If you breed long enough, sooner or later you may breed a litter that has genetic health problems like mega, EPI, SIBO, etc. Many times you are very surprised by this because you were unaware of the bloodlines that you were breeding carried these problems. Truth be told many bloodlines carry some health problems. There is not a perfect bloodline free from any and all health problems. The trick is to find a bloodline that has as few of these problems as possible. Without honesty among breeders and especially stud dog owners, then “surprise” litters like this will pop up more and more.
Why do I say especially among stud dog owners? Well because most of the time a breeder should know (if she’s done her homework) the faults of her bitches line. When she chooses a stud dog, she is looking to correct those faults or stay away from them altogether! She’s not looking to double up on them. She should be able to go to the stud dog owner and ask him if his dog carries these health problems in his line. Sadly, many (not all) stud dog owners will say, “Not my dog!” Without this honest communication among the breeders, the bloodlines get corrupted and may take generations to weed out the genetic health problems.
This is the purpose of this article today. Most good breeders if they have a puppy or two in a litter that has mega esophagus for example, will not keep a brother or a sister that doesn’t have it and use them for their breeding program. They’re smart enough to know that although this puppy doesn’t have the fault, that the potential for him to carry it is great. So perhaps if they bred their unaffected puppy, her pups could be affected with this terrible health problem.
Now what I want to know is does the same thing hold true with the temperament of a litter? If you had a potential “star” in a litter, but a couple of his litter mates had bad temperament, would you keep or sell the star knowing that although he has wonderful temperament, the potential for him to produce bad temperament is there?
So your new litter seems to be healthy and strong with no obvious genetic health problems. BUT………a couple of the puppies don’t have ideal temperament. You know your bitch has a good temperament and the stud dog appears to have a good temperament as well. How much do you know about the temperament behind the two dogs you bred?
Why is it that breeders will keep a puppy from a litter that didn’t have 100% of the puppies with the ideal German Shepherd Dog temperament? How is this any different from keeping a puppy where litter mates had health problems? Is one more serious and important than the other? Should we not be as conscientious when it comes to keeping a puppy that comes from a litter that has bad temperament in it although he himself is fine?
I remember one time a litter that had two champion males. One of the males had the ideal temperament and the other one did not. Both of these dogs were utilized by breeders in their breeding program. I remember talking to breeders that had bred to the dog that had a good temperament. A few of these people told me that they were disappointed in the temperaments that they got from this dog even though he himself was fine. On the other hand the bad tempered male produced some dogs that had good temperament.
So do we do a disservice to the future genetics of the breed by including dogs that come from litters that are not 100% sound of mind? Would you, should you be breeding dogs that come from litters of unsound temperament? Are we fooling ourselves by thinking that because we kept the good tempered puppy that we don’t have to worry about bad temperament in our future litters? We should not treat temperament problems in a litter with any less seriousness than we do a health problem.
From the book - "CONTROL OF CANINE GENETIC DISEASES" - If you breed dogs for any reason, you must own this book. Genetic diseases are among the most serious hazards on the landscape of modern dog breeding and one of the most vexing challenges facing today's dog breeders. Is it appropriate to open the gene pool to unwanted conditions in the pursuit of physical perfection, or must breeding to the Standard take a back seat to producing healthy animals?
In Control of Canine Genetic Diseases, renowned authority George A. Padgett, DVM, provides an expert road map to help dog breeders everywhere avoid the pitfalls they are almost destined to encounter. For anyone whose goal is to produce healthy, functional and beautiful dogs, this is the book they need. Dr. Padgett provides clear explanations of modes of inheritance, how to conduct and analyze test matings and how to lower the chances of producing affected animals. Numerous tables, diagrams and graphs further enhance the text to facilitate the breeder's understanding.
My rating: Genetic faults: (1)
Showing posts with label dog medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog medicine. Show all posts
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY!
Whether you breed, show or just own the German Shepherd Dog doesn’t mean that you won’t experience a little of each of these things at one time or another (good, bad & ugly). So let’s take a look at some of these things.
THE GOOD:
The pride of ownership of the best all around, “do everything” with type of dog.
There really isn’t too much that you can’t do with this dog. He’s extremely devoted and is need to please in unrivaled.
He’s a great watchdog.
He’s a great baby (kid) sitter.
He loves to go out for hikes or walks.
Many of them love car rides.
He’s very easy to train.
He definitely is the “poster” child for “Man’s Best Friend.”
I think more movies have been made with the German Shepherd Dog than any other breed of dog.
He’s a hero! I bet he’s the breed of dog that is instrumental to saving and rescuing more people’s lives than any other breed.
He’s very good at sizing up people knowing if the person has good intentions and who doesn’t.
He doesn’t make friendships easily with strangers.
The devotion of some people in this breed that work unselfish hours to rescue them from shelters or other abusive situations.
The breeders that take responsibility for ALL the dogs that they breed, whether it’s a pet, show, or working animal.
These are the same breeders if a rescue calls and says we have one of your dogs, that they take the dog back and re-home him.
Breeding a healthy, strong litter of German Shepherd puppies.
Breeders who give the best care to their animals through proper nutrition, immunizations and training.
The lasting friendships that we make because we share the same love for this breed.
The wealth of information that can be found through communication from one breeder to another.
The amount of time and devotion that some people in this breed give to their local breed clubs and the Parent club.
The “newbies” still coming into the breed.
Helping the “newbies” coming into the breed by being a mentor to them.
The German Shepherd Dog will always be a beloved breed simple because they are what a dog should be like.
THE BAD:
The number one “bad” about the German Shepherd Dog………DOG HAIR!!! EVERYWHERE!!! THIS BREED SHEDS A LOT!!!
They never live long enough. 8 – 12 years (give or take), but never enough for anyone that owns and loves this breed.
Because of their popularity, many people that should not be breeding are breeding because of the money they hope to get from this popular breed of dog.
Because of the over breeding of the German Shepherd Dog, many of them will find their final “homes” in a kill shelter.
Intestinal health problems as well as other genetic dispositions for certain diseases.
People that breed and don’t know the first thing about how to read a pedigree.
People that breed that don’t know the first things about the proper structure and movement of the German Shepherd Dog.
People that should never have their judging license because (see my last sentence).
People that don’t know how to train and socialize this breed.
The lack of sportsmanship by some that exhibit dogs.
The same judges judging the National every couple of years when there are those judges that are never asked that could do an equally good job or even better!
The expense of some dog foods that we would love to feed our animals, but we can’t afford so we have to feed a lesser quality food.
Some people never volunteer when they belong to a club but instead bellyache about how the club is run.
These same people reap the rewards of those that do do the work for the club.
And what about those people that never say “Thank you, or congratulations” to their fellow exhibitors?
The “newbies” leaving the breed because of the indifference shown to them by those that should know better.
