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The Pros and Cons of Dog Breeding
The decision to breed your female dog is an important decision and one that should be taken very seriously.
Some important considerations for the process, include finding the ideal mate for your female dog and the handling the possible
health issues that may manifest during your dog’s pregnancy, after giving birth and thereafter.
If you are considering breeding your female dog, you should be able to answer yes to several questions.
Some of these questions, include is the female a champion dog with championship ancestry? Is the male dog a champion dog with
championship ancestry? Do the female and male dog have a great character and do they demonstrate the finest possible personality
for the breed? Are both the male and female dog certified as free from hereditary or other health conditions? Are both dogs
certified as well by a vet?
Additional questions that you should absolutely be able to respond, comprise are both dogs current on all
vaccinations, worming and flea treatments? Is the female dog as a minimum two years of age and has it been no less than one
year since her last litter? Can you monetarily afford any treatments that may be necessary for either the female, the puppies
should there by any emergencies, or other circumstances arise? Do you have the time, room to house a litter of puppies, and
are the puppies pre-sold and are the buyers able to provide suitable homes?
If you are able to presell the puppies, this can be some assurance that the puppies can go to the best,
suitable homes. In addition, you as the breeder can interview and decide on which owner is best for your puppy.
The negative aspects of breeding your female dog are affiliated with possible health issues concerning the
female and its puppies. Note that there are no guarantees, despite the healthiest of dogs. Issues during pregnancy as well
as whelping and associated issues with the puppies can still manifest.
When female dogs have had a litter of puppies already, they are at a higher risk of contracting breast and
ovarian cancers. Additionally, they could contract bladder control problems and infections of the reproduction system that
could lead to the dog’s death. Certain breeds are prone to problems with whelping and giving birth. Thus, these breeds
would benefit from veterinarian assistance while pregnant. If these female dogs do not have constant supervision, these dogs
could have major complications during delivery that may include death.
After the puppies are born, they will need to have check ups by a vet and receive their first round of shots
before being sent home with their new owners. In addition, puppies could have difficulties with their health that requires
ongoing vet assistance and support. It is important to be prepared with adequate funding if the puppies should require such
assistance.
Breeding your dog can be an emotional event, but it is still to think through every aspect of the process.
This decision should not be made simply, because your family desires additional puppies to play with or should it be done
on a whim. When you have done proper research, including speaking with a vet, breeding your dog can be a rewarding experience
both emotionally and financially.
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How Much Will My Puppy Weigh When He Grows Up?
Take the weight of small or toy mixed-breed puppies
and double their weight at 6 weeks. Take the total and double again. This is about what the puppy will weigh as an adult.
For example, if your puppy weighs 2 pounds at six weeks, double it to get 4 pounds and then double again to get 8 pounds.
(NOTE: This is an estimate for toy breeds only)
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Top Reasons Why Dog Steps are Beneficial for Your
Dog
Do you have a large or small dog? If so, then you have
probably experienced it jumping on your bed or the sofa. Dogs really enjoy lying on furniture. Many dogs, particularly small
breeds, have great difficulty jumping up onto the furniture. Some dogs find it a challenge to jump up on the furniture because
they have become old or have some other ailment. For these situations, a dog step will be a great help to assist your dog
getting on to his favorite piece seat.
What are Dog Steps?
Dog Steps are made of a small sequence of steps with
the top step leading onto the seating area -- the sofa, etc. The idea behind the steps is that they may aid your dog in climbing
onto something he would normally struggle to get onto. They can be purchased in many forms, colors and materials to suit your
home's design. The steps themselves are covered over with a soft material. The Dog Steps also come in materials such as wood
and plastic. The plastic steps are light, whereas the wood and metal Dog Steps are quite a bit heavier.
Benefits of having Dog Steps
It is not good for small breeds of dog to jump long
distances since it could cause them back pain that may develop in later life. These problems may cause arthritis among other
things. Hence, a Dog Step will keep your small dog from harm has he goes about his normal lifestyle. There are lots of people
who buy multiple steps for their home so that they do not have to constantly move the steps from one area to another. Again,
remember that there are lots of colors to pick from So you won't have to worry about the steps looking odd in your home.
Another benefit is that while you're out of your house,
if your dog has become used to the steps, you can rest assured that your dog will be using them when getting on and off the
furniture. Thus, you can leave any thoughts that your pet might hurt himself out of your mind. It takes little training to
get your dog used to the steps in most cases; they should understand quickly that it is there to help them. Whether you have
a young or older dog, you would certainly want them to stay in as safe an environment as is possible. Using Dog Steps is a
fantastic way to keep them from injuring themselves while jumping up onto the furniture while you are at home and while you
are away.
