Pets
Interesting Dachshund Facts
Probably the most strangely shaped dog in the Hound category is the German Dachshund. The Germans developed this odd little dog to hunt badgers, where his long body and short legs helped him with the task. Consider these fascinating Dachshund facts:
The Dachshund’s defining feature is its long body and short legs. This breed comes in three varieties, including wirehaired, shorthaired and long haired, and dogs of each variety come in three different sizes. Dachshunds belong to the AKC hound group.
The German Dachshund has an elongated, muscular body and short legs. It has an elongated head, convex skull and eyebrows that stick out. His jaws are pronounced and muscular. He has a friendly and active expression, with dark oval eyes (eyes can be brown, black or even appear red). His long ears flop down. The upright tail is aligned with his back.
The American Kennel Club determines acceptable ranges for height and weight for the breed. These Dachshund facts stat that a standard size Dachshund should 14 to 18 inches long, and weigh around 20 pounds. A dwarf or miniature Dachshund should be between 12 and 14 inches long and weigh around 9 pounds. A toy should be less than 12 inches and weigh around 8 pounds. An average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
Dachshund coloring can be solid or two-toned. Solid coat colors include yellow or tan. Common bi-colored combinations include bright chestnut with black, brown or grey marks. Other patterns include piebald or even harlequin.
Although loving and extremely loyal, the independent Dachshund can sometimes be difficult to train. They tend to be a bit high-spirited, and they love to dig, so be sure to watch your yard for holes. In general, the long-haired dachshund may have a bit more serene temperament than the agitated and sometimes silly wire hair.
One problem dachshunds face is that they have a tendency to be lazy and gain weight, adding to their other health risks. As with humans, they increase their chance of heart disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections and back problems.
The shedding rate of German Dachshunds is about average, as compared to other breeds. The shorthaired variety is the easiest to care for in this regard, as it generally only needs rubbing with a chamois or soft cloth. Longhaired varieties will need to be brushed every day. It’s a well known Dachshund fact that the wirehaired Dachshund’s grooming is a little more complicated, and will probably need to be seen by a professional dog groomer every six months or so.
Dog Training Uncovered
Whoever said that dog training is easy must be living on another planet because the truth is that it can at times be very hard, and what dog owner has not met another owner who has been on the brink of giving up the effort. Yes, your dog want to please you, but, have you made it clear to them just what you want?
When your dog does what you want her to do it is essential that you offer reward and praise. Don’t just resort to punishment when they do something wrong, but reward them when they do it right. Dogs love it when we give them our full attention and approval, and they will do all they can in order to get it. For instance, if you want him to go to the toilet in a certain place then reward them when they do, in fact, go over the top with your praise. This positive reinforcement is vital to your success in getting your dog to do what you want.
Now there are some training aids on the market which you can buy, some quite frankly being much better than others. Expert dog trainers are now turning away from choke collars and chains saying that they are quite ineffective for the task, as well as being harmful. What is still held in high esteem however is a good strong collar and lead, one which you can give a gentle tug to and get your dogs attention without causing any discomfort. A dog needs to be reminded of what they can and cannot do, and a good lead will help with this. Some people like to use a muzzle in order to try and control barking both when out, and when at home, but we shopuld never forget that barking is something that comes naturally to a dog.
Another weapon in your arsenal of dog traing aids is the good old fashioned grooming brush. Most dogs just love the time when they are groomed, and they also love having a toy to play with. Give them a chewy top and you will keep them happy for hours, and they won’t be looking to chew the furniture or get up to mischief. Another basic aid is you, yes, your playing with your dog is not only great fun for both of you, but it will make sure that he or she has little energy left to get into trouble. It does not cost anything to play, so make sure you do.
One last thing to say and that is about bathing. If you start this when they are quite young then it can be an enjoyable activity for both of you. Make sure you only use proper dog shampoo, and follow up he bathing with dog conditioner as this make it easier to comb your dog later on. Use a good size towel for drying them, and be prepared to get a bit wet yourself!
Pets Can’t Afford Lawyers So They Have Us
Our dogs and cat’s can’t afford lawyers so we have to be their advocates. Much has been discussed regarding the B.A.R.F. diet for pets, but still very little research behind it. I happen to know it works as I almost had my 12 year old stray mutt put to sleep in 1996, at age 12, at the veterinarian’s suggestion, but decided to research a bit more myself before making such an important decision. He lived another 10 years (to age 22), vet-free, except to the very last six months of his life.
