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The Chihuahua Club of America is an AKC Syndicate
member.
The AKC Syndicate articles are provided here with permission from the
American Kennel Club.
© 2008 American Kennel
Club.
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Features
Taking Care of Your Toys: To the
pint-sized, the world holds many oversized hazards
© 2007 The American Kennel Club, Inc.
From the pages of the APRIL 2007 AKC
GAZETTE
By Amy Fernandez
Toys rank
among the most popular breeds today, but caring for them entails
special considerations, from providing a safe home environment
to avoiding all kinds of dangers on the street and in the show
ring.
Even a normal household can pose a world of
dangers for tiny dogs. Dog proofing for toys requires a
different perspective. Some obvious danger spots like hallways,
stairwells, decks, and balconies can be overlooked. Toy puppies
can easily slip into the tightest spots.
The owner of a
7-week-old Chihuahua left her dog alone for a short time in the
kitchen. When she returned, the puppy was gone. After an hour of
frantic searching, she heard faint scratching and discovered the
puppy, unharmed, but wedged into a two-inch-wide space between
the wall and the refrigerator!
Crates, pens, and barriers
are essential, but safety must be the primary consideration when
selecting such equipment for toys. Bars and slats must be
closely spaced to prevent any possibility of the dog squeezing
through or getting a foot or jaw stuck.
Vicki Fierheller,
of Toronto, a certified vet tech, professional groomer, and
longtime Maltese breeder, says that introducing a toy puppy to a
large dog can be a problem, even when aggression is not an
issue. "It is too easy for a large dog to inadvertently hurt a
toy puppy," she says.
Many owners assume that a
structured environment avoids the possibility of accidental
injury. But any situation that brings large and small dogs into
contact can invite problems. This includes day-care centers,
grooming shops, veterinary clinics, and dog training classes.
It's easy to overlook potential hazards when you are focused on
working with your own dog. Sort of like defensive driving, you
need to train yourself to constantly watch what the other dogs
around you are doing.
"Owners need to be aware of
posturing and body language that can lead to a bad interaction.
Many little dogs feel empowered by their owners, encouraged to
present in a challenging way. Assertive posturing that would be
obvious in a large dog may be overlooked in a toy," says
Fierheller. "On the other hand, I've seen owners panic when
faced with a possible threat from a large dog, sometimes making
a situation worse."
Child's Play
Small children are another concern. Many breeders will not
place toy breeds in homes with children under 12. Leah Getty, of
Alberta, Canada, grew up with toy dogs, and now has toy Xolos,
Papillons, Chinese Cresteds, Chihuahuas, and two daughters, aged
7 and 10. She admits that it's been a great experience for her
children, but also incredibly stressful for her.
"Honestly, I would not recommend toy breeds for young children.
It requires constant, exhausting supervision," says Getty.
Her older daughter received a Chihuahua when she was just
51/2. "I realized it was a mistake immediately and considered
placing the puppy with my mother until Victoria was older. By
then, she was so attached to the puppy it would have broken her
heart to take him away."
The alternative was rigorous
supervision and strictly enforced rules. "The dogs and children
learned mutual respect, but it's unrealistic to expect kids to
take on that level of responsibility. Crates are essential. The
dogs need a place to go for safety and protection. I prefer
designs with complicated latches that the kids cannot figure
out. They are only allowed to walk the dogs with adult
supervision and never at off-lead dog parks. I don't encourage
the kids to pick the dogs up at all; it's only allowed when they
are sitting on the floor. They are never permitted to let their
friends pick up the dogs."
Children are not the only ones
guilty of carelessness, however. Kathy Helming, of Bristol,
Connecticut, has bred and shown Miniature Pinschers for 35
years.
"My dogs normally live to 18. I want them to live
long, happy lives," she says. "When someone comes to see my
puppies I really drill them on safety precautions. For one
thing, it's dangerous to carry a Min Pin puppy with its legs
against your body. They can brace themselves against you and
spring right into midair," she says. "I wish I could send new
owners home with a big bag of common sense instead of a bag of
food."
