Archive for July, 2009
Canine Hip Dysplasia: The Cause Is Still A Mystery To
Posted by: | CommentsCanine Hip Dysplasia: The Cause Is Still A Mystery To Veterinarians
In the early seventies, many young dogs were put to sleep after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia. It was practical choice in the old days and dog owners would agree with the decision from the veterinarian due to the understanding that "the dog would be crippled in time, for the rest of his life, or that he will not be able to hunt, track, or do obedience work because of his injured hips", according to the doctor.
Not All Veterinarians Agreed With This Diagnosis
The truth is that every young dog with hip dysplasia has a good chance of leading a normal and functioning life if nothing is done for the hips except to let time elapse until he has fully reached his maturity stage. Because of this fact, many reputable veterinarians would not perform surgery on an immature dog.
There are no published and worthwhile statistics which show that young dogs subject to such surgery turn out better than those that were not operated. Moreover, those that were left alone are still eligible to compete in dog shows, tracking, and obedience trials. Not only does experience dispute the worth or need of surgery but severing tendon or muscle in the young dog doesn't make any scientific sense. Its effect is to let the "ball" slide out of its "socket", and this creates "hip dysplasia" artificially.
When done later in life on a dog with persistent hip pain, the operation can provide immediate relief of discomfort by altering the weight-bearing surface of the hip joint. However, no worthwhile statistics have been published to show the length of time that such relief will persist or the percentage of adult dogs that were improved by surgery.
Hip Dysplasia May Not Be Genetic In Dogs
Since hip dysplasia was accepted to be genetic in humans, early researches were focused on trying to establish whether it was a dominant, recessive, or other characteristic in dogs. Sufficient statistics have accumulated to conclude that canine hip dysplasia is genetically influenced but a Swedish study on 11,036 German Shepherds showed that ten years of selective breeding not only failed to reduce the number of canine hip dysplasia offspring but also did not reduce the number of grade two or three (moderate or severe) cases.
The Swedish authors concluded that canine hip dysplasia was not as greatly genetically influenced as they formerly had thought. They found that other characteristics of the pelvic inlet were suggestive indications and that the rate of bone maturation of the dog is also important.
The Greyhound, the only breed of large dog that's not affected, has very slow bone maturation. When the Greyhound was crossed with the German Shepherd, hip dysplasia did not appear in the first generation. It was discovered that a very restricted diet, which contributes to slow growth, reduced hip dysplasia in affected breeds.
Although we still do not understand exactly the causes of canine hip dysplasia, it is reasonable to believe that a program of breeding based on the x-ray diagnosis of this condition should be carefully scrutinized.
What are dog laws like in New York state?
Posted by: | CommentsSpecifically breed laws... Are large breeds and pit bulls allowed?
Dog Grooming Q & A Session
Posted by: | CommentsAre you your dog's personal groomer? If you are, you've probably stumbled upon a grooming problem or two, or maybe you just want to confirm a specific question on how to properly groom your dog. It's possible you'll find the answer you are seeking in the following four questions.
1. By the end of summer, my Australian Shepherd's coat is always full of burrs and foxtails and I have to clip all his hairs off. How can I keep the burrs out when he runs out in the countryside all the time?
Brushing him thoroughly everyday is the only solution, although not exactly an easy job. The chances are that if you haven't done it up till now you wouldn't be inclined to keep it up. Why let him spend a miserable summer full of painful sticker only to clip his hair off just when he needs it at the beginning of a cold season?
Have him clipped short in late spring or early summer-before the weeds dry up. He'll come through the summer happier and have some hair grown back by winter.
2. I have a shaggy mixed-breed that I maintain with regular brushing and bathing, but his stools catch in the long hair and stick to his skin. I'm concerned that he will look funny if I cut the hair in that area. What can I do?
You might try regulating his diet to prevent soft stools, but in the meantime, it's better to cut the hair even if it looks funny. Be careful, though, because some dogs instinctively move toward the scissors as you touch the hair.
3. My Beagle gets a bath once a month and he scratches a lot. Is one bath monthly too often?
Once a month bathing might be too often for some dogs. Be sure you are getting all the shampoo rinsed out. Pet grooming shops use a spray hose because that's really the only way to be sure of getting all the soap out. Go to a hardware store and get one that simply pushes onto the faucet. Also, be sure that your dog gets a balanced diet for a healthy coat and skin and that he doesn't have fleas.
4. I've recently learned that there is a clip particularly for Cocker Spaniels. Should they be clipped or is it a matter of personal choice?
Any dog that is kept brushed, clean, and healthy is a good-looking dog. Clipping will turn your furry, loving dog into a gorgeous, elegant blueblood. Why not have it done just once so you'll at least know what you're missing? One advantage to having him clipped regularly is that his ears and toenails will be looked-after, and Cocker Spaniels have a tendency to have trouble with both.
Where can I find dog breeders in the New Orleans area?
