach upset. Give one to two teaspoons per 20 pounds of body weight every 4 to 6 hours. After 24 hours, give small quantities of bland food: two parts whole-grain rice mixed with one part lean chopped beef or chicken that was boiled to remove the fat; cottage cheese; cooked egg; or baby cereal.

Don't experiment with the persistent vomiter too long, though. Better consult your veterinarian if it does not clear up within 24 hours. And when blood is vomited, particularly a profuse quantity, or if blood clots are present in the vomitus, seek veterinary help straightaway.

By Tip Writer