Being in the breed with the attitude of "What's in it for me?" rather than what good you can do for the breed.
THE UGLY:
Those breeders that are told that one of their dogs is in a shelter and they say, “It’s not my problem!”
German Shepherd puppies and adults being used as “bait” dogs for fighting breeds of dogs.
Those judges that are dishonest and set up the “winners” before you even walk in the ring with your dog!
Those exhibitors that would even ask a judge to put up their dog because of friendship, or because the judge wants to get a lot of judging assignments that the exhibitor has promised to make sure that he does.
Anyone that would abuse this breed through neglect, indifference, torture or with the intention to cause it harm in any way!
The ingredients in some dog foods, like rendered concoctions – road kill, diseased animals, dead animals from shelters, etc.
Those that pass judgment on others in the breed by spreading vicious lies and gossip about someone or their animals hoping to get people to believe them.
This is especially ugly when it comes from people in the breed that should be setting an example rather than being an example of what people never want to be like!
Because of the indifference by some, the breed clubs diminish, the entries are down and the sport of showing dogs as we once knew it may not be re-visited again for some time if ever again.
So these are just my thoughts and like usual just my opinion.
From the book: "WHEN FRIENDSHIP HURTS: Does anything hurt worse than betrayal by a close friend? Sociologist and friendship expert Jan Yager (Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives) explores failed, hurtful, and destructive friendships in When Friendship Hurts.
The book describes 21 types of potentially negative friends. The "Rival," for example, is envious to the point of malice. The "Blood-sucker" expects you to be there every moment. The "Controller" must be in charge of everything, from where you meet for lunch to whom you date. Yager lays out strategies for dealing with the problems when you want to keep the friendship, while also warning about extreme behavior and discussing triggers that lead to friendship conflicts, such as jealousy, anger, and change (of marital status or job, for example). Yager also guides you to examine your own destructive or harmful traits and recognize patterns in your family background that affect your friendships. Overall, this book will help you learn how to deal with destructive friendships--when and how to save them, when and how to end them, and how to cope when a business friendship goes wrong.
My rating: The Good: (4), The Bad: (1), The Ugly: (1)
THE GOOD:
The pride of ownership of the best all around, “do everything” with type of dog.
There really isn’t too much that you can’t do with this dog. He’s extremely devoted and is need to please in unrivaled.
He’s a great watchdog.
He’s a great baby (kid) sitter.
He loves to go out for hikes or walks.
Many of them love car rides.
He’s very easy to train.
He definitely is the “poster” child for “Man’s Best Friend.”
I think more movies have been made with the German Shepherd Dog than any other breed of dog.
He’s a hero! I bet he’s the breed of dog that is instrumental to saving and rescuing more people’s lives than any other breed.
He’s very good at sizing up people knowing if the person has good intentions and who doesn’t.
He doesn’t make friendships easily with strangers.
The devotion of some people in this breed that work unselfish hours to rescue them from shelters or other abusive situations.
The breeders that take responsibility for ALL the dogs that they breed, whether it’s a pet, show, or working animal.
These are the same breeders if a rescue calls and says we have one of your dogs, that they take the dog back and re-home him.
Breeding a healthy, strong litter of German Shepherd puppies.
Breeders who give the best care to their animals through proper nutrition, immunizations and training.
The lasting friendships that we make because we share the same love for this breed.
The wealth of information that can be found through communication from one breeder to another.
The amount of time and devotion that some people in this breed give to their local breed clubs and the Parent club.
The “newbies” still coming into the breed.
Helping the “newbies” coming into the breed by being a mentor to them.
The German Shepherd Dog will always be a beloved breed simple because they are what a dog should be like.
THE BAD:
The number one “bad” about the German Shepherd Dog………DOG HAIR!!! EVERYWHERE!!! THIS BREED SHEDS A LOT!!!
They never live long enough. 8 – 12 years (give or take), but never enough for anyone that owns and loves this breed.
Because of their popularity, many people that should not be breeding are breeding because of the money they hope to get from this popular breed of dog.
Because of the over breeding of the German Shepherd Dog, many of them will find their final “homes” in a kill shelter.
Intestinal health problems as well as other genetic dispositions for certain diseases.
People that breed and don’t know the first thing about how to read a pedigree.
People that breed that don’t know the first things about the proper structure and movement of the German Shepherd Dog.
People that should never have their judging license because (see my last sentence).
People that don’t know how to train and socialize this breed.
The lack of sportsmanship by some that exhibit dogs.
The same judges judging the National every couple of years when there are those judges that are never asked that could do an equally good job or even better!
The expense of some dog foods that we would love to feed our animals, but we can’t afford so we have to feed a lesser quality food.
Some people never volunteer when they belong to a club but instead bellyache about how the club is run.
These same people reap the rewards of those that do do the work for the club.
And what about those people that never say “Thank you, or congratulations” to their fellow exhibitors?
The “newbies” leaving the breed because of the indifference shown to them by those that should know better.
Being in the breed with the attitude of "What's in it for me?" rather than what good you can do for the breed.
THE UGLY:
Those breeders that are told that one of their dogs is in a shelter and they say, “It’s not my problem!”
German Shepherd puppies and adults being used as “bait” dogs for fighting breeds of dogs.
Those judges that are dishonest and set up the “winners” before you even walk in the ring with your dog!
Those exhibitors that would even ask a judge to put up their dog because of friendship, or because the judge wants to get a lot of judging assignments that the exhibitor has promised to make sure that he does.
Anyone that would abuse this breed through neglect, indifference, torture or with the intention to cause it harm in any way!
The ingredients in some dog foods, like rendered concoctions – road kill, diseased animals, dead animals from shelters, etc.
Those that pass judgment on others in the breed by spreading vicious lies and gossip about someone or their animals hoping to get people to believe them.
This is especially ugly when it comes from people in the breed that should be setting an example rather than being an example of what people never want to be like!
Because of the indifference by some, the breed clubs diminish, the entries are down and the sport of showing dogs as we once knew it may not be re-visited again for some time if ever again.
So these are just my thoughts and like usual just my opinion.
From the book: "WHEN FRIENDSHIP HURTS: Does anything hurt worse than betrayal by a close friend? Sociologist and friendship expert Jan Yager (Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives) explores failed, hurtful, and destructive friendships in When Friendship Hurts.
The book describes 21 types of potentially negative friends. The "Rival," for example, is envious to the point of malice. The "Blood-sucker" expects you to be there every moment. The "Controller" must be in charge of everything, from where you meet for lunch to whom you date. Yager lays out strategies for dealing with the problems when you want to keep the friendship, while also warning about extreme behavior and discussing triggers that lead to friendship conflicts, such as jealousy, anger, and change (of marital status or job, for example). Yager also guides you to examine your own destructive or harmful traits and recognize patterns in your family background that affect your friendships. Overall, this book will help you learn how to deal with destructive friendships--when and how to save them, when and how to end them, and how to cope when a business friendship goes wrong.
