About
dogs
Birth
defects and common illnesses
Displaced
hips, known as hip dysplasia or femur dysplasia. This condition
can be detected by the animal's abnormal gait or limp. It
occurs most often in larger breeds, such as the German shepherd.
Displacement
of the kneecap or dysplasia of the rotula. This defect occurs
most often in smaller breeds and can affect one or both front
legs.
Progressive
atrophy of the retina. This type of blindness was once common
among Irish setters but is now seen in other breeds as well.
Night blindness is one of the first symptoms, with total loss
of sight occurring over time.
Leptospirosis.
This is a serious infectious disease that can be transmitted
to humans. The source is rat urine or polluted water and it
is usually curable if treated by a veterinarian. The symptoms
are: loss of appetite, signs of pain or discomfort when walking,
vomiting, thirstiness, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen. It is
absolutely imperative to have puppies vaccinated to avoid
their contracting this disease.
Distemper.
This is a highly contagious infection that attacks the eyes
and the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. The symptoms
are: loss of appetite, thirst, a waxy discharge from the nose
and eyes, edema in the head body and neck and, on occasion,
blindness. It is possible to prevent this disease by vaccinating
puppies after they're nine days old and seeing that they get
an annual booster shot of the same vaccine.
Rabies.
This is a virulent disease transmitted from animals to humans.
It is characterized by states of over-excitation, paralysis
and it can often be fatal. Dogs, cats, foxes, sheep, oxen,
pigs, horses, etc. can contract rabies. The manifestations
in dogs are depression, loss of appetite and the inability
to swallow solids or liquids due to contractions of the throat
muscles, as well as the onset of hoarseness when the animal
barks. Hydrophobia, as this disease is known, can be avoided
by annual vaccinations.
Special
Products and dog supplies
Today
there is a wide variety of excellent food products on the
market that are the most convenient and cheapest way to feed
a dog and will keep it healthy and beautiful. The correct
amount for each dog depends on its age, size and breed. The
animal's metabolism, temperament, the amount of exercise it
gets, its stage of growth, pregnancy or illness are factors
that dictate the amount of food it should be given. The most
important thing is to achieve a balanced diet with respect
to calories, proteins, minerals and vitamins and to establish
the proper proportions between the dog's weight and the food
it consumes. During their first month of life, puppies need
to eat four times a day, gradually dropping to three times
a day for a while and then limiting feedings to once or twice
a day. The amount will vary from one dog to another. Adult
dogs should take 20 minutes at most to finish their meal.
It's always a good idea to check with your veterinarian about
the best food for your pet. However, besides providing a generous
amount of fresh water, a rule of thumb would be:
Growing
puppies: from 1/2 to 1 ounce of dry dog food for each pound
of body weight per day (from 14 to 28 grams of dry dog food
for each 454 grams of the animal's body weight).
Adult
dogs: From 1/4 to 1/2 pound of dry dog food per pound of body
weight per day (from 113 to 227 grams for each 454 grams of
body weight).
In addition
to a balanced diet and lots of water, there are some other
things our puppies need to make their life more comfortable
and that help us in keeping them healthy, clean and beautiful.
A special
dish for solids and another for clean water, a can opener
and serving spoon. A metal choke collar with metal rings at
both ends, a leather collar with a ring that bears the dog's
name and address, a metal comb, a stiff bristled brush and
a wire brush, a toothbrush and various coats to fit a growing
animal. If you consider yourself to be handy at cutting hair,
you can buy special machines for grooming those breeds that
need special care. There is a wide range of sanitary protection
options for females so that they won't soil furniture when
they're in heat. Flea collars, disinfectants, deodorants,
soaps and shampoos, interactive toys, leather bones, sleeping
mattresses and baskets are just some of the many articles
to be found in department and self-service stores, as well
as in pet shops.
THE
IMPORTANCE OF GETTING A DOG FROM A BREEDER
When you're
thinking about getting a pet, go to a breeder that specializes
in the breed of dog you'd like to own. There are reliable
breeders in many parts of the world, who can advise you on
the personality or temperament of each breed, how to care
for them and the cost of owning the dog. These professionals
can counsel you based on your budget, type of housing, the
number and age of the people that will live with the pet and
your family's lifestyle, so you can select the breed that
would best fit into your home.
Sometimes
a friend or acquaintance will offer to give or sell you a
dog. Whatever the case, you should take certain precautions
before taking the animal home, such as:
•
Take it to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.