She admits being frustrated that many new owners
fail to heed breeders' safety advice. "I have a big problem with
owners allowing puppies to stand on their laps without holding
them. Min Pins think they are Superman, they jump out not down!
[Owners] let them walk on tables, chair backs, and stand on the
backs of car seats when they are driving. A quick stop and that
puppy will go right into the dashboard," she says. "An
8-week-old puppy can climb up a flight of stairs but has a good
chance of falling down. Falls can lead to a broken leg or jaw,
or injuries that can't be repaired. I always recommend pet
insurance, at least for the first year when accidents are more
likely. Repairing a blown kneecap or broken leg costs a minimum
of $1,500."
"I guess you could call it a 'toy dog risk,'
" says Patrice Bayer, claims manager and registered veterinary
technician for Pet Partners, Inc., exclusive health-care
provider for the AKC Healthcare Plan. "People like to carry
around their little babies, but that can come with a price. They
can jump out of your arms and fracture their delicate legs."
She says the number-one reason cited, in her experience, for
leg fractures in toys is that the tiny dog was being carried and
jumped out of the owner's arms.
Veterinarians say that
treating toy dogs presents its own set of challenges. There are
several potential complications involved with the treatment of
injuries in toy dogs, says orthopedic specialist David Edinger,
DVM, from stabilizing delicate bones to choosing the safest
drugs in the right amounts for pain control.
Watch the Walk
Helming's biggest pet peeve is
the flex lead. They make it difficult to control or supervise
small dogs on busy streets or in crowded parks. "I recently got
a call from a prospective puppy buyer. She had just lost her
4-year-old Min Pin. The woman's mother-in-law had been walking
the dog on a flex lead. It lunged into traffic and she didn't
know how to retract the lead."
Less obvious dangers may
also confront toys during a walk. "You really need to be aware
of chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers on grass. Amounts that
would not affect larger dogs can cause serious liver damage in
small ones."
Designer dog carriers and pet strollers
have become immensely popular to safely transport toys. In some
respects, it's safer for them up off the ground but "I've seen
owners wheeling puppies around sitting on top of dog strollers,"
says Helming. "Do they realize what can happen if it jumps or
falls off?" Many toys can climb completely out of openings in
dog carriers leaving them dangling in midair. When transporting
toys in snap-top carriers make sure they are securely harnessed
(not leashed) and clipped. Even enclosed carriers should always
be held close to your body. Backpacks and shoulder bags can be
jostled in crowds or slammed in subway doors.
Some toy
dog accidents are unpreventable, impossible to predict. But many
more are the result of carelessness or inexperience. Along with
remorse, 20/20 hindsight is an inevitable part of the aftermath,
with owners lamenting that they should have seen it coming. But
with planning, forethought, and a little common sense, owners of
toy dogs can learn to size up a dangerous situation before it
becomes a source of colossal regret. |
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Features
Keeping Your Dog Safe this Halloween
© 2007 The American Kennel Club,
Inc.
Thinking about showing off your dog's "Howloween"
spirit this year? The real trick is not to treat Halloween as
just another day for your dog. The AKC reminds owners to follow
certain guidelines for keeping pets safe during Halloween:
- If you choose to dress your pet up in a "doggie"
costume, supervise him at all times. Make sure it fits
properly and is not in the way of his breathing, eyesight or
hearing. If your dog swallows any elastic or decorative
items, it could cause intestinal obstructions or choking.
For more tips on how to acclimate your dog to wearing a
Halloween costume visit the Ask AKC
archive.
- Chocolate and sweets can be dangerous for your dog. Make
sure all "people treats" are out of harm's way.
- Walk your dog early, while it is still light outside, so
you can be aware of any candy, wrappers or broken eggs on
lawns and streets and make sure these "tempting treats" stay
out of reach.
- When you answer the door for trick-or-treaters, make
sure pets are in a safe and secure room to prevent them from
running out, getting hurt and frightening your visitors. If
you want your dog to greet the visiting ghouls and goblins,
keep him on a leash.
