Dogs

Please explain why and how these health tests can be carried out

Thank you

To prevent unnecessary suffering to the dogs (and to prevent unnecessary expense and heartache to the owners!)

There are hundreds of health problems affecting todays dogs, many of which have a hereditary component. These can cause blindness, deafness, blood disorders, and leave dogs unable to breathe or walk. Many are painful and debilitating, some are fatal.
Breeding untested dogs (or dogs known to have the problem) increases the chances that their pups will suffer. There is NO EXCUSE for this where health tests exist. For example, tests exist for hip and elbow displasia, PRA, SM, heart defects, deafness, etc.

If all potential breeding dogs were tested for the appropriate conditions, and if we only bred from healthy, sound dogs, then we could massively reduce the incidence of these disorders – perhaps eventually even eliminate some of them. We should at least try.

As for the human element – hereditary disorders also cause suffering for owners. Ask anyone who has seen a 9 month old puppy unable to run, living on painkillers because of hip displasia – or those who have watched their dog writhe and scream in pain from syringomelia. It is heart wrenching – and so often preventable by good breeding practices. In my opinion certain health tests should be compulsory by law, and those who breed untested dogs or those known to suffer these diseases should be prosecuted for animal cruelty!

Your Beloved Pet Dog – Health Care Tips By JANET COMBS – http://www.special-dog.com – With Over 40 Years of Personal Experience, and over 14 Years as a Professional Breeder, and with the Ideas Developed from Extensive Research over that time Here are My Recommendations For All Dog Lovers.

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I’m curious if anyone can find any articles or websites that say if guide dogs are more likely to develop health problems like cancer because of their tasks that they have to perform.
Well i was thinking on the lines of having health problems because of stress??

Guide dogs are bred and selected for health criteria and temperament. They are heavily health tested for diseases that would shorten their working lives, such as hip or elbow displasia, thyroid issues, vision or hearing issues, genetic disease such as VW, cardiac screening, and so on.

They are selected for their ability to tolerate both physical and mental stress. They are far healthier than the average pet and typically receive semi-annual maintenance veterinary exams instead of just annual ones.

If a guide dog started showing signs of stress, physical or mental, he would be retired to a pet home.

Really they are quite a lot like athletes. They start out very healthy, eat well and are well cared for, and get lots of daily exercise. I’d worry more about SAR dogs who work in dangerous situations. Several dogs who worked the Twin Towers disaster died earlier than expected or were retired due to health issues.

Rep. Henry Cuellar says he won’t vote for a bill until he sees it

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My dog loves pizza, is it OK for him to eat it daily?

only if you want to kill your dog.

good choice of name change, Joe – very fitting!

A pregnant dog will go into labor at around day 63, when her appetite decreases, she begins a nesting behavior and her temperature drops below 100 degrees. Recognize the signs of a dog in labor, making sure to monitor the birth and watch for complications, with health information from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care.

Expert: Dr. Aimee Beger
Bio: Dr. Aimee Beger works for McClintock Animal Care Center in Tempe, Ariz.
Filmmaker: Ryan Quinn

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I have two schanzuers and two Chihuahuas and when I cook with vegetables (carrots, potatooes, celery), i give the ones some to my dogs. Is that good for them?

Yes, just like for humans most vegetables are great for dogs heath. Here’s some stuff about giving vegies to dogs:http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/The-Amazing-Health-Benefits-of-Vegetables-for-Dog.75360

dogs just being in season now she has gone off food is urinating tiny amounts where she is which is deep orange in colour . she is drinking normally and passing urine normally when taken out she is ten .she has never had puppies.she is just eating tiny amounts of chicken nothing else . she usually has a very good appitite. any ideas please.

It just sounds like the hormonal changes of being in ‘heat’ is causing stress at her age.. if she is still off, by the time she is out of season, then she would need a vet visit..Or, if she quits eating and drinking.

My seven year old acts much the same when in ‘heat’.

Treating ringworm on a dog, which is not a worm at all, requires a DTMF or fungal culture at the veterinary office, followed by an anti-fungal treatment and anti-ringworm shampoos. Cure ringworm in a dog with health information from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care.

Expert: Dr. Aimee Beger
Bio: Dr. Aimee Beger works for McClintock Animal Care Center in Tempe, Ariz.
Filmmaker: Ryan Quinn

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Hey i am trying to find a dog that does not have a ton of health problem and is preferably hypoallergenic because my family really wants a dog but we don’t have a ton of money to be spending on vet bills and i am allergic to some dogs. Thanks!!

While I know that the aphorism that mutts are healthier than purebred dogs is a popular one, it happens to be completely untrue. When bred carefully by a responsible
breeder, a purebred is less likely to exhibit health issues because those breeders work extremely hard to eradicate them from the breed. They will eliminate any dog from their breeding program who manifests them or whose
ANCESTORS, (on their pedigree) have manifested or produced them in their offspring. Responsible breeders also do health screenings and genetic testing on their dogs. Research your breeds and be sure to only support responsible breeders.
Some breeds that are commonly considered hypoallergenic are:
Bichon Frise
Poodle
Wheaten Terrier
Bearded Collie.

Here are some suggested questions one can use to determine if a breeder is truly responsible:

1. Is she an AKC registered breeder of good standing and an active member of her breed Parent Club?

2. Are there AKC Champions listed on the pedigree, showing that the breeder spends her time & money to prove the quality of her breeding stock through competition?

3. Are all the animals kept in clean, comfortable, healthy, loving circumstances?

4. Did the breeder conduct extensive interviews with you and every member of your family?

5. Have the sire & dam received all available health clearances, (eg. OFA Hip & Eye, Thyroid testing, THESE VARY FOR EACH BREED)

6. Is she willing to honestly discuss any possible genetic defects that may exist in her line?

7. Does she have a Sales Contract?

8. Does the contract contain a clause stipulating that you spay or neuter the puppy before it reaches a certain
age?

9. Does the contract contain a clause stating that if at any time in the puppy’s life, you can no longer care for it, it must be returned to the breeder? (This ensures that no animal bred by this breeder will ever end up in a shelter).

10. Will the breeder maintain contact with you for the life of the puppy to answer questions and help in general?