My rating: The Good: (4), The Bad: (1), The Ugly: (1)
Friday, July 30, 2010
OH THEY SLEEP VERY WELL!
Well here it is Friday and the start of another week-end already. I’ve never seen time go by so quickly. My mother always told me after my twenties, time will fly by quickly. Well I haven’t seen my twenties in quite sometime, but I can attest to the fact that time indeed flies by too quickly. For instance, where the heck is the summer going? In a couple of days, August will be here. And fall, I just love the fall, but it goes by way too quickly and then we’re looking at “Old Man Winter” who always hangs around a lot longer than we want him to. Oh well onto today’s subject.
I got a little more mail than usual this week about some of the subjects that I wrote about pertaining to breeding problems with the German Shepherd Dog. Quite a few were very concerned about the practices that they are witnessing in our breed by those breeders that never take into consideration the health of our breed. Someone wrote to me to tell me of a breeder that continues to breed one of his animals that has produced mega in two litters and is now repeating it for the third time. Must make that almighty dollar no matter how you have to do it! And now he can use the bad economy as an excuse!
Someone also wrote to tell me of a so called “big shot” breeder that just dumped his dog in a shelter because the dog that he had been using for his breeding program was no longer of use to him so he dumped him in a shelter complaining about the dogs bad temperament. As this writer continued, just imagine how stressful the kill shelter environment was for that already fearful animal!
Then there’s another letter someone else wrote talking about those breeders that knowingly breed dogs with terrible temperament and then send it off to a handler for training so he can be shown. The dog may be so well trained in the ring and behaves flawlessly, but step out of the ring with a crowd of people gathering around him and his shaking legs can barely hold him up. This man questioned how these people sleep at night. My response to him was, “Oh they sleep very well.” These are the type of people in the breed strictly for what the breed can do for them. Winning at any cost is their motto.
Oh and here was the best one. Someone wrote to say that a dog that someone bought for showing turned up having seizures and the owner decided he wasn’t going to use the dog for his breeding program. The breeder has the nerve to ask him, “You’re still going to show him, aren’t you?” Where’s my gun???
I have a couple of problems with some of this. First of all, why are dogs that have bad temperaments being sent to handlers to “fix” so they can be shown in the first place? Answer: So they can produce another champion and give some more ROM (register of merit) points to their undeserving breeding animals. And why are handlers even taking these dogs to train them to stand for examination? Let’s take it one step further, WHY ARE SOME BREEDERS BREEDING TO DOGS WITH BAD TEMPERAMENTS TO BEGIN WITH? What is that about? What are they doing to the breed? And even more amazing, they're paying a big stud service for the "privilege" of breeding to the bad tempered male! In this writer’s opinion, breeders are responsible for nearly ever genetic problem that we have in this breed.
As in one correspondence that I had with someone last night, we discussed that if the “forces to be” tells the fancy that this is the dog that they should be breeding to then those that are easily influenced will do just that. Then I don’t call that person that is easily influenced a breeder. They’re just a follower.
Someone wrote to ask how come some judges are putting up bad temperament? Now they’re not talking about dogs that have a reputation for this type of temperament. They’re talking about those dogs that spook from the judge in the ring and they still put them up because of who’s on the end of the lead or who owns the dog. In these types of scenarios, I’m always amused (sort of) when I see the “big shot” owner on the outside of the ring bringing attention to herself to make sure the judge knows who owns that dog. It’s is so obvious what they are doing.
Our dogs deserve better reputations than this. Bad temperament is a reflection on bad breeding and lack of proper socialization in my opinion. If a breeder knowingly breeds a dog that has a bad temperament or breeds to one that does, the offspring shouldn’t have to suffer because of their greed and lack of concern for their dogs. Giving them the needle or dumping them at a shelter isn’t the answer. Why should the dog have to give up his life when they are the one that made him this way in the first place? The answer is don’t intentionally breed to bad temperament. Everyone now and again may produce a puppy or two that doesn’t have the ideal temperament. But to knowingly breed to it is a crime against this noble breed.
I’m smart enough to know that just because I write about this it won’t amount to a hill of beans to those that are guilty of these practices. But for those that do care and love the German Shepherd Dog, hopefully they will stay away from those who continue to poison the genetic pool with their unhealthy breeding practices.
From the book: FRIENDS TO THE END: THE TRUE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP..... Friends and life. Life and friends. The two are so tightly interwoven it's impossible to imagine one being remotely worthwhile without the other. As Bradley Trevor Greive points out, "there are very few truly solitary creatures on this planet. And most of them have serious personal hygiene issues." What makes friends so special? What does our choice of friends say about us? What sparks the best friendships and keeps them burning? In Friends To The End: The True Value of Friendship, BTG uses hit trademark witty narrative illustrated with irresistible animal photos to explore the daily magic we experience through our friends. Best described as a cross between his famously successful Dear Mom and The Blue Day Book, Friends to the End examines themes such as why we can't live without friends, how great friendships grow from humble beginnings, how to identify different types of friendship, what to do when good friends turn bad, and why it's all so worthwhile. "When I think back to all the really great or the horrendously bad times in my life," says BTG, "I can't help but think about how my friends made the former all the more enjoyable and the latter at least survivable. I want this book to help people appreciate friendship for all it is and all it can be." Friends to the End promises to have the same cultural impact achieved by his previous books. His modern classics The Blue Day Book and Dear Mom have been New York Times best-sellers and made the author a household name in more than 35 countries. BTG's seven previous volumes have sold more than eight million copies worldwide.
My rating: Temperament problems: (1)
I got a little more mail than usual this week about some of the subjects that I wrote about pertaining to breeding problems with the German Shepherd Dog. Quite a few were very concerned about the practices that they are witnessing in our breed by those breeders that never take into consideration the health of our breed. Someone wrote to me to tell me of a breeder that continues to breed one of his animals that has produced mega in two litters and is now repeating it for the third time. Must make that almighty dollar no matter how you have to do it! And now he can use the bad economy as an excuse!
Someone also wrote to tell me of a so called “big shot” breeder that just dumped his dog in a shelter because the dog that he had been using for his breeding program was no longer of use to him so he dumped him in a shelter complaining about the dogs bad temperament. As this writer continued, just imagine how stressful the kill shelter environment was for that already fearful animal!
Then there’s another letter someone else wrote talking about those breeders that knowingly breed dogs with terrible temperament and then send it off to a handler for training so he can be shown. The dog may be so well trained in the ring and behaves flawlessly, but step out of the ring with a crowd of people gathering around him and his shaking legs can barely hold him up. This man questioned how these people sleep at night. My response to him was, “Oh they sleep very well.” These are the type of people in the breed strictly for what the breed can do for them. Winning at any cost is their motto.