- Don't leave your dog unattended outside. Pranksters may
target your dog with eggs, and passersby may be tempted to
give your dog harmful treats and candy.
- If you are having a Halloween party, consider confining
your dog securely in one area of the house. Leave a radio or
TV and lights on for the dog.
- Be careful about where you place candles and
Jack-o-Lanterns. They can easily be knocked over by your
dog's wagging tail and either burn your dog or start a fire.
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Features
A Canine for the Kids? What to Know When
Considering a New Puppy
©
2007 The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Choosing the right breed to fit your family's lifestyle
After hearing "Please can we get a dog?" from your
children for the one-thousandth time, perhaps you are
considering adding a canine to the family portrait. With 157
AKC-recognized breeds, there are many suitable options for
families of all ages and activity levels. Some important first
steps include going to a dog show to talk to breeders and
consulting dog-owning friends and neighbors to get a clear
picture of what the commitment requires. Below are key questions
that need to be considered when choosing your family dog:
- How old are your children?
- When considering a suitable breed for your family, don't
assume a smaller breed will be less work. Every breed
requires its own manner of care, has a unique temperament
and exercise needs. And, regardless of breed, all puppies
are fragile and no child should be left unsupervised with a
dog of any age.
- Which family member will
serve as the main caretaker? - Even if you're
getting the dog for the kids, as the adult you are
ultimately responsible for any pets you choose to bring into
your house. If the kids fail to feed or walk the dog, it's
you who will wind up with the extra chores! It's also
important to consider the preferences and needs of all
family members in your decision. Is your wife afraid of or
allergic to dogs?
- How active is your family
and how much daily exercise are you willing and able to give
your dog? - Can your family provide twice-daily
extended walks and playtime or are you more likely to let
your dog out in the backyard for exercise and bathroom
breaks?
- What are your family's
favorite activities? - If your family is the
outdoors type, a sporting or herding breed such as a
Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie that thrives on
outdoor work may be a good match. For indoor types, a
smaller, smooth-coated breed like a Boston Terrier or a Pug
that enjoys the shelter of your home and constant
companionship might be best.
- Where does your family
live? - Is your home on the farm or in a smaller
city apartment? Try to match the breed's needs with your
living space.
- How much does your family
travel? - If you leave the dog at home, you will
need to make arrangements for her care. You should have a
well-established routine including an alternate "owner" for
her when you are away.
- Does your family have the
financial resources to care for the dog? - While
the purchase price is a one-time expense, there are a number
of annual expenses such as food, vets bills and toys, which
can add up to several hundred dollars. If the dog has an
unexpected illness or injury, vet bills can run in the
thousands of dollars.
- Should my family get a
puppy or an adult? - This question should be
examined carefully. If you want a young puppy, consider that
you are committing to a ten year (or longer) relationship.
Puppies also require significant training. One option is to
adopt a purebred rescue dog, which allows you the
predictability of a particular breed, but means you don't
have to spend time and energy raising and training a puppy.
- Where will I obtain my dog?
- Once you've made your decision on a breed, go to
www.akc.org to find responsible breeders who produce
healthy, happy puppies.
Owning a dog can be a great way to bring your family together,
get exercise and become involved in activities that are
enriching for both dog and owner. Here are ten things you and
your family can do with your companion.
1. Travel
"canine" style: Pile your family into the car for a
daytrip and visit dog-friendly parks, or beaches, (most parks
indicate on their web sites whether and in what areas of the
park dogs are allowed). Or if you're up for a bigger excursion,
consider a vacation with your four-footed friend. Check ahead
for lodging that accepts dogs. If flying, ask about travel
accommodations for your dog when you make your reservations.
2. Enroll in canine training classes: Puppy
kindergarten, agility, obedience, rally or performance courses
are great ways to train your dog, and if your entire family
attends, all will be on the same page in regard to training
techniques.
