Hip Dysplasia Archives - Edie MacKenzie

Focus on the Bernese Mountain Dog

January 25, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland, and is named after the Swiss capital city, Berne.

These large, friendly dogs were originally used as all-purpose farm dogs and excel at all kinds of jobs, including, guarding, herding sheep and cattle, and pulling heavy loads. Perhaps surprisingly, given their amiable personalities, the breed was also once used by the Romans as military dogs, accompanying their legions into battle.

The Berner Sennehund, as it is known in its native land, first came to America in 1926 and achieved AKC status in 1937.

With its striking tri-color coat, the Bernese is an easily recognizable dog. The coat is mainly black with rust coloration on the face and chest, as well as the lower legs and paws. The coat is thick and heavy, to withstand the freezing Alpine temperature, while the fluffy tail and folded ears also offer protection from the weather.

These are loyal, devoted and gentle pets who are exceptionally good with children and also get on well with other dogs and with non-canine pets. The Bernese is renowned for its happy disposition and kind nature.

The Bernese is a very playful dog which makes him an excellent choice for a family with kids. They are also very adaptable, meaning they’ll fit in to most living arrangements, as long as they are close to their human family.

The Bernese requires quite a lot of grooming. They are heavy shedders, with particularly heavy shedding occurring in the spring. Expect to brush your dog every day if you want to keep dog hair off your clothes and furnishings. When grooming your dog, pay special attention to cleaning the ears, which are susceptible to infections.

Bernese, unfortunately, have a very short lifespan, with a median 6-8 years. They are particularly prone to canine cancers, and also commonly suffer from a number of other serious health issues. Musculoskeletal ailments, like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture, are a particular problem with this breed. They are also prone eye and ear problems.

As with many large dogs, the Bernese can develop into a first class couch potato if it is allowed to. But the breed actually enjoys activity and is particularly fond of walking. You may even consider training your Bernese to pull a cart, as they were once bred to do.

A big plus point with this breed is their temperament. They are affectionate, loyal, friendly, balanced, and intelligent dogs with a genuine love of people. They respond well to reward based training, but can sometimes be a challenge to train because of their playfulness. It has been said that a Bernese remains a puppy throughout his life.

Good names for a Bernese Mountain Dog can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online puppy names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of male dog names to pick from.

Brittany All About The Breed

January 23, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

The Brittany, sometimes referred to as the Brittany Spaniel, is a versatile sporting dog, that is also popular as a companion and family pet, due to its wonderful temperament. The name comes from the French province of Brittany where the breed originated. Unfortunately, much of the early breed records no longer exist, but what is clear is that the Brittany has always been used as a retriever and pointer by bird hunters.

The breed was first shown at the Paris Dog Show in 1900, and was introduced to the United States in the 1920’s. AKC recognition followed in 1934.These athletic, medium-sized dogs have a compact build, with long legs. The tailed is either naturally short, or may be docked, although docking is now outlawed in many countries. Acceptable coat colors are The coat can be orange and white coat, liver and white, orange roan, liver roan, or black and white. (NOTE: The AKC considers black and white coats a fault, although all other registries accept it).

These are wonderfully balanced dogs, energetic, intelligent and affectionate. They bond closely with their human ‘pack’, and are know to get on with everyone, and to have a special affinity with children.They are highly intelligent dogs, which makes training very easy. They are however, quite sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh words or rough treatment.

Brittanys are generous with their affection, although they often form a special attachment to a particular person. They also get on well with canine and non-canine pets, although you will have to watch them around pet birds.

Brittanys are generally healthy, robust dogs who suffer from few health problems. They may however be prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Average lifespan for the breed is 12 – 14 years. Grooming is easy, requiring only a brush down a few times per week to keep the coat looking its best. Dogs that spend time in open fields will need to be checked regularly for ticks, and you’ll also have to remove, grass seeds, burrs and mats from the coat.

A big plus with this breed is that they are single coated, and therefore shed very little.

These are active, energetic dogs who require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. With sufficient exercise, they can live in an apartment, although it is not really recommended. A much better living arrangement is a house with a large garden, or better still, the countryside. Dogs that lack physical and mental stimulation often develop behavioral problems, and the Brittany will be no different. However, for the right owner, this dog will be a wonderful pet.

Good dog names can be hard to find. The best advice is to try one of the online puppy names, sites. My personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ, a site that has tons of excellent dog names to pick from, including thousands of cute dog names.

Focus on the Black and Tan Coonhound

December 28, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

The Black and Tan Coonhound, is an impressive distinctive looking dog that excels as a hunting companion.

These medium-sized dogs stand up to 27 inches at the withers and can weigh as much as 75 pounds. They have a black and tan coat and the appearance of a typical hound dog, with long, hanging ears, loose fitting skin and long legs.