Oh and here was the best one. Someone wrote to say that a dog that someone bought for showing turned up having seizures and the owner decided he wasn’t going to use the dog for his breeding program. The breeder has the nerve to ask him, “You’re still going to show him, aren’t you?” Where’s my gun???
I have a couple of problems with some of this. First of all, why are dogs that have bad temperaments being sent to handlers to “fix” so they can be shown in the first place? Answer: So they can produce another champion and give some more ROM (register of merit) points to their undeserving breeding animals. And why are handlers even taking these dogs to train them to stand for examination? Let’s take it one step further, WHY ARE SOME BREEDERS BREEDING TO DOGS WITH BAD TEMPERAMENTS TO BEGIN WITH? What is that about? What are they doing to the breed? And even more amazing, they're paying a big stud service for the "privilege" of breeding to the bad tempered male! In this writer’s opinion, breeders are responsible for nearly ever genetic problem that we have in this breed.
As in one correspondence that I had with someone last night, we discussed that if the “forces to be” tells the fancy that this is the dog that they should be breeding to then those that are easily influenced will do just that. Then I don’t call that person that is easily influenced a breeder. They’re just a follower.
Someone wrote to ask how come some judges are putting up bad temperament? Now they’re not talking about dogs that have a reputation for this type of temperament. They’re talking about those dogs that spook from the judge in the ring and they still put them up because of who’s on the end of the lead or who owns the dog. In these types of scenarios, I’m always amused (sort of) when I see the “big shot” owner on the outside of the ring bringing attention to herself to make sure the judge knows who owns that dog. It’s is so obvious what they are doing.
Our dogs deserve better reputations than this. Bad temperament is a reflection on bad breeding and lack of proper socialization in my opinion. If a breeder knowingly breeds a dog that has a bad temperament or breeds to one that does, the offspring shouldn’t have to suffer because of their greed and lack of concern for their dogs. Giving them the needle or dumping them at a shelter isn’t the answer. Why should the dog have to give up his life when they are the one that made him this way in the first place? The answer is don’t intentionally breed to bad temperament. Everyone now and again may produce a puppy or two that doesn’t have the ideal temperament. But to knowingly breed to it is a crime against this noble breed.
I’m smart enough to know that just because I write about this it won’t amount to a hill of beans to those that are guilty of these practices. But for those that do care and love the German Shepherd Dog, hopefully they will stay away from those who continue to poison the genetic pool with their unhealthy breeding practices.
From the book: FRIENDS TO THE END: THE TRUE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP..... Friends and life. Life and friends. The two are so tightly interwoven it's impossible to imagine one being remotely worthwhile without the other. As Bradley Trevor Greive points out, "there are very few truly solitary creatures on this planet. And most of them have serious personal hygiene issues." What makes friends so special? What does our choice of friends say about us? What sparks the best friendships and keeps them burning? In Friends To The End: The True Value of Friendship, BTG uses hit trademark witty narrative illustrated with irresistible animal photos to explore the daily magic we experience through our friends. Best described as a cross between his famously successful Dear Mom and The Blue Day Book, Friends to the End examines themes such as why we can't live without friends, how great friendships grow from humble beginnings, how to identify different types of friendship, what to do when good friends turn bad, and why it's all so worthwhile. "When I think back to all the really great or the horrendously bad times in my life," says BTG, "I can't help but think about how my friends made the former all the more enjoyable and the latter at least survivable. I want this book to help people appreciate friendship for all it is and all it can be." Friends to the End promises to have the same cultural impact achieved by his previous books. His modern classics The Blue Day Book and Dear Mom have been New York Times best-sellers and made the author a household name in more than 35 countries. BTG's seven previous volumes have sold more than eight million copies worldwide.
My rating: Temperament problems: (1)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
CANINE INFLUENZA
The dog flu virus (Influenza A subtype H3N8) was first discovered back in 2004 down in Florida with the racing Grey Hound dogs. This virus is highly contagious between dogs but so far there is no evidence that it can be transmitted from dogs to humans or other species. So far the dog flu virus has only been documented in 30 states, but it is likely present throughout the US and is considered endemic in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Colorado. NOTE: I do remember recently reading somewhere that a human passed the flu virus to his animal (dog, cat)???
A shocking statistic - almost 100% of dogs will be infected after exposure to this virus. Within 2 to 4 days of exposure, 80% of dogs will develop signs of illness and the other 20% will remain asymptomatic, although they are still capable of spreading the virus. In all cases, dogs are most contagious before they start showing signs. This virus is similar to the human flu viruses. It is spread by respiratory secretions and contaminates food and water bowls, collars, leashes and bedding. From my research, the virus can stay alive on most surfaces for 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours and hands for 12 hours but is easily killed by common disinfectants (bleach, ammonium compounds).
How can you tell if your dog has the canine influenza? This virus causes acute respiratory infection in dogs. Most dogs will develop a mild respiratory infection which is characterized by a moist or dry cough that usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks despite treatment. They will have a cloudy or green nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. For more severe infections you might see pneumonia and a high fever. The death rate has been reported in 1 to 5% of dogs who are severely affected. Another thing that is important to remember is that unlike other flu viruses, canine influenza is not seasonal and occurs year round. Wow…..that blew me away! Year round?! Many times dogs with canine influenza are often misdiagnosed with kennel cough as the signs are usually identical. For this reason, canine influenza cannot be diagnosed only on clinical signs. That is why it is imperative to have a blood test done which identifies antibodies to the virus as early as 7 days after symptoms start. In order to confirm the infection, another blood sample should be taken about 2 weeks later. There are other tests that your veterinarian may recommend as well.
Secondary bacterial infections are common and many dogs require broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. As with all viral infections, the treatment for canine influenza is to use good preventative measures. Excellent hygiene and natural nutrition can help dogs mount an immune response and recover within 2 to 3 weeks.
If your dog starts to show signs of the canine flu, keep your dog at home, away from other dogs and dog owners. Your dog should not be brought to parks or handling and obedience classes where other dogs are present. He should not be boarded or groomed. And common sense will tell you, that he should not be brought to a dog show. In fact, they should be isolated from other dogs for 2 weeks to prevent spread of disease.
You should also take preventative measures if you have other dogs. Wash your hands frequently and change your clothes before handling or being around your other dogs to reduce the risk of spread. Always disinfect the surfaces of your home and car or van that your dog has come in contact with before you let your other dogs in these areas.
There is no cure for the flu but if you suspect your dog has come in contact with a sick dog, take him to the vet to have him tested for the flu and where he can offer treatment.