As already said, the majority of dogs will need
little training to adapt to using the steps effectively since they will quickly realize that the steps help them get on their
favorite pieces of furniture. You can buy both permanent Dog Steps and ones that are portable depending on your needs. Also,
if you are good at making your own things, then you could even design your own Dog Steps.
Content written by Michael Clark of ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a fantastic assortment of dog seat covers online.
Dental Care For Canines
There are lots of different ways to provide good dental care for your dog. Dogs, just like people, can have
problems with cavities, early tooth loss, gum disease and even tartar build up on the teeth, typically due to poor diets or
other health related conditions. While a vet can clean your dog's teeth on yearly visits the process, known as scaling, is
very stressful for some dogs and typically requires the dog be anesthetized during the procedure. Maintaining good dental
hygiene at home can eliminated or greatly minimize the need for this much more costly and extreme type of treatment.
Diet
A good diet of hard, crunchy types of foods can help naturally scrape plaque off of your dog's teeth as they
eat. Dried premium types of kibble are often recommended, however you cannot soak or moisten the kibble if you want it to
act in a scraping action. Another great option is to provide your dog with large, safe raw bones. Knuckle or joint bones are
wonderful since your dog will chew and scrape his or her teeth sparkling clean with just one or two sessions as week. This
can greatly improve doggy breath as well and provide stimulation to the gums.
Routine Cleaning
Many dog owners use specialized types of dog toothbrushes and toothpaste to clean the teeth as part of the
weekly grooming routine. The pet shop will provide a variety of products but a finger sleeve is often the easiest to use.
This slides over your index finger and has rubberized bristles to provide the scrubbing action. If you don't want to use this
dog toothbrushes are available or use a soft baby toothbrush available at any drug store. Never use human toothpaste in your
dog's mouth. The taste is horrible to the dog and may cause him or her to run for the far side of the room the next time they
see you coming. Using doggy toothpaste start with a gentle up and down motion with the toothbrush or finger sleeve to gently
scrape against the teeth. If there is significant amounts of plague you may want to have the vet scale the teeth first then
start on a maintenance program.
Tooth Cleaning Toys
There are a variety of different styles, sizes and types of specialized toys to help your dog stay entertained
but also clean his or her teeth. As with any type of toy or chew object always make sure it is safe for your dog and don't
leave the dog unsupervised with the chew object. Hard rubber or nylon toys such as Nylabones and Kongs can also be a good
option, just be sure to remove the toys if they are showing signs of wear and tear as they can potentially become choking
hazards if pieces can be torn off and swallowed. Some edible tooth cleaning products on the market include biscuits and treats.
Although they are often recommended for dogs there are some dogs that chew off chunks and swallow them, resulting in possible
blockages and obstructions within the digestive system. If your dog is a vigorous chewer or is likely to swallow the treat
whole this may not be a good options for his or her safety.
Information written by Lacy Johansson of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, look for current discounts on stainless steel dog dishes online.
PLANNING ON TRAVELING WITH
YOUR DOG?
Dogs like people, also
enjoy the fun in traveling. They make great travel companions but they are much like children that need to be prepared for.
Whenever you are taking your dog on a trip, you have to consider some important things. You have to prepared and you need
to take into account a lot of considerations when traveling with your dog. You also have to ensure your dog's safety to be
sure nothing can go wrong during the trip.
Leash and harness.
Your dog should get used
to walking on a leash with a harness before you go on a trip with it. This is important as many destinations or some establishments
allow dogs only if they are on a leash. Also, it would be safer for your dog to be on a leash especially when you are on the
streets as this will even prevent it from getting run over by vehicles, or from chasing other dogs or other animals, too.
Routing.
You will have to take
more time planning and preparing for your route whenever you are traveling with your dog. You can take roads with roadside
parks. These parks have areas where you can walk your dog and where it can do its business and you will be needing this along
the e way especially on long trips.
Motels.
When you are not to going
to be staying at your relatives' or friends' you will have to look for motels ahead of time and you have to inquire about
their policies regarding dogs as there are motels that do not allow dogs and some that allow dogs ask for extra charge. When
you go traveling with your dog, everything has to be planned well.
License and shots.
Before going on a trip,
you have to make sure that your dog is in good shape. You might want to visit your veterinarian to get your dog checked on.
Also, your dog's vaccinations should be up to date so you won't have problems in case you are out of town for quite a long
time.
Going on road trips would
be a lot of fun especially that you have your dog with you. But it is important that you are prepared enough and be able to
provide your dog with its needs so you would not be going for stop over’s that often just to get something your dog
needs that you might have had forgotten to bring. You have to make sure that everyone on board is comfortable during the trip,
and that goes for your dog as well. Safety should also be a priority. You can have your dogs in a crate to ensure its safety.
Traveling with your dog will be fun and hassle-free when you know you have everything you need.
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