3. Become active in competitive dogs
sports: Showing your canine companion in AKC
Conformation, or participating in Obedience and Agility
competitions is a family affair. AKC's Junior Showmanship
program allows children from ages 9-18 to compete in
conformation and performance events, attend seminars, and earn
scholarships while bonding with your dog. The events offer
opportunities to get involved, stay fit, meet new friends and
just have fun!
4. Take the AKC Canine Good
Citizen® test: Enlist your family members to train your
dog to achieve her AKC CGC® certification, designed to reward
dogs that have good manners at home and in the community.
5. Dogs with jobs: Keep your dog active and
alert by giving her tasks to complete. Kids can teach her to
fetch their dirty laundry and put it in the hamper, while Mom
and Dad can train her to fetch the morning paper, carry
groceries or empty the dryer.
6. Encourage breed
behavior: Find family activities that will encourage
your dog to fulfill her breed's purpose, such as retrieving
(playing fetch in a swimming pool) or becoming a certified
therapy dog (ideal for companion breeds).
7.
Responsibilities don't have to be "ruff": Assigning
roles and responsibilities to care for your new four-legged
friend can help you and your family work together. Decide who
will be responsible for feeding, walking, grooming, etc. Prepare
a schedule before bringing your puppy home and assign each
family member a task.
8. Visit the vet:
A trip to the veterinarian can be a good learning experience for
the entire family. Routine check-ups will help keep your dog in
top form and can also help teach the children a thing or two
about the importance of health and well-being.
9.
Help your dog help others: Dogs are invaluable
in providing service to humans - visiting the sick, helping the
disabled, locating missing persons, and much more. If your dog
is of the correct temperament, your family and she can reap the
rewards of helping others together!
10. Spend
some downtime with your dog: Simply put, one of the
greatest things you and your family can do with your dog is
play! So start a game of fetch with Fido - playing with your new
friend isn't only fun for her -- it's guaranteed fun for the
entire family!
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Features
AKC Tips for Summer Safety
© 2007 The American Kennel Club, Inc.
- If kept outside, make sure your pet
has plenty of shade. Remember that doghouses are not good
shelter during the summer as they can trap heat.
- Make sure your dog has access to
plenty of cool, fresh water 24 hours a day. If your dog
travels with you, bring along water and a bowl.
- Never leave your dog in a vehicle
on a warm day. Even with the windows open the temperature
inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of
minutes.
- It's fun to take your dog with you
to run errands, but if you can't bring your dog inside the
store, it's best to leave him home. Tying a dog outside a
store is dangerous because he is exposed to the hot sun and
strangers who could be unkind.
- Avoid strenuous exercise on
extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or
evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense.
- Make sure your dog's vaccinations
are up-to-date. Dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come
into contact with other animals more during the summer
months.
- Keep dogs off lawns that have been
chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according
to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic
plants and flowers. Visit
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/hazardous_plants.pdf
for a list of toxic plants.
- Mosquitoes (which carry heartworm
disease) along with fleas and ticks are more prevalent in
warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective
preventive to keep these parasites off your dog.
- Many dogs like swimming, but some
cannot swim or may not like the water. Be conscious of your
dog's preferences and skills before putting him in the
water. Always supervise your pet while swimming.
- Chlorine from pools and bacteria
from streams, lakes and ponds can be toxic for a dog's
system. Always rinse your dog with clean water after
swimming. Beware of the wildlife that may pose a danger to
your swimming pet. Some catfish are known for attacking
small dogs.
- Many airlines will not ship animals
during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather.
Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in
the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules.
Shipping policies can be found at
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/canine_legislation/airline_chart_0605.pdf.
- If traveling by car, keep your dog
cool by putting icepacks such as frozen water bottles in his
crate. DO NOT use freezer ice packs which contain poisonous
materials. Make sure the crate is well ventilated. For more
traveling tips visit
http://www.akc.org/public_education/travel.cfm.
- Be aware that asphalt can quickly
get hot enough to burn the pads of dogs' paws. In hot
weather, walk your dog on the grass or dirt where is it
cooler.
