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| Stay PetPop Healthy with our Pet Experts. |
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| They are here to help you with any health related questions you have for your pet, and will gladly answer them in a timely manner. |
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| Their answers will be featured here in PetPop Healthy section every week, so check in to read what they have to say. |
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| Questions & Answers |
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Q:
Hello, when is a male Chihuahua ready for breeding? If you could give me an estimate.?
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A: A male dog typically is physically able to breed between 10 months and a
year old. However, I would recommend a thorough evaluation by your
veterinarian and also someone knowledgeable in your breed, to assure your pet is free of genetic defects and a good representative for the breed.
Brent Hinton
CEO PetFirst Healthcare
www.petfirst.com |
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| More Questions |
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A: Hi there-
It could be that at this point the target (the pad) is too small for Barbossa). I would suggest you increase the number of pads you put down for a while. Ideally maybe 3-4 pads in a large square. In a few weeks you can try taking one away and then another a few weeks after that if all is going well.
In addition, you should take Barbossa to the pads on leash so you have a way of gently directing him to the middle. The idea is that if you can get him going in the center of the large target for a while then he will build a habit of doing so and it will be his pattern of elimination even when you aren't there.
Lastly, be sure to reward him with calm praise and maybe a tasty treat when he hits a bullseye! :)
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 21 2008
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A: How old is the puppy? You will need to train him to go on the pads, but once you have done this, he should be able to sleep in the bed with you.
He won't just know how to use the pads though. Get some advice from a trainer on how to get him to use the pads and the best course of actions, but do it soon, or he will feel he can go any where he wants.
Date: Aug 08 2008
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A: Hi Dixie,
Blood work will defintely let you know if there are any changes going on with Dixie that you should be aware of and need to make decisions about. Just remember that Dixie is aging and if you have choices to make, make the ones that are best for her, not for you.
Christine
Date: Aug 08 2008
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A: Hi there-
You don't sound silly at all...snuggling with your pup's at night is wonderful!
But, if you want to be able to snuggle with him for the rest of his life then you need to be fair to him and yourself and help him be successful. The first step is not allowing the behavior you don't want (peeing in the bed) to be practiced. Each time it is it becomes a stronger habit.
Ideally, I would suggest you have him sleep in a crate right next to you if he is crate trained (that is he can "hold it" in there for reasonable lengthes of time). If you ever rest on the bed during the day you can have him with you if you are as close to 100% sure he won't make a mistake as possible (i.e. you just rewarded him for going on a pad or outdoors so you know he is empty). In a couple of months you can try the bed again.
If you don't want to use the crate (which I think is a mistake not to since it is better to get the issue resolved in the short term so you guys can both better enjoy the long term) then try not giving him water at least two hours before bed time.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 08 2008
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A: Hi there-
If your dog is a puppy and he is nipping keep him on a leash when you play with him so you have a gentle, effective way to give him a time out. No words are necessary, simply hold the leash away from you or step on it and then resume play when he calms down. If he play nips again, time out again. Pretty soon he'll get it that nipping ends the play time and access to anything else fun.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 08 2008
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A: Hi there-
I would suggest you chat with your vet as this lack of energy may be the result of a medical condition such as a thyroid problem or Lyme's disease.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 07 2008
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A: Your vet have a home made recipe to recommend. You can also try www.skunkodorgone.com
Woofs!
AndreaArden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 07 2008
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A: Hi there-
The foods may be fine for both dogs (bring a bag in to show to your vet to confirm). However, they really should be separated at meal times to make sure each is getting their fair share! :)
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 07 2008
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A: Hi there-
There are a number of topical solutions which are used for horses. Check out some horse supply sites such as: Doversaddlery.com, horse.com, valleyvet.com and discuss with your vet if these can also be used on your dog.
Also, during the busy fly season your dog should spend as little unsupervised time outdoors as possible.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 07 2008
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A: Hi there-
As with people, dogs mature sexually at a different rate.
It is generally wise to wait until your dog is at least two years old since many genetic health issues don't show up until this point.
Speaking of health issues...while we all want to replicate our dogs as best we can, keep in mind that before breeding your dog you should discuss with your breeder and veterinarian the various potential health issues which should be tested for before breeding. You should also go to a few local dog shows to give some Chihuahua experts an opportunity to assess your dog for potential breeding. Some of the things they will consider are does his temperament and confirmation come as close as possible to the breed standard?
Lastly, with so many dogs out there already at shelters (including, unfortunately, loads of Chihuahuas!) is breeding your dog really necessary?