In May 2009, the USDA approved the first canine influenza vaccine. Like the human flu shot, the vaccine may not completely prevent infection but vaccinated dogs will develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs. My research says that the vaccine is not recommended for every dog—only those dogs with an "at-risk" lifestyle. This includes dogs that are boarded or kenneled frequently, go to the groomer routinely, are housed with other dogs, or have frequent dog contact (Dog Park, doggy daycare, dog shows, dog handling classes, etc). The best thing to do is ask your veterinarian if the canine flu vaccine is right for your dog.
I personally have never seen so many new illnesses as I have in recent years both in our canine friends and humans as well. Just look back at when you were growing up. Pets were lucky if they ever went to the vet in their lifetime and many lived over 16 years of age. It must be something in the water…..or food!?
My rating: dog flu shot where necessary: (4)
A shocking statistic - almost 100% of dogs will be infected after exposure to this virus. Within 2 to 4 days of exposure, 80% of dogs will develop signs of illness and the other 20% will remain asymptomatic, although they are still capable of spreading the virus. In all cases, dogs are most contagious before they start showing signs. This virus is similar to the human flu viruses. It is spread by respiratory secretions and contaminates food and water bowls, collars, leashes and bedding. From my research, the virus can stay alive on most surfaces for 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours and hands for 12 hours but is easily killed by common disinfectants (bleach, ammonium compounds).
How can you tell if your dog has the canine influenza? This virus causes acute respiratory infection in dogs. Most dogs will develop a mild respiratory infection which is characterized by a moist or dry cough that usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks despite treatment. They will have a cloudy or green nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. For more severe infections you might see pneumonia and a high fever. The death rate has been reported in 1 to 5% of dogs who are severely affected. Another thing that is important to remember is that unlike other flu viruses, canine influenza is not seasonal and occurs year round. Wow…..that blew me away! Year round?! Many times dogs with canine influenza are often misdiagnosed with kennel cough as the signs are usually identical. For this reason, canine influenza cannot be diagnosed only on clinical signs. That is why it is imperative to have a blood test done which identifies antibodies to the virus as early as 7 days after symptoms start. In order to confirm the infection, another blood sample should be taken about 2 weeks later. There are other tests that your veterinarian may recommend as well.
Secondary bacterial infections are common and many dogs require broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. As with all viral infections, the treatment for canine influenza is to use good preventative measures. Excellent hygiene and natural nutrition can help dogs mount an immune response and recover within 2 to 3 weeks.
If your dog starts to show signs of the canine flu, keep your dog at home, away from other dogs and dog owners. Your dog should not be brought to parks or handling and obedience classes where other dogs are present. He should not be boarded or groomed. And common sense will tell you, that he should not be brought to a dog show. In fact, they should be isolated from other dogs for 2 weeks to prevent spread of disease.
You should also take preventative measures if you have other dogs. Wash your hands frequently and change your clothes before handling or being around your other dogs to reduce the risk of spread. Always disinfect the surfaces of your home and car or van that your dog has come in contact with before you let your other dogs in these areas.
There is no cure for the flu but if you suspect your dog has come in contact with a sick dog, take him to the vet to have him tested for the flu and where he can offer treatment.
In May 2009, the USDA approved the first canine influenza vaccine. Like the human flu shot, the vaccine may not completely prevent infection but vaccinated dogs will develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs. My research says that the vaccine is not recommended for every dog—only those dogs with an "at-risk" lifestyle. This includes dogs that are boarded or kenneled frequently, go to the groomer routinely, are housed with other dogs, or have frequent dog contact (Dog Park, doggy daycare, dog shows, dog handling classes, etc). The best thing to do is ask your veterinarian if the canine flu vaccine is right for your dog.
I personally have never seen so many new illnesses as I have in recent years both in our canine friends and humans as well. Just look back at when you were growing up. Pets were lucky if they ever went to the vet in their lifetime and many lived over 16 years of age. It must be something in the water…..or food!?
My rating: dog flu shot where necessary: (4)
Friday, December 4, 2009
HATE YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, BUT DON'T FORGET TO SAY GRACE
OK, baby boomers, what song is that lyric (the title of this article) taken from? As old as that song is, it’s sad to say that it’s as relevant today as it was then! I grew up in a time that heard the echoes of “Peace and love man” while the Viet Nam war raged on and demonstrations on campus’s across the nation was viewed on television almost every night. Have we come a long way from those times? Well um, we’re still in war only in a different country and I don’t hear too many songs preaching about peace and love. Now it’s more about beat them up, shoot them down and F--- you if you don’t like it. You think maybe this is kind of an angry society we live in? One thing I know for sure, it is definitely a more violent society than ever before.
I was watching a show yesterday about a convicted serial killer who is serving a life sentence for his heinous crimes. It made mention of how he liked to torture and kill animals when he was younger. Having done a study about these predators, I remember reading about the torture and killing of animals by many of these killers.
Each week, we see pictures sent across many of our German Shepherd Dog lists showing how some of these animals have been mistreated and abused by man. The pictures that are sent are so awful that sometimes I can’t even look at them. When I wrote an article a few months back titled “Predators and Prey” I said that there was something so wrong with seeing an animal like the German Shepherd in a compromising situation where his life is one of pain and abuse. We look at our own dogs whose eyes are filled with life and hope for each day. Then when I look at these pictures that come across my computer screen of dogs whose eyes are filled with fear or ones who have just about given up on life, well there is just something so wrong with this.
Women who have suffered domestic violence in their homes have reported that they fear for their animal’s lives and some have remained longer in their homes because of this fear. Over 50% report that abuse has been suffered by their pets. At some veterinary schools they have added abuse recognition training to their curricula and this has been a subject for some seminars and training classes. Veterinarians are now learning the warning signs of animal abuse and how to distinguish injuries due to abuse from other injuries.
Children growing up in homes that see animal abuse many times grow up to be the abuser of animals and humans. Many studies have been done on this subject. Young children who grow up in an environment of abuse may become desensitized, and come to see violence as the norm. They learn that in order to have power or control they can abuse a creature that is weaker than them. Children who see emotional or physical abuse between their parents may "act out" their emotions, often through cruelty to animals.
It has been studied that people who abused pets when they were children are far more likely to commit murder or other violent crimes when they become adults. In fact, one of the most reliable predictors of adult violence is committing animal abuse as a child.
Whenever I sold my puppies into homes that had children, I always watched how the children interacted with the puppies. Were they gentle and loving to the puppies or were they rough and mean spirited? Also just as important as to watching the children’s interactions with the pups were watching how the adults handled and played with them as well. Obviously you can’t tell everything in one meeting, but if I felt uncomfortable about the situation, then they weren’t leaving with one of my puppies.
