Common birth defects in dogs

A vital part of good prevention is to know the common types of illnesses and disorders associated with particular dog breeds. For dogs, the parts of their body that are most frequently affected by congenital problems are the central nervous system, the eyes, the muscles, and the bones. For instance, the Beagle, Collie, miniature Poodle, German Shepherd, and Keeshond are more likely to inherit epilepsy.

Also, different types of nervous system disorders are often passed on within certain breeds. Examples are paralysis of the front and back legs, which is common in the Irish Setter, a failure of muscle coordination common in Fox Terrier, and abnormal swelling of the brain is common in the Chihuahua, English Bulldog, and Cocker Spaniel.

A great number of common breeds suffer from congenital eye abnormalities including glaucoma, cataracts, and blindness.

A hernia is a common muscular problem for many breeds. Breeds such as Basenji, Basset Hound, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, and Cairn Terrier have a high risk for inguinal hernias (gut protrudes into the groin). Umbilical hernias (gut protrudes through the navel) are inherited defects in breeds like Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Pekingese, Basenji, Collie, Weimaraner, Airedale Terrier, and Pointer.

3 Simple Steps To Cleaning Your Dog's Face

Routine grooming serves three major purposes: First, it keeps your dog's skin, coat, teeth, gums, and nails in a healthy state. Second, it helps you detect any signs or symptoms of problems or abnormalities. Third, grooming allows you to spend quality time with your pet which helps create a special bond between you and your dog. It is therefore important to establish a daily or weekly grooming ritual that both you and your dog can enjoy. If your dog refuses to be groomed, command him to sit and stay. In addition, grooming should always involve a reward for your dog.

Below are 3 simple steps to properly clean your dog's face:

1. Gently wash the skin around the eyes using a fresh piece of moistened cotton for each one. If you notice any discharge or inflammation, contact a vet for advice.

2. Hold open the ear with one hand and gently clean inside the flap with a small piece of moistened cotton. Use a fresh piece for each ear. Do not probe too deeply into the ear canal.

3. Loose facial skin must be cleaned regularly with damp cotton. This prevents dirt, dead skin, and bacteria from collecting in the folds and causing irritation and infection.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Bitten By A Snake

Only a few varieties of snakes in North America are poisonous to dogs. The rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin (the cottonmouth), mangrove, coral and California lyre are the most commonly found poisonous reptiles. Of these, the rattlesnake's bite accounts for approximately 80 percent of all fatalities.

Snake bites demand immediate first-aid treatment by the owner and intensive veterinary treatment as quickly as possible. The venom's progress can be restricted by use of a tourniquet when the bite is on a leg or tail. Place the tourniquet snugly above the wound site. The tourniquet may be fashioned from hosiery, rope, a rubber band, a bungee cord or even a shirt sleeve.

Next, make a single-line incision through the cutaneous layer, slightly into the muscle fascia at the bite site. Express the venom by squeezing the wound. If a bulb syringe is available, use it. Allow the wound site to slowly ooze blood. If ice is available, pack it around the area but not directly over the wound. Ice also helps to slow the venom's progress.

Immobilize the dog: do not allow it to walk. Carry the dog to your vehicle for quick, direct transportation to the nearest veterinary clinic. Any movement of the dog will increase heart, metabolic and respiration rates and, at the same time, the spread of the venom.

Does The Size Of Your Home Really Matter When Getting A Pet Dog?

The idea that big dogs need a big yard and that if you live in an apartment you need a small dog is too oversimplified. What should be a concern rather than just the dog's body size is its general level of activity. A dog that is known for high general activity will typically require more exercising space than a dog who is not, whether it is a small, medium, or large dog.

To a small dog that is highly active, a house will seem perhaps twice the size as to a large dog. Small dogs can obviously get more exercise in an apartment than can big ones. The general rule that large dogs require a large backyard generally holds true more for the active large dogs like the Airedale and Irish Setter than for the more sluggish large dogs such as the Bloodhound or Norwegian Elkhound.

Of critical importance to owners wanting to keep a dog in an apartment are the traits such as tendency toward excessive barking, which is a disturbance to neighbors, the amount of hair shedding, the dog's destructiveness when left alone, and its odor. Some dogs, such as Beagles and Labrador Retrievers, have a stronger body odor than Keeshonds and Poodles, for example. The Doberman Pinscher has short hair, is fairly easy to clean, has little body odor, and is very low in general activity, so it could be an ideal pet for an owner who wants protection in an apartment.

Developing Regular Dog Grooming Habits

Grooming should be started immediately in order to ensure that you know your dog's body and can spot any potential health problems, and to make the dog realize that he must tolerate grooming.

1. Each day during the first week, run a soft brush over his back and down his sides.

2. During the second week, comb out mats and get the comb down to the skin on the back and sides.

3. The third week, start working on the chest, tummy, tail and legs.

4. The fourth week, start on nails, teeth and baths.

5. Try to groom at the same time each morning or night, even if only for a few minutes. Your new dog will come to enjoy it, and the grooming will help the bonding process as well as establish dominance. It will also make the dog look and feel good!

6. Consult your breeder or a good groomer to find out how to groom your particular breed. Make sure he covers coat care, ear care, nail care and mouth care.

What Can I Do Daily To Keep My Dog Happy?

Some new dog owners may think that this is a silly question, but it is in fact a great one to ask! Why? Because the answer boils down to only three basic needs that – if kept up properly - is all you need to keep your dog strong, healthy, and happy.

1. Food: Give excellent food in two measured feedings each day. Pick up the food bowl when he or she walks away from it. If you have more than one pet, feed them at the same time but in separate places, so they can't see each other. This prevents competitive eating, which leads to obesity.

2. Water: Clean the bowl and refill with fresh water at least twice daily. Pets drink more when the water is fresh. This reduces wear on the kidneys and promotes strong immunity and long life. Rest room activities: Make it possible for your dog to get outside at least every few hours. If he or she can't urinate often, the risk of bladder and kidney disease will escalate.

3. Walks: Add a good brisk walk or other regular exercise and life will be near perfect for your dog as well as give you fresh air too.

Developing Regular Dog Grooming Habits

Grooming should be started immediately in order to ensure that you know your dog's body and can spot any potential health problems, and to make the dog realize that he must tolerate grooming.

1. Each day during the first week, run a soft brush over his back and down his sides.

2. During the second week, comb out mats and get the comb down to the skin on the back and sides.

3. The third week, start working on the chest, tummy, tail and legs.

4. The fourth week, start on nails, teeth and baths.

5. Try to groom at the same time each morning or night, even if only for a few minutes. Your new dog will come to enjoy it, and the grooming will help the bonding process as well as establish dominance. It will also make the dog look and feel good!

6. Consult your breeder or a good groomer to find out how to groom your particular breed. Make sure he covers coat care, ear care, nail care and mouth care.