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Aug 07 2008
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A: Hi there-
Most dogs eat grass at times (when they have access to it). At this point, there is no hard and fast evidence why. It could be simply that the grass is attractive and sweet. Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat meat and plants. They often don't need grass because most dog foods are nutritionally complete. But, instinctually they may be inclined to still eat it!
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jul 31 2008
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A: Hi there-
During many storms there is a change in the barometric pressure and in the electrical charges in the air. This can cause stress and discomfort for some dogs in addition to the loud sounds of the thunder and lightning.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jul 31 2008
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A: I've always found it at health food stores. Or you could look on line. I've found it both ways.
Date: Jul 30 2008
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A: Hi Boomer -
Try adding 1 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar to your food 1 x daily. You may have to build up to the full amount but eventually you will get used to it.
The ACV acts as an immune booster and also can make you inhospitable to the flies.
You can also try combing eucalyptus oil through your coat or put 5 -8 drops in a spray bottle and fill with water then spray coat regularlly.
Make sure it's therapeutic grade (I would suggest ordering from an Essential Oil provider on line not the health food store - these tend to be adulterated).
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
Date: Jul 30 2008
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A: First, please don't put time conditions on when you receive a reply by.
I am sorry for your loss of Meemaw. There is now way to know when Dixie will pass. I hope that you can find a way to enjoy her while Dixie is here with you, rather than worry about when she might pass.
Christine Agro
Date: Jul 29 2008
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| Meet the experts: |
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Christie Shaver, is a licensed pet nutrition expert and is the founder of The Healthy Pet Gourmet visit her at www.thpg.com
Below is the story of Christie’s journey in becoming a successful pet healer:
When my dog, Goldie, became ill at 11, I knew that if I didn’t act quickly, my vet planned to euthanize him. He was very sick, but I couldn’t let him go. I knew it wasn’t his time. For the next 4 days I wouldn’t leave his side – I massaged and hugged him, kissed ...
read more ››
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Andrea Arden has written five books including Dog Friendly Dog Training (IDG, 2000), Train Your Dog the Lazy Way (Macmillan, 1999), and The Little Book of Dog Tricks (IDG, 2002).
She has also been the behavior columnist for Dog Fancy and The New York Dog magazines as well as a contributing writer for the AKC Gazette, and numerous other publications.
Andrea was the on air trainer for The Pet Department, FX’s Emmy award winning daily show and has appeared ...
read more ››
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Christine works with all animals. Her role is to act as a voice and advocate for your animal and provide support and guidance for you. Christine combines her clairvoyance and her natural healing background to address all aspects of your animal’s health, wellness and Spiritual needs. She offers insight into diet/nutrition, health, wellness, emotional support, behavioral needs and Spiritual growth.
Christine is the pioneer of the Conscious Animal Connection and during readings, she ...
read more ››
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Brent Hinton
PetFirst Healthcare
Co-Founder and CEO
Brent Hinton's mission as co-founder and chief executive officer of
PetFirst Healthcare is to help pet owners have access to the healthcare
their pets need by simplifying the pet insurance process.
For 17 years, Hinton served as an executive for various non-profit
organizations. He also is an expert in animal adoption and welfare,
having served as director of the Kentucky Humane Society for eight
years.
Hinton's ...
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A cat therapist forever, Carole Wilbourn is The Cat Therapist. She’s published 6 books on cat psychotherapy and logged more than 100,000 miles making house calls to patients throughout the world. She’s been hailed as “the founding mother of cat psychology”, she co-founded The Cat Practice, the first veterinary hospital in New York City exclusively devoted to cat care in 1973.
Over the years, Carole has consulted with veterinarians to devise treatment programs for cats with psychological ...
read more ››
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Born in Buenos Aires, Jorge Bendersky became interested in the sport of dog breeding and showing at a very early age. Growing up on his family's hacienda in Argentina, he inherited the tradition of caring for the animals on the ranch. Jorge also learned to manage all the myriad aspects of ranch life including its facilities and employees. Later in life, he took on the duty of managing his family's boutique hotels across Argentina. His experience with the family business gives Jorge the ability ...
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After a successful career as a Speech and Language Pathologist, Marcello Forte followed his dream to help New York City's homeless animals. For the past seven years as Executive Director of Animal Haven, Marcello has played a significant part in helping solve the city's pet overpopulation problem.
Marcello's vision has taken Animal Haven from a small Queens-based shelter to an organization that includes a upstate sanctuary, mobile adoption program and innovative adoption center ...
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