The original Black and Tans were created by crossing Talbot Hounds, Foxhounds, and Bloodhounds. The idea was to create a dog for treeing racoons, but the Black and Tan proved such an able tracker that it was soon being used to hunt larger game, including deer, mountain lions, and even bear.

These are loyal, affectionate and good-natured dogs who form close bonds with humans. The are also intelligent and fast learners which makes them excellent pets for an appropriate owner.

They do however need a great deal of exercise and will therefore do best with an active family. Without proper exercise Black and Tans can become destructive and are prone to howling when left alone.

Consistent pack leadership is a must with this breed, as are training and socialization. Dogs that have not been socialized may be aggressive towards other dogs. The hunting instinct is still strong, and these dogs will follow any scent they encounter.

While they are generally good with people they are not really suited to small children as they may be too boisterous for them.With the right amount of exercise though, plus a good training program, this is a wonderful pet and loving companion.

The Black and Tan is generally a robust, healthy breed and suffers from few inherited diseases. There is a risk of hip dysplasia and, as with many long eared breeds, they may suffer ear infections. Eye problems also occur occasionally.

Black and Tans love to eat and are therefore prone to obesity. Strict portion and treat control is therefore advised.

Grooming is quite easy as the short coat only needs to be brushed once a week. You should also take care to inspect and clean the ears and eyes regularly.

It should be obvious that this is not a dog for apartment living. The Black and Tan needs lots of space to move around in as well as vigorous daily exercise. These dogs are tough enough to live outdoors, but are softies at heart and will much prefer to be inside, and close to those they love.

Good dog names can be hard to find. The best advice is to try one of the online dog names, sites. My personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ, a site that has tons of excellent dog names to pick from, including thousands of cute dog names.

Profile of the Australian Cattle Dog

December 22, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

The Australian Cattle Dog is a superb cattle header with agility, speed, and exceptional courage. These dogs are simply gluttons for work, and will run all day if you let them. They are equally skilled at herding cattle on the open range, or working them in confined spaces.

This breed’s history is inextricably linked to that of Australia, and the Australian cattle industry in particular. In the early 1800’s, vast ranges of Queensland were settled by thousands of small cattle ranchers. The settlers needed a dog that could work their herds tirelessly in the searing Australian temperatures, and set about breeding one.

The result was a dog that became known as the Queensland Blue Heeler. Early history is somewhat patchy but it is believed that the Smooth Collie, Kelpie, Dalmatian and possibly even wild Dingos went into the mix.

The earliest Blue Heelers were bred with courage, speed and agility in mind and proved to be exceptional cattle dogs. But the breed we know today was refined and standardized mainly thanks to a man named Robert Kaleski, who drew up the first standard in 1902.

In 1903, New South Wales Kennel Club status was granted under the name Australian Cattle Dog, although Blue Heeler is still commonly used in Australia.

The ACD is a single-minded dog that has absolute focus on the job at hand. They are highly intelligent, pliant, and easy to train. They are also extremely loyal and eager to please, although somewhat suspicious of strangers.

These dogs control cattle by nipping at their heels, and they have particularly strong jaws, with formidable teeth. It is therefore important that biting and nipping should not be tolerated in a puppy.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a hardy breed with few inherited disorders. Hip dysplasia may occur, but it is rare.

These are medium sized dogs, standing about 18-20 inches at the withers. They have a broad skull and deep muzzle in order to deliver that powerful bite. The body is sturdy, and the coat is short, harsh and weather resistant. All puppies are born white and the coat later takes on the patchwork appearance that is characteristic of the breed.

Coat colors are primarily merle or red. The merle coat features blue mottling, while the red coat has red speckling. Both variants feature a spray of white on the tail.

Aside from being a herding dog, the Australian Cattle Dog makes an excellent pet for the right owner. The proviso though is that the owner needs to be an active, outdoor type who is prepared to meet the dog’s considerable exercise needs.

These are after all working dogs and thrive on lots of activity. Dogs that don’t get sufficient physical and mental stimulation are likely to develop problem behaviors.

If you’re stuck for dog names, for your Australian Cattle Dog, I’d recommend that you check out Puppy Names HQ, an online database that has thousands of excellent dog names including a huge list of girl dog names.

Use Milk Thistle For Your Dogs Health

September 2, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Dog owners care a lot about their pet’s alimentation because they consider this loved animal a part of the family. As you know, dogs do not only need specific foods to keep them healthy and joyful, they also require pet supplements to improve the capacity of their body. Calcium, glucosamine and magnesium are a dog’s best nutritional friend because these elements will help strengthen its bones. Moreover, if you have an old dog, you should think about buying it dog supplements so it can remain active even at an old age. Of course, it is equally beneficial if you buy dog supplements for a younger dog so as to improve its growth process and its ability to become a playful mate. If your dog is suffering from joint pain, swelling, hip dysplasia or arthritis, you could ease his pain with Glucosamine for Dogs. If you own a dog, you sure know how nice it is to see it playing and climbing the stairs without any pain, however, it is more likely that a dog will encounter mobility problems during old age. That is why you should give your dog some dog supplements to help it remain the same playful friend.