• Make sure that the dog has already been weaned.
• See whether it can urinate and defecate easily.
• Note whether the dog is alert and responds to stimuli.
Despite
taking these precautions, the puppy may still have some type
of undetected congenital disease, it could be undernourished
or one of its ancestors could be from a different breed and
this fact could modify its appearance in time.
One word
of advice: don't fall for the adorable puppies offered for
sale by street vendors. Most of these animals lack papers
that document their bloodline, they might be sick or have
some type of birth defect.
A pet
is not just another member of our family group, which we accept
unconditionally simply because they're "family"
but is a member that can be chosen, so we should be very careful
when acquiring an animal. Consider that it will be with for
us for many years and will reflect the best and worst of ourselves
every minute of its life.
Typical
anti-flea products for dogs
- Adams
Inverted Flea & Tick Carpet Spray
Formulated to kill fleas, ticks and other insects in carpeting,
rugs, drapes, upholstered furniture and other indoor areas.
Kills all four flea life stages
- Adams
Flea & Tick Carpet Powder w/Linalool & Nylar
A powdered treatment formulated to kill fleas and ticks
in carpets and rugs. Kills all four flea life stages. One
can treats up to 400 square feet.
- Adams
Flea & Tick Mist for Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens
Protects cats and dogs or puppies and kittens over 12 weeks
of age, from fleas, ticks, gnats, flies, and mosquitoes.
- Adams
Flea & Tick Yard Spray
This concentrated spray is formulated to kill fleas and
ticks in outdoor areas only. Includes a hose-end sprayer
for even application. Treats up to 6,000 square feet.
- Bio
Spot Flea & Tick Control for Dogs
Each application of Bio Spot kills and repels adult fleas
and ticks, kills flea eggs and larvae, and protects against
blood feeding by mosquitoes for dogs age 12 weeks and older.
- Brewer's
Yeast and Garlic by NaturVet
Contains 5% garlic, fortified with vitamins & beef liver.
A tasty, alternative way to repel fleas & ticks.
- Carpet
& Upholstery Powder by Zodiac
Increase the effectiveness of your pet's flea care by eliminating
fleas from carpet and furniture with this powder.
- Flea
and Tick Collars for Dogs by Zodiac
Fast acting, continuous action, even when wet. Kills fleas
and ticks. Provides up to 5 months of protection.
- Flea-Free
Elevated Dog Beds by Snooza
The elevated design of this bed helps repel fleas, relieve
arthritis pain and prevent pressure sores.
- Zodiac
Fleatrol Spot On 1-2-3, Complete Solution Kit
This kit will help you comprehensively control fleas and
ticks on your dog and in your home, with products that provide
immediate and ongoing relief. For dogs.
- Perfect
Coat Flea & Tick Shampoo
Kills adult fleas and ticks as it cleans your dog's coat
to leave it smelling fresh and clean.
- Odorzout
Pet Powder
Pet formula, for use in litter boxes or directly on the
pet to stop odors. Helps deter fleas & ticks.
- Multi-Purpose
Home and Insect Spray by Zodiac
Use to spot treat and eliminate fleas from carpets, upholstery
and pet bedding.
- Mini
Plug-in Pest Repeller
Uses sonic and ultrasonic sound waves to repel pests in
an area up to 500 square feet. Effective on fleas and ticks,
mice, most insects, spiders and bats.
- Groomax
Citrus Shampoo
Developed with professional groomers to deep clean oily
or heavily soiled coats. Also helps to naturally deter fleas.
Made exclusively for PetSmarts.
- Fresh
N Clean Flea & Tick Shampoo
Dual action kills fleas and ticks fast and the popular Fresh
N Clean fragrance is an added bonus
- Fresh
& Free 2-in-1 Flea Control and Freshener
Water-based spray serves a dual purpose. It kills fleas
and their eggs and freshens fabrics.
- FleaTrol
Foggers by Zodiac
These foggers are an ideal way to control fleas in your
home. Available in a convenient 3-pack.
- Zodiac
Yard & Garden Spray
Versatile formula kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ant and
crickets in outdoor areas. Includes hose sprayer attachment.
- Zodiac
Wipe Away For Dogs
Pre-moistened towelettes are ideal for controlling fleas,
ticks, lice and other pests on your dog's face, head and
ears. Three per pack.
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