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Care For Older Dogs

By Brian on Friday, August 19th, 2011 | No Comments

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As your dog gets older, you will witness noticeable differences in him or her physically. Their teeth will begin to wear down and will change color. Their eyes may begin to change color as well and start to appear gray or blue. The tone of their muscle will decrease and they won’t be able to get around as fast or as easily as they once could. As your dog ages, they also will begin to experience various illnesses and chronic health problems.

Because dogs are often like part of the family, you will want to be able to care for them as best as you can and in a manner that the dog is still experiencing a good quality of life. You want to make sure that you are very vigilant and that you watch them closely. Study them and see if they begin to act differently, or if they seem to be in pain. It will be more important than ever to get checkup visits on a regular basis so that your vet can pinpoint any serious problems. You may want to do this as often as two times every year. These exams should include a blood workup.

If you are not sure of what warning signs to look for as your dog gets older, consider the following list.

-Your dog suddenly needs a lot more water than normal
-Your dog begins to throw up
-Your dog starts to gain or lose weight.
-Your dog suddenly has a change in their stools
-Your dog may have a harder time urinating
-Your dog’s stools suddenly become very loose or contain blood
-Your dog may begin going to the bathroom in the house
-Your dog may appear weak in the leg area or have a hard time walking, running or sitting down
-Your dog’s coat may begin to look dry, flake or lose fur
-Your dog may begin having a difficult time eating and digesting food.
-Your dog may exhibit behavior changes. They may be more cranky then usual.
-Your dog may begin coughing
-Your dog may begin to have trouble hearing
-Your dog suddenly becomes easily labored

Many dogs, as they get older, begin to suffer from diseases of the heart and kidneys. They will begin to have problems with their teeth and perhaps even their thyroid. If a dog is able to receive lots of good care, they can live for quite awhile even up to 15 years. However, this will differ based on their breed. Dogs that are neutered or spayed generally live longer. Some breeds of dogs such as Poodles, Airedale Terriers and Cocker Spaniels may live up to 20 years or more. Again, It depends on the breed, the individual dog and how well they are taken care of.

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Dog Years Human Years

By Brian on Thursday, August 4th, 2011 | No Comments

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The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog’s breed, size as well as the dog’s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog’s life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.

The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of “size or the specific breed calculator”, which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog’s predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.

It is generally assumed that, on an average, “one human year equals to seven dog years”. This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.

It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly “64 percent of dogs” were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.

The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.

Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.

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Test Your Canine Acumen

By Brian on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 | No Comments

<p>By Deanna Mascle

1. According to tests made at the Institute for the Study of Animal Problems in Washington, D.C., dogs and cats, just like people…

A. Worry about what they will wear to work in the morning.

B. Enjoy reading while eating breakfast.

C. Need a retirement plan.

D. Are either right-handed or left-handed-or rather favor either their right or left paws.

D. Are either right-handed or left-handed-or rather favor either their right or left paws.

TBD: Very, very, interesting, don’t you think?

2. Jackals are different from dogs and wolves in what way?

A. They live on a different continent.

B. They are really alien life forms.

C. They are canids.

D. They have one more pair of chromosomes.

D. They have one more pair of chromosomes.

TBD: Even though they may look like alien life forms, they are Canids just like dogs and wolves.

3. Most dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with their ears. However, a few breeds have only about 10 expressions. Can you name those breeds?

A. Bulldogs and Pitbulls

B. Labrador and Golden retrievers

C. Poodles and Dachshunds

D. Beagles and Chihuahuas

A. Bulldogs and Pitbulls

TBD: Due to their breeding, dogs such as Bulldogs and Pitbulls have fewer facial expressions and so are often misinterpreted by other dogs which leads to fights. Poor misunderstood pooches.

4. The fear of dogs and/or rabies is called what?

A. Rabodogophobia

B. Dogophobia

C. Cynophobia

D. Canophobia

C. Cynophobia

TBD: Hey, don’t blame us, that’s what the research says!

5. Of the more than 300 breeds of dogs that exist worldwide, how many does the American Kennel Club recognize?

A. 300

B. 212

C. 145

D. 101

C. 145

TBD: Gee, I wonder why you would have answered 101?

6. Jack London wrote this story about a dog named Buck. Can you name it?

A. A Dog Named Buck

B. Buck’s Marvelous Adventures

C. Don’t Pass the Buck

D. Call of the Wild

D. Call of the Wild

TBD: Gosh, we tried to make it easy for those nonliterary types out there… After all, there is even a movie! We read the book, however.

7. The Dalmation was named for the place where the breed first originated, can you name it?

A. Mount Dalmation in Africa

B. Dalmation coast of Croatia

C. Dalmation Island in the Thousand Islands

D. The tiny country of Dalmatia

B. Dalmation coast of Croatia

TBD: The other places are only a figment of our imagination, so far as she knows anyway…

8. Can you name the dog featured in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas?

A. Who

B. Max

C. Rudi

D. Suzi

B. Max

TBD: Phllllbbbttt! To those who didn’t know. It was Max who stole the show, don’t ya think!

9. The English Romantic poet Lord Byron inscribed this passage on a gravestone “Beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices.” Can you name the object of his tribute?

A. His beloved Newfoundland Boatswain.

B. His wife Anna Isabella.

C. His daughter Augusta Ada.

D. His granduncle William.

A. His beloved Newfoundland Boatswain.

TBD: Come on, be real! This is a quiz about dogs!