Arthritis in canines occurs as commonly as it does in humans. At first, canine arthritis is uncomfortable, but in severe cases it causes extreme pain as a dog’s bones begin rubbing against each other. There are several symptoms that can give you a clue that your dog suffers from this disease such as trouble when sitting and standing, not being as active as before, stiffness in their joints, reluctance to run and jump, or even lethargy. Don`t let your dog to live with the discomfort generated by canine arthritis. Let him live a normal life. If you have noticed these signs in your dog’s behavior, visit the vet immediately to see exactly what treatment your dog requires.

If you want to have a healthy dog, you should use 100% natural products, like Chondroitin for Dogs. Experts appreciate that natural remedies have been used for hundreds years to support both human and animal health. It is important to remember that your dog faces a great amount of stress daily and old age presents adverse side effects on your dog’s cartilage and muscles. That is why you should help your dog’s health by feeding it with natural products whenever possible. It is vital to ensure your dog gets proper nutrition and Glucosamine and Chondroitin will help support your dog’s immune system as well as bone and muscle strength.

Another great supplement for dogs is Milk Thistle for Dogs with EPA and DHA. This product is 100% natural, just like the first two, and it will help your dog overcome problems relating to liver and kidney failure or ailments in their urinary tract. It improves the efficient production of insulin and bile within the liver and thus helps your dog eliminate harmful toxins. Proper kidney function is very important in both animals and humans because kidneys stop the deposit of harmful waste within the body, while helping the body’s excretion process in order to keep the body clean and healthy. If you love your dog, give him Milk Thistle to improve his health and wellbeing.

Dealing With Canine Arthritis

August 11, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Dogs are the man’s best friend. Most people would agree tot his line, especially those who has or who had dogs at home. Like human, dogs are exposed to arthritis. If you have seen dogs who are limping or moves as if his joints are giving him severe pain, it could be the case of dog arthritis. Common house remedy for dog arthritis is aspirin for dogs. But the best way to start treating it is consulting a vet.There are many factors which can cause arthritis in canines. The most common reasons are as follows:

* Dog arthritis is no different from the human arthritis. Throughout the course of the life span the joints will suffer from wear and tear. In serious circumstances the bones may begin degenerating and trigger osteoarthritis. This can be a unpleasant and distressing for your pet. This may even cause their death if correct treatment and care is not supplied to them. Another dog arthritis medication commonly prescribed is Etodolac 400 mg.

* One more major cause is the age. A popular myth is that as dogs grow older they are much more inclined to arthritis. In reality, dogs of any age can suffer from arthritis. Without a doubt the older dogs are a lot more inclined to arthritis and related illnesses; nevertheless that does not imply that more youthful ones are completely immune from it. Younger dogs may develop dog arthritis if they have prolonged a joint injuries.

* And last but not the least, other things that cause arthritis in dogs are diseases and infections. Hip dysplasia can develop into arthritis as the dog gets older. It is actually a canine disease that causes limping.

The remedies

Responsible dog care means bringing the pet to a vet if you notice some unusual changes in your dog that showed as symptoms. Usually physical examinations and xrays will be taken for diagnosis of the condition.

Here are some of the treatment for arthritis.

• A healthy diet plan and well ordered physical exercise regime under the supervision of the veterinary assists in long phrase management of arthritis in dogs.

• Control of weight is essential. Suggested physical exercise include leash walking, mild controlled jogging and aqua exercises like swimming, under water treadmill and so on.

• Alternative treatments such as acupuncture can also be helpful.

• Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs rich in glucosamine, vitamin C, Omega 3 and fatty acids assist to decrease the pain and swelling. This can be combined with some over the counter medication. But be cautious while offering medicines to your dog. Quite a few medicines meant for people are poisonous to dogs.

• A more pricey alternative is to go for surgical procedure. Arthroscopy is a modestly invasive surgical procedure used to help combat the illness in shoulders, elbows and so on. Broken joints may be fused together making use of metal implants. The newest technology as well allows for elbow and hip replacements. Having said that, the age and the general wellness of your dog may well not allow surgical methods.

Therefore ensure a healthy lifestyle for your dog and in case your dog has an arthritis, consult a vet. Caring for a dog differs depending on the pets’ age. secrets to dog training review is helpful for pups and youthful dogs. But with older dogs, dog arthritis and health issues must be taken into consideration.

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