Although in our country, most people view dogs as a beloved pet of the family and wouldn’t think of harming their dog. In other countries they are not necessarily viewed in the same way. But even in a domesticated society such as ours, violence has become more and more a way of life for some. Look at the illegal practice of dog fighting for profit. Then there are those who enjoy just going to watch the horrific spectacle. What does this say about this type of person’s personality? I remember many years ago seeing where a German Shepherd was used to fight against a Pit Bull. Although a Shepherd is a strong and threatening fighter, he is no match for the jaws of a Pit Bull. If someone finds enjoyment in watching two animals tear one another apart, there is something very wrong with this.
Then you read about those people who buy the meanest dogs that money can buy. Why? What goes through their minds when they do something like this? This type of dog in the wrong hands is a very lethal weapon. How many times do you see while driving down the street in a city some people who are walking down the street with very mean looking dogs with stud collars wrapped around their necks? If I see one of these dogs walking in my direction, I walk across the street rather than chance walking by these dogs.
None of this is the dog’s fault. He doesn’t have the same capacity as the human does when it comes to thinking and calculating his every move. It’s the mind of a sick society who takes pleasure in torturing and killing those who may be unfortunate enough to come across his path.
I believe that dogs are here for our enjoyment and the wonderful companionship that they give to us. They are not here to do our dirty deeds for us. We dog lovers and breeders need to educate the public better than we do. I believe that the public is really ignorant to some of the things that some people are doing. I believe that they don’t know enough about what becomes of a shelter dog when they dumped it there. They don’t know the stories about the abused dog that was picked up along the side of the highway. They really don’t know what goes on with those dogs that are used for dog fighting. They don’t know the conditions that these dogs are in. They don’t know the suffering that they endure. And they don’t know about those who never make it out!
What can be done? Animal cruelty needs to be taken seriously. I don’t want to see another picture of a German Shepherd who has suffered at the hands of his tormentor. If you suspect or witness an animal being abused, report it to your local humane organization, veterinarian, or call your local police. Encourage legislation. Learn more about the animal abuse laws in your state and advocate for appropriate legislation. We need to educate our children. Teach and encourage children to show kindness towards animals. We can urge our schools to integrate humane education into their curricula. Sometimes your local shelter may have outreach programs, education materials, camps, etc. We can work within our own communities to increase awareness of the link between animal cruelty and human violence by being an advocate against cruelty to animals. Give financial support by supporting our animal rescue organization or shelter with donations of money, food, or supplies.
Will violence in our society against animals ever go away? Probably not in my or your life time. If we live in a society that promotes violence against one another (just listen to those song lyrics……if you can understand them) you tell me how our children and young adults can walk around with a “don’t worry, be happy” type of smile pasted on their face? Can we expect these types of people to be kind to our animals when they don’t even have a clue how to be kind to one another?
Man has made the kind of world that we live in. The animals are just here trying to survive the best way that they can. It doesn’t take the whole world to be at war with one another. It just takes one man who is at war within himself to wreck havoc on all those who are unfortunate enough to be near him. Pity the dog in this household. No dog should have to dread each day that he wakes up.
My rating: animal cruelty: (1), the need for educating the public: (4), trying to sell our pups into the best homes possible: (4)
I was watching a show yesterday about a convicted serial killer who is serving a life sentence for his heinous crimes. It made mention of how he liked to torture and kill animals when he was younger. Having done a study about these predators, I remember reading about the torture and killing of animals by many of these killers.
Each week, we see pictures sent across many of our German Shepherd Dog lists showing how some of these animals have been mistreated and abused by man. The pictures that are sent are so awful that sometimes I can’t even look at them. When I wrote an article a few months back titled “Predators and Prey” I said that there was something so wrong with seeing an animal like the German Shepherd in a compromising situation where his life is one of pain and abuse. We look at our own dogs whose eyes are filled with life and hope for each day. Then when I look at these pictures that come across my computer screen of dogs whose eyes are filled with fear or ones who have just about given up on life, well there is just something so wrong with this.
Women who have suffered domestic violence in their homes have reported that they fear for their animal’s lives and some have remained longer in their homes because of this fear. Over 50% report that abuse has been suffered by their pets. At some veterinary schools they have added abuse recognition training to their curricula and this has been a subject for some seminars and training classes. Veterinarians are now learning the warning signs of animal abuse and how to distinguish injuries due to abuse from other injuries.
Children growing up in homes that see animal abuse many times grow up to be the abuser of animals and humans. Many studies have been done on this subject. Young children who grow up in an environment of abuse may become desensitized, and come to see violence as the norm. They learn that in order to have power or control they can abuse a creature that is weaker than them. Children who see emotional or physical abuse between their parents may "act out" their emotions, often through cruelty to animals.
It has been studied that people who abused pets when they were children are far more likely to commit murder or other violent crimes when they become adults. In fact, one of the most reliable predictors of adult violence is committing animal abuse as a child.
Whenever I sold my puppies into homes that had children, I always watched how the children interacted with the puppies. Were they gentle and loving to the puppies or were they rough and mean spirited? Also just as important as to watching the children’s interactions with the pups were watching how the adults handled and played with them as well. Obviously you can’t tell everything in one meeting, but if I felt uncomfortable about the situation, then they weren’t leaving with one of my puppies.
Although in our country, most people view dogs as a beloved pet of the family and wouldn’t think of harming their dog. In other countries they are not necessarily viewed in the same way. But even in a domesticated society such as ours, violence has become more and more a way of life for some. Look at the illegal practice of dog fighting for profit. Then there are those who enjoy just going to watch the horrific spectacle. What does this say about this type of person’s personality? I remember many years ago seeing where a German Shepherd was used to fight against a Pit Bull. Although a Shepherd is a strong and threatening fighter, he is no match for the jaws of a Pit Bull. If someone finds enjoyment in watching two animals tear one another apart, there is something very wrong with this.
Then you read about those people who buy the meanest dogs that money can buy. Why? What goes through their minds when they do something like this? This type of dog in the wrong hands is a very lethal weapon. How many times do you see while driving down the street in a city some people who are walking down the street with very mean looking dogs with stud collars wrapped around their necks? If I see one of these dogs walking in my direction, I walk across the street rather than chance walking by these dogs.
None of this is the dog’s fault. He doesn’t have the same capacity as the human does when it comes to thinking and calculating his every move. It’s the mind of a sick society who takes pleasure in torturing and killing those who may be unfortunate enough to come across his path.
I believe that dogs are here for our enjoyment and the wonderful companionship that they give to us. They are not here to do our dirty deeds for us. We dog lovers and breeders need to educate the public better than we do. I believe that the public is really ignorant to some of the things that some people are doing. I believe that they don’t know enough about what becomes of a shelter dog when they dumped it there. They don’t know the stories about the abused dog that was picked up along the side of the highway. They really don’t know what goes on with those dogs that are used for dog fighting. They don’t know the conditions that these dogs are in. They don’t know the suffering that they endure. And they don’t know about those who never make it out!
