Wednesday, January 28, 2015

How long is a dog's pregnancy (gestation)? By Jenna Stregowski, RVT

Question: How long is a dog's pregnancy (gestation)?


Answer: Pregnancy in dogs, also called gestation, typically lasts 63 days (about nine weeks). The duration of a dog's pregnancy can fall in the range of 58 to 68 days.
Though estrus (heat cycles) can vary from breed to breed, the normal gestation period falls within the same range for all dogs, regardless of breed.
Golden retriever dog lying on sofa, close-up - Janie Airey/Getty Images

Monday, January 26, 2015

How to Train Your Dog to Look At You By Amy Bender

The command “look” is used to get your dog’s attention. It is useful for times when you need your dog to focus on you, such as during obedience training. It is especially helpful for those who work as a team with their dogs. For instance, people who compete in dog agility or those who are involved in search and rescue can use the “look” command to get their dog’s attention in order to give them instructions on what to do next. It is also useful for working on behavior problems. Having your dog focus his attention on you can divert his attention away from the things that bring out fearful or aggressive behaviors.
Here’s how to teach your dog the “look” command:

Getting Started 

Portugese Water Dog looking for instruction - Apple Tree House/Photodisc/Getty Images

 “Look” is a very simple command to teach. You will need some treats, and your clicker if you are working on clicker training. Teaching “look” is a great way to introduce your dog to the clicker if you have not already done so. You should begin training in a quiet spot with very little to distract your dog. Once you have your clicker and treats ready, say your dog’s name followed by the command “look.”

Thursday, January 22, 2015

10 Dog Park Safety Tips By Sara Tan Jul 01, 2013

1. Make sure your dog is vaccinated.
This should be a no-brainer. While dog parks are fun and all, they are a breeding ground for germs and diseases. It's kind of an unspoken code, but every pet owner has the responsibility of keeping their pups up to date on all of their vaccinations. Of course, not everyone plays by the rules, so if you feel the need, don't be afraid to ask other pet parents if their dogs are fully vaccinated.


Monday, January 19, 2015

Pug


                                                                    (Millie)








Fast Facts

Country of Origin:China
AKC Group:Toy Group
UKC Group:Companion
Use today:Companion
Life Span:12 to 14 years
Color:Fawn or black.
Coat:Fine, smooth, soft, short, and glossy.
Grooming:Monthly grooming. Brush daily to reduce shedding.
Size:Small Dog Breed
Height:No height standards
Weight:14 to 18 pounds



Friday, January 9, 2015

Cane Corso

                               Cane Corso

 
(Farrah)

Fast Facts

Country of Origin:Italy
AKC Group:Working Group
UKC Group:Guardian
Use today:Working
Life Span:8 to 10 years
Color:Black, gray, fawn, red or brindled.
Coat:Short, stiff, shiny and dense.
Grooming:Groom weekly.
Size:Large Dog Breed
Height:23 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder
Weight:Proportionate to height  

 

Monday, January 5, 2015

Cairn Terrier

                         Cairn Terrier

 Fast Facts

Country of Origin:Scotland
AKC Group:Terrier Group
UKC Group:Terrier
Use today:Earthdog
Life Span:13 to 14 years.
Color:Any color combination, excluding white. Dark ears, muzzle and tail tip are desirable.
Coat:Hard and weather-resistant. Must be double-coated with profuse harsh outer coat and short, soft, close furry undercoat.
Grooming:Brush weekly. Some hand stripping is required to keep the outline trim.
Size:Small Dog Breed
Height:9.5 to 10 inches at the withers
Weight:13 to 14 pounds


Friday, January 2, 2015

Silent Killer & Curable YOUR DOG NEWS LETTER FROM TUFFS UNIVERSITY



Dogs of any age can be susceptible to hemangiosarcomas - malignant tumors arising from blood vessels - but those middle-aged and over 8 are especially vulnerable. The aggressively spreading cancer may go undetected until the last stages, making it a silent killer. Although they can be found almost anywhere in the body, about 80 percent of all heman giosarcomas begin in the spleen, said John Berg, DVM, chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The spleen, a large organ in the abdomen, stores blood, among other functions. “Fewer hemangiosarcomas arise in the heart and fewer still in other sites, such as the skin, “he said. “And although not directly heritable, there appears to be a predisposition among purebreds - particularly large breeds such as German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers. “Surgery can often cure the form of the disease affecting the skin. In that location, the tumor often doesn’t metastasize, or spread, to distant sites. Otherwise, hemangiosarcomas are rarely curable. As long as expectations are realistic, however, temporary remissions are possible. “Many dogs recover quickly from tumor removal surgery and, although they may only have a short time left, the quality of life during this time can be excellent, “said Dr. Berg, a surgical specialist. Because splenic hemangiosarcomas develop internally, they often give little warning until they become quite advanced. The spleen may suddenly begin bleeding, and blood may enter the abdomen. “A dog may exhibit sudden weakness or he may collapse,”Dr. Berg said. “His gums look pale and his pulse is rapid. He is in danger of going into shock or even dying. If this happens, consider it an emergency and get your dog to a veterinarian.”