The only difference in his “lifestyle” was diet, I decided as a last resort to switch him from “highest grade pet food” to “raw meaty bonds, fruits, and veggies. I bought a very good processor. Got raw burger, lamb, turkey and such. I purchased kinds of raw meat on the bone, even chicken (only organic due to all the chemical processing). The chicken bone/dog murder is one of the biggest pet myths out there. More dogs and cats choke on kibble daily and no reported case of one choking on *any* raw bone. But I was still skeptical the first month, as he was weak and the toxins from processed foods were leaving his organs. It looked like touch and go. It turned out to be a miracle.
So why don’t we know more about this diet? Why are there so few studies behind it barf (Stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods or Bones And Raw Foods? Do you think any major dog or cat food company is willing to put themselves out of business to give your dog or cat this kind of quality of life? I don’t think so. And that is sad. But now we have the Internet and are able to find out real information. You may have to change vets if you do it, not all will agree. Some say it is cruel?. I told several vets I had my dog on it and that was the exact word. I was livid. I shot back, Cruel that you’ll have to get someone else to pay your monthly German car note?? He didn’t have an answer. And Thor smiled his brilliant smile as if he understood.
The theory behind BARF is that dogs and cats are both carnivores and omnivores (which is true. In addition, their digestive system has not evolved that much since when they were wolves and lions (which is true also). Even the American Veterinarian Journal says dogs and cats have “no minimum requirement for any type of grain”. Much of even the top pet foods is loaded with it (cheaper/greed rules), which does not digest, turns to fat, all types of parasites live in fat, and a vicious cycle starts. In addition to the dismal quality of even the “best pet foods”, of which dogs and cats can live (but not thrive), they *must have live enzymes*. This can only be found in live foods. That is the spark that boosts their immune system and their entire beings. You’ll see their eyes clear, fur become shinier, more running and playfulness. I don’t ask you to believe me, just try it for yourself. If you don’t see the change, simply go back to the old style.
But do try this experiment. Grind up some raw burger and veggies in one bowl, his or her favorite canned or kibble food in another. Watch which he RUNS not walks to first. Happens every time. And no more grass eating for dogs. They are getting what they need, so no need to get it from grass. They ignore it. People used to think dogs ate grass to make themselves throw up because they felt sick. They felt sick alright, but that was not the reason they ate it. They instinctively knew they need vegetation, just as any wolf in the woods.
Generally when explaining the diet, I am asked about its safety and sanitation for the pet. It is extremely rare for a cat or dog to get sick from eating raw meat. The digestive tract of a carnivore is short so that organisms such as salmonella and e-coli do not have enough time to reproduce, and the high acidity of the carnivore’s digestive tract is a very inhospitable environment for these organisms. That is why your cat or dog can eat an animal that has been dead for days and still not get sick. However, people can get sick from salmonella and e-coli, so please clean up thoroughly after handling raw meat! Plus these animals naturally produce and live with these organisms all their lives which are always in their digestive systems.
Some tell me they cannot afford it. You’ll find it more expensive with the BARF diet but not as much as you might think. I fed Thor two meals a day for a total cost of about $3.00 (that includes the herbs (expensive, but just a few drops a day in his water) and bottled water. So you are spending $90 per month rather than say, about $50 or about a dollar more a day. Given the cost of vet visits from the diseases processed food (or even cooked food costs), you probably end up saving about $3000-4000 per year. I know I did, plus a much much happier, more loving, more energetic and grateful animal.There is a Youtube video of a middle-class young family who have been feeding their four full grown great danes the barf diet for years.
Thor, my last dog, has been gone for eight months. But now I am ready for a new one. And whatever I adopt (it will be from a shelter) will be on the b.a.r.f diet, herbs, spring water and daily exercise. Do our babies with fur deserve anything less than perfect health? It’s a rhetorical question. You don’t have to take my word. Try it and find out for yourself. Your pet will love you for it.
German Shepherd Dog Health Issues
The German Shepherd is one of the most admired dog breeds and an excellent companion. However, like most pure bred dogs, German Shepherds can be prone to some diseases. Below are some of the German Shepherd dog health concerns.
Developmental bone and joint disease is a problem that affects predominantly young, large-breed dogs like German Shepherds. There may be muscle wasting in the hind legs with hip dysplasia. Dogs may show lameness, pain, and be reluctant to exercise or may even not show any pain at all.
Another problem that may affect German Shepherds is Hemangiosarcoma. It is basically a cancer of the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. Weakness, a distended abdomen, sudden collapse and pale gums are the symptoms associated with this disease. Skin, heart, liver and spleen are the affected areas.
A common German Shepherd dog health problem is hind limb weakness. It may be caused by a slipped disc, degeneration of the bones of the spine and degeneration of the spinal cord. Weakness and sometimes a lack of coordination or wobbliness affects the rear limbs in these cases.