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Features
Dog Ownership Brings Families Together
© 2007 The American Kennel Club,
Inc.
Owning a dog can be a great way to bring
your family together, get exercise and become involved in
activities that are enriching for both dog and owner. In fact,
according to the AKC 21st Century Dog Owners Survey, 88% percent
said that they consider their four-legged friend to be a member
of the family. And, not surprisingly, 90% said they got a dog
for companionship. So I've developed my Top 10 list of things
you can do with your dog as your family member and companion.
1. Travel "canine" style: Pile your
family into the car for a daytrip and visit dog-friendly parks,
or beaches, (most parks indicate on their web sites whether and
in what areas of the park dogs are allowed). Or if you're up for
a bigger excursion, consider a vacation with your best friend.
Check ahead for lodging that accepts dogs. If flying, ask about
travel accommodations for your dog when you make your
reservations.
2. Enroll in canine training
classes: Puppy kindergarten, agility, obedience, rally
or performance courses are great ways to train your dog, and if
your entire family attends, all will be on the same page in
regard to training techniques.
3. Become active
in competitive dog sports: Showing your canine
companion in AKC Conformation, or participating in Obedience and
Agility competitions is a family affair. AKC's Junior
Showmanship program allows children from ages 9-18 to compete in
conformation and performance events, attend seminars, and earn
scholarships while bonding with your dog. The events offer
opportunities to get involved, stay fit, meet new friends and
just have fun!
4. Take the AKC Canine Good
Citizen challenge: Enlist your family members to train
your dog to achieve her AKC Canine Good Citizen certification,
designed to reward dogs that have good manners at home and in
the community.
5. Dogs with jobs: Keep
your dog active and alert by giving her tasks to complete. Kids
can teach her to fetch their dirty laundry and put it in the
hamper, while Mom and Dad can train her to fetch the morning
paper, carry groceries or empty the dryer.
6.
Encourage breed behavior: Find family activities that
will encourage your dog to fulfill her breed's purpose, such as
retrieving (playing fetch in a swimming pool) or becoming a
certified therapy dog (ideal for small companion breeds).
7. Responsibilities don't have to be "ruff":
Assigning roles and responsibilities to care for your new
four-legged friend can help you and your family work together.
Decide who will be responsible for feeding, walking, grooming,
etc. Prepare a schedule before bringing your puppy home and
assign each family member a task.
8. Visit the
vet: A trip to the veterinarian can be a good learning
experience for the entire family. Routine check-ups will help
keep your dog in top form and can also help teach the children a
thing or two about the importance of health and well-being.
9. Help your dog help others: Dogs are
invaluable in providing service to humans — visiting the sick,
helping the disabled, locating missing persons, and much more.
If your dog is of the correct temperament, your family and she
can reap the rewards of helping others together!
10. Spend some downtime with your dog: Simply put, one
of the greatest things you and your family can do with your dog
is play! So start a game of fetch with Fido - playing with your
new friend isn't only fun for her — it is guaranteed fun for the
entire family! |
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Features
Seniors Benefit from Companionship of
Well-Matched Pet
© 2007 The
American Kennel Club, Inc.
A study published in
the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society demonstrated that
independently-living seniors with pets tend to have better
physical health and mental well being than those who don't. But
for many seniors, the fear of not being able to provide the
proper care, training and exercise may keep them from
experiencing the joy of dog ownership. By doing your homework
and fully considering how a dog will impact your life, your
decision to open your heart and home to a canine companion can
be an enjoyable adventure.
Before you even consider dog
ownership, determine whether you are financially able to care
for a dog. Annual expenses such as food, vets bills and toys can
add up to several hundred dollars. An unexpected illness or
injury can run in the thousands. The amount of time you are out
of the home should also be considered. You must be willing to
have a well-established routine including an alternate "owner"
for the dog when you are away.