What can be done? Animal cruelty needs to be taken seriously. I don’t want to see another picture of a German Shepherd who has suffered at the hands of his tormentor. If you suspect or witness an animal being abused, report it to your local humane organization, veterinarian, or call your local police. Encourage legislation. Learn more about the animal abuse laws in your state and advocate for appropriate legislation. We need to educate our children. Teach and encourage children to show kindness towards animals. We can urge our schools to integrate humane education into their curricula. Sometimes your local shelter may have outreach programs, education materials, camps, etc. We can work within our own communities to increase awareness of the link between animal cruelty and human violence by being an advocate against cruelty to animals. Give financial support by supporting our animal rescue organization or shelter with donations of money, food, or supplies.
Will violence in our society against animals ever go away? Probably not in my or your life time. If we live in a society that promotes violence against one another (just listen to those song lyrics……if you can understand them) you tell me how our children and young adults can walk around with a “don’t worry, be happy” type of smile pasted on their face? Can we expect these types of people to be kind to our animals when they don’t even have a clue how to be kind to one another?
Man has made the kind of world that we live in. The animals are just here trying to survive the best way that they can. It doesn’t take the whole world to be at war with one another. It just takes one man who is at war within himself to wreck havoc on all those who are unfortunate enough to be near him. Pity the dog in this household. No dog should have to dread each day that he wakes up.
My rating: animal cruelty: (1), the need for educating the public: (4), trying to sell our pups into the best homes possible: (4)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
THE VETERINARIAN AND YOUR DOG
Probably one of the most important relationships when you own a dog is the one you establish with your veterinarian. This is the person who becomes responsible for the health and welfare of your dog. When faced with life or death situations, he is the one you will turn to; sometimes looking for an impossible miracle. Therefore, choosing the right veterinarian is of the utmost importance.
Like doctors, there are good veterinarians and bad ones who you may question how they ever got their license to practice animal medicine. We’ve probably all had both at one time or another. When looking at a veterinarian’s credentials, not only are we concerned where he got his education from but more importantly how much he truly cares and loves what he does. Ideally, we like someone who has a good “bedside” manner when dealing with our animals. After all, our dogs aren’t stupid, they don’t like going to the vet anymore than we like going to the doctor. So having a vet who has a gentle reassuring way with the animal he tends to not only puts our animals at ease, but it makes us feel a little more comfortable as well.
A good veterinarian not only gives our dogs their inoculations and worming medicines, but he also does blood work, x-rays, tests, surgeries, emergencies, etc. He should be available to talk with you about anything that you need advice on whether its medical care questions or the diet and supplements you feed your dog. He’s also there to help ease the pain of having to put your dog to sleep.
Some veterinarians have developed such a good rapport with their clients, that it is not unheard of that they will make the occasional house call. I used to have a vet come to my house to exam my puppies and give them their first shots. Also some veterinarians will come out to a larger kennel to do the same thing and sometimes they will be called upon to put a beloved dog to sleep at the owner’s house. There are some really excellent vets that if you have a medical emergency that they will even give you their home number to call. These are the types of vets who when called in the middle of the night come back and open up the office to see your animal. I had an excellent vet do this for one of my champion bitches who was notorious for having uterine inertia with each and every litter she had. He would come out in the middle of the night and we together would finish the medical care my girl needed. He was a once in a life time vet and I miss him terribly. He’s still practicing and still at the same location, only I don’t live by him anymore. He’s been hard to replace.
Finding a vet that will work with a breeder is another challenge. Some generous and good veterinarians will give a breeder a discount when he takes care of a litter by giving them their shots. Then there are some who will give you a break on expensive medications. Not all of them will do this, however. I know, I asked my vet and she said that she doesn’t do that. It never hurts to ask.
Another problem that some breeders run into is that SOME veterinarians don’t particularly like breeders. I know this to be true having experienced it first hand a few years ago. Imagine my delight when a new veterinarian’s office opened up in my town only five minutes away from me. The vet that owned this hospital I had seen before at another office so I was a little familiar with her. She has a very nice way with the animals and they seem to like her. However, breeders are at the bottom of her list as her favorite clients. I told her that the bitch that I brought her to examine I had planned on breeding. Her smile that she greeted us with quickly turned to a frown. She let me know that she was one of the veterinarians who took care of and did the operations on the shelter dogs. She did not believe anymore puppies needed to be born with the over population of unwanted dogs in the shelters. She further told me, if I chose to breed my bitch and she needed medical help with whelping her puppies that she would not be available to help her. Imagine my shock and surprise at this information. Needless to say, that ended my visits to this most convenient vet office.
Sometimes a vet is not particularly fond of breeders who come into his office with an attitude of “I know more about dogs than you do.” This is where a conflict can begin. He has many years of education and experience and the breeder may have just as many years of breeding dogs. The breeder will many times know as much or more about a certain thing when it comes to breeding dogs. Most veterinarians are not breeders, just like most breeders are not veterinarians. They are both experts in their field and unless they are willing to acknowledge the fact that they both know something about dogs, then a happy working relationship may not be possible. The breeder may find himself in search of another vet.
Another very important consideration when choosing a vet with the welfare and care of your animals is the staff at his office. Are they friendly and knowledgeable? Are they gentle and warm with your dog? How do they treat them when you walk out and close the door behind you? This is VERY IMPORTANT. I’ve heard of some pretty bad stories about some of the staff at some offices and even experienced it first hand. One time I was cat sitting for a friend of mine. The cat became sick and I called the phone number of the vet that my friend had left with me. The cat had to remain at the hospital. I never will forget how one of the young men who worked as an assistant took this cat and slammed it on the table. Yes, he slammed it on the table. I was appalled at this horrific treatment to a sick animal. When my friend returned from vacation, this veterinarian was read the riot act for having this uncaring young man work in his office. She never returned so I don’t know what became of this person if he was fired or not. Of course this is not the normal thing that happens in most offices, but occasionally it does happen because this is not the first time I’ve heard of something like this. I have a friend who is married to a vet. Another friend works for one.
Medical expenses to take care of your dog can be very high. Many breeders opt to give their dogs their shots themselves and medicines that they’ve bought elsewhere. However, there is not substitution for a good vet’s knowledge when it comes to diagnosing a medical problem and the proper care that is needed to help your dog on his road to recovery. Sometimes for things like x-rays, a breeder can find a great difference in price from one vet office to the next. When I had one of my girls x-rayed for the OFA on her hips and elbows, my vet was the most expensive of the several vets that where in my area. Another breeder recommended me to her vet who was a longer drive for me, but it saved me over $100!
Nowadays there are veterinarians who are specialists in a certain field. Some specialize in reproduction, dentistry, farm animal care, etc. Seek these out when you have a particular need arise especially reproduction specialists. There’s no substitution for their knowledge when you have particular breeding problems. They will do special testing on a bitch before you breed her or when frozen semen is shipped to impregnate the bitch.