Posted by: | CommentsI am finally getting a dog (Yay!) and i really want to get it from a breeder. I'd rather pick it up than have it shipped from across the country. I am not sure of what breed i want yet. I just want something that is over 10 pounds and a decent size. (i don't want to be able to step on it.) Please recommend some New Orleans area breeders. Thanks 
Burial Options: Deciding The Right Burial Option For Your Dog
Posted by: | CommentsBurial Options: Deciding The Right Burial Option For Your Dog
As we spend a decade or more with our dogs, they literally become a part of our lives, a member of our family, and the thought of them not being with us anymore can be too much to handle.
Unfortunately, this is something that will happen. It is inevitable. And while planning for our pet's final resting place is something that we would prefer not to do, it is wise to decide early on which option is the best.
Looking at your choices is difficult and can affect your better judgment when you are in the process of grieving for the loss of your pet. Therefore, deciding on which memorial option is the best for your beloved dog should taken care of long before he or she passes.
Here is a list of some of the traditional ways we lay our dogs to their final resting place:
Pet Cemetery
These are burial grounds that are usually located in a quiet, park-like area. A few of them have a special place where the remains of the owners can be buried alongside their pets. One well known pet cemetery that has been around for about 40 years is located on church grounds in New Jersey.
There are two questions that you should ask before deciding on a pet cemetery:
1. Is the owner of the property committed to keeping the land as a pet cemetery in the future? To find out, contact the county recorder's clerk and verify that the property is indeed dedicated as a pet cemetery. Otherwise, the company can legally exhume your dog and sell the land.
2. Does the cemetery charge a maintenance fee? This is to ensure proper up keeping of the burial grounds.
Cremation
Three types of pet cremations are available:
1. Individual cremation: Only one dog is cremated and the ashes can be returned to the family.
2. Private cremation: Several pets are cremated but kept in separate chambers so that the ashes can be returned to the right family.
3. Common cremation: Includes several pets and the ashes are not returned.
A respectable crematory should offer you a tour of their facility and allow you to be there during your dog's cremation. Ashes that are returned to the owners can be buried, spread in a special location, or placed in an urn.
Body disposal: Your vet will dispose of your dog's body for a minimum charge. The bodies are either incinerated or sent to a landfill. If your dog is to be cremated, ask for the name and phone number of the crematorium and call to verify that the facility works with your veterinarian.
Backyard Burial: Check your local county's regulations concerning backyard burials for your pets. Consider this question: If you think you are going to be moving in a few years, will it bother you to leave behind your dog's remains?
I've even tried some pick up lines on him, but all he does is ignore my passes and chases his tail, how rude!
Air Travel – Is Your Dog Safe When Traveling By
Posted by: | CommentsAir Travel - Is Your Dog Safe When Traveling By Plane?
Just because thousands and thousands of pets are safely transferred from one destination to another via the airlines, it does not mean that dog owners are without responsible precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their family pet.
In fact, after reading through the following guidelines that should be taken before boarding your dog on a plane, you will realize just how important is.
Listen To Your Instincts In Regards To Your Dog's Personality
Just because they are animals, it doesn't mean that all dogs can easily cope with the experience of being locked up in a crate during an airplane ride. Every dog owner knows what his or her dog's personality is like. Trust your gut instincts on whether or not you think your dog can handle the flight. If it doesn't feel right, then your instincts are trying to tell you something about your dog's separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is a real condition that should not be overlooked. It is estimated that almost 20% of all dogs suffer at some level from separation anxiety. These personality types make very poor candidates for airplane travel. Such dogs should not be left alone and when their condition reaches elevated levels, it is not uncommon for a dog to literally chew through a metal cage in the attempt of trying to escape, causing severe injuries that can cause the dog to bleed to death.
Minimize Anxiety By Preparing Your Dog For The Experience Of Flying
As mentioned above, it is never acceptable to force your dog to experience flying if he is deemed to have separation anxiety problems. However, there is always the possibility that you can condition him to fly without having any problems.
This can be accomplished by getting your dog accustomed to the travel carrier that he will be flying in. Simply have one located in your house and keep your dog inside as often as possible. This can be done during meals, sleep time, and while driving around in the car. Eventually, he will be totally comfortable inside the crate and this will aid in making the dog feel more secure during the plane ride.
Yes, Your Dog May Get Lost When Accidentally Transferred To A Different Airplane
One of our previous tips for dog owners and air travel was to only select direct flights. Many times, passengers and their luggage may have to transfer to two or more different airplanes before reaching their final destination. It is during these times when some dogs become lost, never to be found again. They accidentally get transferred to the wrong airplane and never make it back to the owner.
To minimize the chances of your dog not making its way back to you, the best thing you can do is ensure proper identification. Have a permanent ID securely attached to your pet that has your phone number, home address, and any contact information about the place you are traveling to. Microchips and tattoos are also options that can be taken. They may seem extreme but when it comes to your dog and the possibility of him getting lost during air travel, it's definitely worth it, wouldn't you agree?
What breed of dog would you say is a traditional house dog?
Posted by: | CommentsThis is for my science homework
We are doing about things like characteristics and stuff like that. I need stuff like :
Golden Retriever- retrieves birds for hunters.
But for a traditional house dog and if possible a hunting dog & a working dog.
Thank you so much if you bother to help. mwahh
xxx
Hi! I'm Jamie and this is my site about dogs.