If you are fiscally and
physically capable of caring for a dog, your next step involves
researching breeds. There are 153 breeds recognized by the
American Kennel Club, the nation's oldest and largest purebred
dog registry. Don't be overwhelmed by the number of breeds
available to you. Assessing your living situation, activity
level and your own personal wishes will easily narrow down your
choices. Seniors should consider some general questions when
choosing the right breed to fit their lifestyle, including:
- How active are you and how much
exercise are you willing and able to give your dog? If you
like the outdoors, a sporting or herding breed sounds like a
good match. If you are the indoor type, a smaller breed that
enjoys the shelter of your home and constant companionship
is the dog for you.
- Where do you live geographically?
Try to match the breed's needs with your living space and
location. If you hail from some of the colder areas of the
country, a hairless or short-coated breed will need a
sweater many months out of the year. If you live in a warmer
climate, a Northern breed such as an American Eskimo Dog or
Norwegian Elkhound should be limited to early morning and
evening walks on very hot days. Same goes for breeds with
short muzzles, including Boston Terriers, Pugs and Bulldogs.
These breeds will have trouble with anything more than
moderate activity on a hot day.
- Does your family have a preference?
Even if you are going to be the sole caretaker of the dog,
consider the wishes of family members. For example, if your
grandchild is allergic to dogs, it would be wise to consider
a breed that gives off less allergy-producing dander, such
as a Bichon Frise or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
- How much grooming are you willing
to do? If you suffer from arthritis and daily brushings may
deem difficult, you might consider a short-coated breed that
needs little grooming.
- Should I get a puppy or an adult?
If you want a young puppy, consider that you are committing
to a ten year (or longer) relationship. Puppies also require
basic obedience instruction, socialization and
housebreaking. Another option is to adopt a purebred rescue
dog, which doesn't require the same amount of time and
energy as raising and training a puppy, yet still allows you
the predictability of a particular breed. Of course,
purebred rescues can require special care and training,
depending on their background.
After you have selected the breed that fits your needs, you will
need to find a responsible breeder who produces healthy, happy
puppies. To learn more about how to find a responsible breeder,
visit www.akc.org |
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Features
When Good Teeth Go Bad
© 2007 The American Kennel Club, Inc.
From the pages of the FEBRUARY 2007 AKC
GAZETTE
By Jeff Grognet, DVM
When
was the last time you had a good look in your dog's mouth? If
he's over 3 years old, there is a 75 percent chance that he has
dental disease—plaque, tartar, and inflamed gums. Besides
causing bad breath and tooth loss, infection in the oral cavity
can spread to vital internal organs. Oral disease can shorten
your dog's life.
Small-breed dogs are prone to tartar
accumulation when very young, which results in the loss of many
teeth by the time they're 10 years old. The problem begins with
the formation of a thin, soft film of food and
bacteria—plaque—on the teeth. If left undisturbed, plaque
eventually mineralizes and hardens to form tartar.
Meanwhile, bacteria in the mouth cause gingivitis (inflammation
of the gums) and recession of the gum-tooth attachment. The
natural depression in the gum next to the tooth is called the
sulcus, and a healthy sulcus is, at most, a few millimeters
deep. But in dogs with severe gingivitis, gum attachments can
break down to depths as great as 15 millimeters. As the gum
recedes, there is a corresponding breakdown of supporting bone.
The tooth becomes abscessed and falls out.
An abscessed
small incisor, with just one root, is lost very quickly because
it has so little holding it in place. In contrast, a large
carnassial tooth, such as the upper fourth premolar (fourth
tooth behind the upper canine tooth), has three roots and takes
much longer to fall out. Each of the roots must become loose
before the tooth is released from its socket.
Larger
breeds, such as German Shepherd Dogs, don't collect as much
tartar on their teeth so they are not as prone to gum recession.
Though they can have problems with gingivitis and tartar, they
are much more likely to experience tooth fracture. The tooth
most commonly damaged is the upper fourth premolar (PM4). When
the outer surface of PM4 is cleaved off, the pulp cavity is
exposed. Ultimately, bacteria invade and travel up to the end of
each root, creating an abscess. This pus pocket causes
significant pain.