It is important that your veterinarian keeps up to date on the latest medical procedures and health care that is available. You are paying for his knowledge so having a vet who continually educates himself with the newest techniques helps ensure that your animal is getting the best of care.
The best way to find a good veterinarian is to ask around and get recommendations from other people who use him. When you first visit with him, ask him the questions that are most important to you. Find out what his procedure is if you have an emergency. Definitely ask about his prices. Ask if he gives discounts to breeders. Ask him if your dog has a condition where he needs to stay overnight, will someone be checking in on your dog throughout the night or does he stay there all night without medical supervision?
Finding a good veterinarian is a “God send” to all pet owners. Take the time to find the best one that you can. Some day you dog’s life may depend on him.
My rating: vets education: (4), good with animals: (3), knowledgeable: (4), staff: (3)
Like doctors, there are good veterinarians and bad ones who you may question how they ever got their license to practice animal medicine. We’ve probably all had both at one time or another. When looking at a veterinarian’s credentials, not only are we concerned where he got his education from but more importantly how much he truly cares and loves what he does. Ideally, we like someone who has a good “bedside” manner when dealing with our animals. After all, our dogs aren’t stupid, they don’t like going to the vet anymore than we like going to the doctor. So having a vet who has a gentle reassuring way with the animal he tends to not only puts our animals at ease, but it makes us feel a little more comfortable as well.
A good veterinarian not only gives our dogs their inoculations and worming medicines, but he also does blood work, x-rays, tests, surgeries, emergencies, etc. He should be available to talk with you about anything that you need advice on whether its medical care questions or the diet and supplements you feed your dog. He’s also there to help ease the pain of having to put your dog to sleep.
Some veterinarians have developed such a good rapport with their clients, that it is not unheard of that they will make the occasional house call. I used to have a vet come to my house to exam my puppies and give them their first shots. Also some veterinarians will come out to a larger kennel to do the same thing and sometimes they will be called upon to put a beloved dog to sleep at the owner’s house. There are some really excellent vets that if you have a medical emergency that they will even give you their home number to call. These are the types of vets who when called in the middle of the night come back and open up the office to see your animal. I had an excellent vet do this for one of my champion bitches who was notorious for having uterine inertia with each and every litter she had. He would come out in the middle of the night and we together would finish the medical care my girl needed. He was a once in a life time vet and I miss him terribly. He’s still practicing and still at the same location, only I don’t live by him anymore. He’s been hard to replace.
Finding a vet that will work with a breeder is another challenge. Some generous and good veterinarians will give a breeder a discount when he takes care of a litter by giving them their shots. Then there are some who will give you a break on expensive medications. Not all of them will do this, however. I know, I asked my vet and she said that she doesn’t do that. It never hurts to ask.
Another problem that some breeders run into is that SOME veterinarians don’t particularly like breeders. I know this to be true having experienced it first hand a few years ago. Imagine my delight when a new veterinarian’s office opened up in my town only five minutes away from me. The vet that owned this hospital I had seen before at another office so I was a little familiar with her. She has a very nice way with the animals and they seem to like her. However, breeders are at the bottom of her list as her favorite clients. I told her that the bitch that I brought her to examine I had planned on breeding. Her smile that she greeted us with quickly turned to a frown. She let me know that she was one of the veterinarians who took care of and did the operations on the shelter dogs. She did not believe anymore puppies needed to be born with the over population of unwanted dogs in the shelters. She further told me, if I chose to breed my bitch and she needed medical help with whelping her puppies that she would not be available to help her. Imagine my shock and surprise at this information. Needless to say, that ended my visits to this most convenient vet office.
Sometimes a vet is not particularly fond of breeders who come into his office with an attitude of “I know more about dogs than you do.” This is where a conflict can begin. He has many years of education and experience and the breeder may have just as many years of breeding dogs. The breeder will many times know as much or more about a certain thing when it comes to breeding dogs. Most veterinarians are not breeders, just like most breeders are not veterinarians. They are both experts in their field and unless they are willing to acknowledge the fact that they both know something about dogs, then a happy working relationship may not be possible. The breeder may find himself in search of another vet.
Another very important consideration when choosing a vet with the welfare and care of your animals is the staff at his office. Are they friendly and knowledgeable? Are they gentle and warm with your dog? How do they treat them when you walk out and close the door behind you? This is VERY IMPORTANT. I’ve heard of some pretty bad stories about some of the staff at some offices and even experienced it first hand. One time I was cat sitting for a friend of mine. The cat became sick and I called the phone number of the vet that my friend had left with me. The cat had to remain at the hospital. I never will forget how one of the young men who worked as an assistant took this cat and slammed it on the table. Yes, he slammed it on the table. I was appalled at this horrific treatment to a sick animal. When my friend returned from vacation, this veterinarian was read the riot act for having this uncaring young man work in his office. She never returned so I don’t know what became of this person if he was fired or not. Of course this is not the normal thing that happens in most offices, but occasionally it does happen because this is not the first time I’ve heard of something like this. I have a friend who is married to a vet. Another friend works for one.
Medical expenses to take care of your dog can be very high. Many breeders opt to give their dogs their shots themselves and medicines that they’ve bought elsewhere. However, there is not substitution for a good vet’s knowledge when it comes to diagnosing a medical problem and the proper care that is needed to help your dog on his road to recovery. Sometimes for things like x-rays, a breeder can find a great difference in price from one vet office to the next. When I had one of my girls x-rayed for the OFA on her hips and elbows, my vet was the most expensive of the several vets that where in my area. Another breeder recommended me to her vet who was a longer drive for me, but it saved me over $100!
Nowadays there are veterinarians who are specialists in a certain field. Some specialize in reproduction, dentistry, farm animal care, etc. Seek these out when you have a particular need arise especially reproduction specialists. There’s no substitution for their knowledge when you have particular breeding problems. They will do special testing on a bitch before you breed her or when frozen semen is shipped to impregnate the bitch.
It is important that your veterinarian keeps up to date on the latest medical procedures and health care that is available. You are paying for his knowledge so having a vet who continually educates himself with the newest techniques helps ensure that your animal is getting the best of care.
The best way to find a good veterinarian is to ask around and get recommendations from other people who use him. When you first visit with him, ask him the questions that are most important to you. Find out what his procedure is if you have an emergency. Definitely ask about his prices. Ask if he gives discounts to breeders. Ask him if your dog has a condition where he needs to stay overnight, will someone be checking in on your dog throughout the night or does he stay there all night without medical supervision?
Finding a good veterinarian is a “God send” to all pet owners. Take the time to find the best one that you can. Some day you dog’s life may depend on him.
My rating: vets education: (4), good with animals: (3), knowledgeable: (4), staff: (3)
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