10. Can you name the dog who caused so many problems for Foghorn Leghorn in the Looney Tunes?

A. Rufus Wufus

B. Barnyard Dog

C. Just Dog

D. Spotted Dog

B. Barnyard Dog

TBD: That was news to us, too.

11. Which animal was first domesticated by humans?

A. Goat

B. Cat

C. Dog

D. Horse

C. Dog

TBD: Apparently some argument can be made that the goat might have come first in some areas, but the dog is Numero Uno for most evidence of early man!

12. Ralph and Sam, the Looney Tune wolf and sheepdog cartoon character adversaries, would engage in what activity between their bouts?

A. They would punch a time-clock.

B. They would have tea.

C. They would play bridge.

D. They would roller-skate.

A. They would punch a time-clock.

TBD: They would punch in at the beginning of each shift and out at the end as well as for their lunch break.

13. The Beatles son “Martha My Dear” was written by Paul McCartney about…

A. His sheepdog Martha

B. His mother Martha

C. His sister Martha

D. His veterinarian Martha

A. His sheepdog Martha

TBD: If you guess wrong, we sincerely hope you guessed “D” because this is a canine quiz after all.

14. Domestic dogs vary widely in appearance and size, but despite these differences all breeds of the domestic dog are essentially identical in anatomy. Which is NOT an anatomical characteristic of the dog?

A. An average of 321 bones in their skeleton.

B. Thirteen pairs of ribs in the rib cage.

C. A spine with seven cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, seven lumbar vertebrae and three sacral vertebrae.

D. The presence of a dewclaw, an extra digit on the paw.

D. The presence of a dewclaw, an extra digit on the paw.

TBD: Apparently not all breeds have a dewclaw and this why the average number of bones in the skeleton varies!

15. Can you name the dog on the Cracker Jack box?

A. Jack

B. Bingo

C. Cracker

D. Prize

B. Bingo

TBD: Just think of all the knowledge we share to make your life more meaningful!

About the Author: Deanna Mascle runs Trivia By Dawggone, http://triviabydawggone.com, the Trivia Teaser Contest, http://triviateaseronline.com, and two trivia ezines.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=14297&ca=Pets

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Selecting a Canine How to Choose a Dog That Suits Your Lifestyle

By Brian on Sunday, July 24th, 2011 | No Comments

<p>By L.J.T. Reaves

Most people choose a dog based on looks and personal interaction. A puppy with irresistible eyes and a playful attitude is hard to turn away. The problem is, a lot of puppies grow out of their cuteness and playfulness. By the time they reach adulthood, they become more than their owners bargained for.

It’s important to consider your lifestyle when selecting a canine. Some breeds are ideally suited for an active lifestyle while others are content to sit on the couch all day. Some are large while others are small. Some require grooming every two or three weeks while others need to be groomed every day. Given that you and your pet will likely spend a decade together, it’s worth investing sufficient time to make the right decision.

Below, we’ll take you through the process of choosing a dog that is appropriate for your life. Making the right choice paves the way for a rewarding friendship, for both you and your canine.

Learn About Specific Breeds

Every breed has specific character traits. For example, Boxers and Rottweilers are known to be athletic and loyal; Beagles are particularly high-energy, and can be stubborn; and Standard Poodles are known to have an even, well-mannered temperament.

Each breed is also susceptible to certain health problems. Boston Terriers are predisposed to glaucoma; Great Danes and Akitas often develop hip dysplasia; and Chows are known to cope with gastric dilatation.

It’s important to identify breed standards, so you’ll have a clear understanding of the challenges you may confront down the road. Many people adopt dogs without taking this step. Unfortunately, they often encounter unanticipated problems for which they are unprepared.

Do You Have Enough Room?

If you live on a ranch surrounded by several acres, your canine will have plenty of room to run, play, and roam. Regardless of his size, he won’t feel cramped or restricted. But suppose you live in a small apartment or condo. In this case, a large breed will likely be unsuitable. So, too, will high-energy breeds that require plenty of room to run.

Be realistic about the amount of room you have available for a canine. If you’re thinking about adopting a puppy rather than an adult dog, consider its full-grown size. A pup will reach this size within twelve months.

Exercise, Grooming, And Veterinary Care

Many owners underestimate the time and budget involved in caring for a canine. You’ll need to provide your dog with a daily outlet for exercise. At minimum, plan to take him for a walk each day. Most breeds need more exercise, however, to stay healthy. Some, such as Border Collies, need more activity than most in order to work off pent-up energy.

Grooming needs represent another area often misjudged by owners. Breeds with short hair tend to require less-frequent brushing, but sometimes shed more than their longer-haired counterparts. Breeds with long hair may need brushing once each day. Regular bathing, haircuts, and nail trimmings are also important to consider.

Your canine will need to see a veterinarian once each year for a checkup. As he grows older, he should have checkups twice a year in order to prevent small health problems from worsening. The problem is, a lot of owners adopt their dogs without considering the cost of regular veterinary care. When their pets become ill, they lack the financial resources to make sure they receive the attention they need.

Will A Dog Fit Into Your Life?

In many ways, caring for a canine is similar to caring for a baby or toddler. He’ll depend on you for food, shelter, exercise, and companionship; he’ll need housetraining, obedience classes, and socialization; he’ll also need grooming and veterinary care on a regular basis. This means you need to take an active role in making him a part of your life. The investment of time and money, however, yields dividends through a rewarding friendship that grows stronger with time.

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