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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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A: Hi there-
When pups are born their testicles are still within their abdomen. As they mature they descend into the scrotum. This generally happens by the time they are 6 weeks old. If they haven't descended by about 14 weeks they may not. This is called cryptorchidism a disorder that may be passed on genetically. Some vets suggest that this issue may indicate a higher incidence of testicular disease (such as cancer) so you might want to talk to your vet about neutering asap.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
I wouldn't suggest you breed your dog unless you have done thorough genetic testing and temperament evaluations. Once that has been done I would visit as many experts in the breed (by attending dog shows, etc.) to have them evaluate your dog's confirmation, etc. to make sure he is truly a shining example of the breed standard. We all love our dogs dearly, but with so many dogs out there already in need of homes (just check out petfinder.org for a small sample of how many Chihuahuas are waiting for homes) it really doesn't make sense to breed our pet dogs just because.
Also, chat with your vet about the benefits of neutering in regards to preventing many cancers, etc. and generally increasing the quality and length of your dogs life.
Regards!
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
I wouldn't suggest you breed your dog unless you have done thorough genetic testing and temperament evaluations. Once that has been done I would visit as many experts in the breed (by attending dog shows, etc.) to have them evaluate your dog's confirmation, etc. to make sure he is truly a shining example of the breed standard. We all love our dogs dearly, but with so many dogs out there already in need of homes (just check out petfinder.org for a small sample of how many Miniature Pinschers are waiting for homes) it really doesn't make sense to breed our pet dogs just because.
Also, chat with your vet about the benefits of neutering in regards to preventing many cancers, etc. and generally increasing the quality and length of your dogs life.
Regards!
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
Tell your mom to start slow. Fill the tub with just a few inches of warm water and gentle pour it over you (starting with a loud, fast spray of water may be scary). Then lather and rinse by again gently pouring the water. Be sure she uses her hand to cover your eyes when she washes your face. When you get more used to it she might try using a spray starting lightly on your legs and moving up your body. The Rapid Bath Pet Bathing System can be a good option because it can keep bathing to as little as 3 minutes because it mixes the shampoo or conditioner in with the spray and acts as a massaging action! You should enjoy that! :)
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 08 May 2008
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A: Hi there-
Dogs are generally very social creatures that's part of why we love to have them as our companions. But, be careful not to become a 'velcro dog.' That is, a dog who can't feel comfortable unless you are right near or touching your mom. Otherwise, you may develop difficult to resolve separation issues. Your mom would be wise to at least 50% of the time help yo urest on your own in a bed, crate or another room.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 07 May 2008
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A: Hi Dixie,
It's really hard to say why your eye is like this. It could be anything from a bug bite to something more serious.
If it doesn't clear up, a vet visit will be the only way to know.
Christine Agro
One more thing...I did some checking and Houston Humane Society has $10 vet vists - blood tests would be extra but if your parents want to get an idea of what a vet visit might cost - here's the phone number 713-433-6453.
Date: 05 May 2008
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A: Hi,
As dogs age they can slow down and sleep more, but Dixie has had a serious of problems over the past few months including a cough, vomiting and diarrhea. If you are saying that her food and water intake have increased also, it is very possible that something is physically wrong with her.
It would be best if your parents would take Dixie to the vet. The vet should do a full blood panel and should test for Diabetes and a Thyroid problem. If your parents do take Dixie to the vet, be sure to write down all the things that have been wrong with her over the past few months. This will help the vets have a the complete picture of what she has been experiencing.
If money is an issue, many vets will offer a payment plan or check with your local humane society or ASPCA to see if they offer reduced fees for veterinary services.
As for the time Dixie has left, the life expectancy of pugs is generally between 12 and 15 years.
Your concern and love for Dixie is obvious. She knows you will do the best you can for her.
Christine Agro
Date: 30 Apr 2008
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A: Hi there-
Like us, every dog ages at a different rate and in a different manner. So, Dixie could be sort of slowing down in a manner that is 'normal' for her. However, as your dog ages it is important to schedule increased routine visits to the veterinarian to continually check for changes and to learn more about ways you can possibly help improve the length and quality of her life.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 30 Apr 2008
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A: It is a common condition among toy breeds. It is possible as he gets older that the ligament will tighten up and things will be fine.
Regarding his slip if he isn't limping, whimpering, there is no swelling and he doesn't have pain when you touch it our move it he's most likely ok. And especially if he didn't yelp or even blink when it happened. Puppies are pretty resilient.
If he has a sprain - there's a great Homeopathic topical gel called Traumeel that is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. You can generally get it at a health food store.
As for his knee, I always do as much with natural remedies before going to prescription drugs like Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory, or steroids. All though most vets will prescribe this without thought, they can have devastating side effects. If your vet prescribes one, I would suggest googling the product and doing your own research. If you decide you want to try a more natural approach, feel free to send me another question or find a holistic vet. I advise clients to save these drugs for the times when nothing else will help.
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
www.christineagro.com
Date: 28 Apr 2008
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A: Hi Lyric and Jenn,
I would never be able to take a dog back to a breeder once they were in my life, but you should definitely let your breeder know of the problem.
Luxating patellas may require surgery to fix. In some cases the the patellar ridges will wear, the groove will become even shallower and the dog will become progressively more lame. Arthritis can prematurely affect the joint.
I have had good results in staving off surgery by suggesting clients use a liquid glucosomine supplement. The use of liquid glucosomine has also minimize the use of pain medications which can have toxic effects on the body. There are two liquid glucosomines (they are very similar) Synflex and Flexicose. Both make a pet version and you can find them on-line by googling.
Both products provide dosage suggestions on the labels.
I prefer liquid supplements over pills or solids because the body more readily absorbs these into the blood stream. In some cases, solids or pills never break down and are excreted with the body receiving little or no benefit.
It is great that you and your vet are on top of this. The only thing, as I said already, is that the breeder should definitely know about this.
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
Date: 28 Apr 2008
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A: I am in the States. But if you go to the Wellness website they have a store locator for Canada.
Here's the link http://www.geoserve.com/script s/esrimap.dll?Name=L&Com=fo&Db =DLROMHWell&Ds=&Cn=CA
There are also Canadian on-line sites that sell it.
I hope this helps.
Christine
Date: 28 Apr 2008
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A: Hi there-
Long and short haired Chihuahuas are not two distinct breed rather a genetic variation. Some breeders focus on one or another type but odds are you have ancestors with both in which case you may have what is called a broken or mixed coat. That is, areas of smoother and areas of longer hair.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 28 Apr 2008
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A: Hi there-
Digging is a normal and natural doggie behavior. In the wild dogs dig to hide food resources, to find a cool spot to lie down when it is hot out and as a potential spot to birth a litter. Dogs also dig for fun and if you don't have an outdoor digging spot you are probably digging in your bedding for this reason...and maybe to make your bed as comfy as possible! :)
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 28 Apr 2008
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A: Hi there-
I would have her contact your veterinarian immediately as vomiting could be a sign of a medical issue. It could be you have an upset tummy or are having a reaction to some ingredient in the food.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 28 Apr 2008
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A: Hi there-
It could be worms or another medical condition in which case you should plan a visit to the veterinarian to rule this out. It might also be you need your anal glands secreted and or need your mom to use an unscented baby wipe or a moist paper towel to wipe your bottom after you eliminate as this may be your way of cleaning yourself!
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: 28 Apr 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 ...
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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 ...
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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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