Whether a dog has an abscessed
fractured tooth or tartar and gum disease, the bacteria in his
mouth can penetrate his gums and migrate via the bloodstream
throughout his body—the heart, kidneys, and liver are
particularly susceptible to invasion by oral bacteria.
In
the heart, bacteria readily settle on the delicate valves,
causing scarring that leads to valvular leakage. Eventually,
dogs with leaky valves develop congestive heart failure—an
inability of the heart to pump enough blood forward.
When
bacteria land in the kidneys, they stimulate the formation of
tiny abscesses that cause deterioration of kidney function. Over
time, these changes result in chronic renal failure.
Many
dogs with dental disease have elevated liver enzymes. In this
case, the bacteria have migrated to the liver, causing infection
and tissue damage.
How can you help your canine friend
live a longer life? Look in his mouth regularly. If his gums are
cherry red, he has gingivitis. If you smell foul breath, he has
a bacterial infection—it might just be from plaque, but it could
be from an abscessed tooth. Remember that it's difficult to
assess your dog for oral pain. In rare circumstances, you may
notice that he refuses a hard treat or that he chews on only one
side. But in most cases it isn't until a problem tooth is
removed and the dog exhibits increased vitality that an owner
recognizes the agony the dog has been in.
When you
detect a problem in your dog's mouth, have him examined by your
veterinarian. If he has minimal gum recession, a proper cleaning
both above and below the gum line can help the gum reattach. If
you wait too long, the pockets become deeper (more than three
millimeters), the roots become exposed, and tooth loss becomes
an inevitable fact.
Veterinarians see the consequences of
mouth infections daily—abscessed teeth, gingivitis, as well as
weak hearts, failing kidneys, and stressed livers. Don't ignore
bad breath, discolored teeth, or red gums in your canine friend.
Your dog needs diligent oral care from both you and your
veterinarian to live a full and healthy life.
Jeff
Grognet is a veterinarian with a practice in British Columbia,
Canada.
For more information about the AKC
Gazette and other AKC publications please visit:
http://www.akc.org/pubs/index.cfm. |
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Features
Cold Weather Canine Care Tips
© 2006 The American Kennel Club, Inc.
A dog’s need for food, shelter and loving care increases
during the cold winter months. Keep your dog safe and warm by
following these guidelines.
- Dogs can get frostbite or
hypothermia when temperatures drop. Don’t leave your dog
outside in the cold for long periods of time. Provide a
covered shelter, such as a doghouse or kennel, for the times
the dog is out of doors.
- When your dog is inside, keep him
warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted floors
may become very cold, so put down blankets or pads for him
to lie on.
- Keep your dog a safe distance from
supplemental heat sources such as portable heaters and
fireplaces, which can cause severe burns. Place screens
around fireplaces.
- Don’t leave your dog alone in a car
on cold days.
- Feed your dog additional calories,
particularly if it spends a lot of time outdoors or if it is
a working dog. The extra calories are necessary because it
takes more energy in the winter to regulate body
temperature.
- Provide plenty of fresh water at
all times. Dogs are just as likely to get dehydrated in
winter as in summer. Snow is not a good substitute for
water.
- Groom your dog regularly. Your dog
needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. If you
have a short-haired dog, consider a sweater or coat. If your
dog is long-haired, clip the hair around its paws to ease
snow removal.
- Dry your dog with a towel or
blow-dryer if it gets wet from rain or snow. Clean snow and
ice from its paws to prevent cuts and cracked pads. A little
petroleum jelly may help soften and soothe paw pads.
- Be extra careful when walking or
playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds.
Your dog could slip or jump in and be seriously injured.
- Rock salt, used to melt ice on
sidewalks, can irritate paw pads. Rinse and dry your dog’s
feet after a walk.
- Watch out for spilled antifreeze on
driveways. Antifreeze smells and tastes good to dogs, but it
can be lethal.
- Dogs, like humans, seem to be more
susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to the
veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness.
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