If your dogs seems lethargic, sensitive to cold, susceptible to skin infections, or is becoming obese or losing hair, be sure to get his thyroid evaluated. Diseased thyroid glands can cause inadequate or excess thyroid production, conditions known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Your German Shepherd may also have health concerns with the eyes. Pannus which is an inflammation of the cornea and can affect the dogs vision, can be diagnosed by observing - pink to black growths over the front of the eye, squinting, excessive tearing or eye discharge, eye redness, rubbing or pawing at the eyes.
A bacterial infection of the skin, sometimes accompanied by puss, is known as Pyoderma and can be a problem in German Shepherds. It is unknown what causes this condition, but it may be due to an immune deficiency. Your dog may have this if he displays pimples or sores, hair loss, redness or other abnormal skin conditions. Some dogs also become lethargic, or lose their interest in food.
If you want to avoid these German Shepherd dog health issues, then the best thing to do is screen the health of the dog’s parents to ensure that they don’t have thee medical issues. Also closely monitor your dog for signs indicating problems. See a veterinarian promptly if you spot any issues.
How credible is the brand of the pet food?
There are just 3 easy measures in selecting a suitable brand for your pet. First, understand the demands of your pet by distinguishing his/her lifestage. Second, find if the packaging carries AFFCO nutrition adequateness statement. Third, check if the packaging has out AFFCO feeding trials.
STEP 1 First see the demands of your pet:
a) Breed - Small breeds compared to larger breeds need higher protein levels to sustain their higher energy demands b) Size - Lower calories for overweight dogs/cats and more calories for thin dogs/cats (See body condition system chart to reach perfect body condition) c) Vitality Levels - Active (Exercises a lot) dogs/cats need higher protein levels to keep their higher energy needs as compared to less active dogs/cats. d) Age-Puppies/kittens need higher protein levels as they are still growing as compared to big dogs e) Special needs: Allergies and health problems Study the component list to ward off formulas that contains components your pet is vulnerable to. Pick Out a suitable formula that can help your pet if it has any health problems. Example: PRO PLAN cat urinary tract formula is produced with lower PH and magnesium levels to help in promoting urinary tract health
After understanding the demands of your pet by answering the questions above, you will then need to determine which brand is best suited for your pet, assuming many different brands appear to suit your pets needs. As you likely know it is very tough to decide which pet food is the best considering the number of brands that are flooding the market. There are so many impressive claims that different brands are making but which brands really can be believed?
STEP 2 One simple way is to find on the packaging of the pet food if it has the AAFCO nutrition adequacy statement . AAFCO stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials. It is the single pet food regulatory body in the world at this point in time.
a) Determines that the pet food has complete and balanced nutrition b) Determines which life stage it is suitable for Development (puppy) Pregnancy (pregnant) Sustenance (adult) all life stages c) It supplies a written nutrient road maps (minimum/maximum) based on present knowledge. d) A written profile doesn’t ensure an animal will receive enough amounts of nutrients due to certain variables
Factors not reported for by AAFCO nutrient profiles
a) Potential for lower digestibility b) Potential losses during processing and storage c) Potential for varying ingredient effects d) Insufficiency of nutrients not recognized as necessary.
STEP 3 The next step to take is to check if the packaging indicates that it carries out AAFCO feeding trials. Only a few brands in Malaysia and PRO PLAN is one of them that really conduct feeding tests. AAFCO feeding trials are carried by trying the pet food by feeding them to actual pets while AAFCO nutritional profiles are accomplished by only fulfilling a lab test. Feeding trials are a much more creditworthy way to determine the nutritional completeness of a pet food and show the calls it makes.
Benefits of AAFCO animal feeding tests Better at evaluating palatability/acceptablity by dogs Better able to evaluate digestibility of nutrients Able to evaluate performance of food
Cons of AAFCO animal feeding tests Some assessments are subjective and test length is short relative to life span; subtle signs of deficiency could be overlooked. (PRO PLAN is the single brand that has done a 14 year life span study on Labradors that proves that PRO PLAN can deliver sufficient nutrition for life)
Advantages of having AAFCO authorized nutrient profiles Sample lab analysis easily sustains compliance Deficiencies or extra nutrients versus profile easily known and corrected
Short-change of AAFCO approved nutrient profiles Deficiencies or extra vs real animal needs not easily established and corrected Can’t account for digestibleness or other elements
So remember when selecting a trustworthy brand that demands are established, look out for the words “Animal Feeding Tests” on the packaging. PRO PLAN is one brand that has this and is the only brand that has done a 14 year life span study on Labradors that proves that PRO PLAN can deliver sufficient nutrition for life!
Check out on Caring For Your Dog: http://www.purina.com.my/DogCare/
