Affenpinscher is German for Monkey Dog, and the Affenpinscher is every bit as active and playful as his name implies. Sometimes they are too intelligent for their own good. Obedience training can be tricky with this breed. The Affenpinscher is loyal, affectionate and devoted toward his master and friends. He is always ready to protect his owner, his home, and his family's possessions. They are very good watchdogs, reserved with strangers, and fearless toward any aggressor. They are generally quiet, but can have erratic, nervous reactions to stimuli that they find nerve-wracking: noise, people, animals, and especially children. Affenpinschers do not particularly like kids, but pose no threat to them. The Affenpinscher sheds practically no hair at all. You'll virtually never find a hair in your home!Monday, December 24, 2012
Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher is German for Monkey Dog, and the Affenpinscher is every bit as active and playful as his name implies. Sometimes they are too intelligent for their own good. Obedience training can be tricky with this breed. The Affenpinscher is loyal, affectionate and devoted toward his master and friends. He is always ready to protect his owner, his home, and his family's possessions. They are very good watchdogs, reserved with strangers, and fearless toward any aggressor. They are generally quiet, but can have erratic, nervous reactions to stimuli that they find nerve-wracking: noise, people, animals, and especially children. Affenpinschers do not particularly like kids, but pose no threat to them. The Affenpinscher sheds practically no hair at all. You'll virtually never find a hair in your home!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Famous Onscreen Dogs!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Field Spaniel
Field Spaniels are active, robust, hunting dogs that have very pleasing temperaments. They are very independent in nature, but easy-going, charming, affectionate, intelligent and playful. Very friendly, this breed loves everyone. Field Spaniels like to roam. They are good with other dogs, animals and excellent with children, but tend not to like super rough play. They are prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. The Field Spaniel is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Do not lock this breed away in a kennel or it will become extremely neurotic. This breed prefers cool climates. The Field Spaniel should be brushed and combed once or twice a week. Straggling hair should be trimmed every few months. The ears should be kept clean.Sunday, December 2, 2012
Honey Talks About Dog Cheap Sleeps
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Honey Introduces Herself
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Plott - a breed apart!
Bred for generations as a bear and coon dog, the Plott's
first nature is to sniff up a cold trail and follow it to the end. Yet the
Plott makes the transition to family dog with ease, being eager to please and
loyal. Plott’s are easy to train and have a fair amount of energy. It’s usually
quite shy around other animals and people. They are very good watch dogs and
even better protectors. Plott’s do not need a lot of coat care. Make sure to
have a nice, fenced in yard. They enjoy swimming.
http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/hound/plott.html
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Holiday Stockings - Now Available!
Christmas is upon us again. Not in the mood for fighting the crowds at the mall? Especially the pet stores?
This holiday we've made something special for man's (and woman's) best friend, our ever loyal, needy, whiny four legged kids.
Dog Cheap Sleeps has taken dog beds to a new venture, we have created dog Christmas stockings from durable, soft, cleanable vinyl. The same vinyl we use for our dog bed waterproof covers. These Christmas stockings will last for a lifetime, simply wipe off with a sponge and put away until next year.
We have three sizes to offer, small, for the little guys, medium for the not so little guys, and huge for those over the top big dogs. You will have a choice of size and color to best suit your dog (or home decor).
Have a great and safe Holiday.
http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com/holiday-stockings.html
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small, hardy little dog. This is a hardy dog with a friendly, assertive, manner. Intelligent and lively, it makes a good pet. Lhasa Apsos are spirited and devoted little dogs, which are affectionate with their masters. They can be very obedient to their masters. This breed responds to motivational training. They have a keen sense of hearing, and make good watch dogs. Sadly this little dog often falls into Small Dog Syndrome, a human induced behavior, where the dog thinks he is pack leader to humans. This causes many varying degrees of negative behaviors to come out in the dog. They become suspicious of strangers, and may not tolerate children. They will become willful with a loud persistent bark, as they try and get THEIR humans to listen to them. These negative behaviors are NOT traits of the Lhasa Apso, they are human induced behaviors, resulting from the dog not being treated like the canine species it is. It makes a fine apartment dog. It is not suited for outdoor living. The long coat needs brushing and combing every other day. When the coat is full, they need to be brushed about once a day to keep their coats from matting. Some owners opt to cut the coats short for easier grooming. And even though it has a lot of hair, it does not shed very much at all.Tuesday, November 13, 2012
How can I help my dog become more social?
It is unfortunate when a dog isn’t able to have these social situations early in life and then develops a fear of unknown people or other animals. Dogs are easily conditioned and they build associations based on your cues as much as they do with actual situations. Your reaction (yelling, taking the dog out of the situation) to your dogs unwanted social behaviors (aggression, barking, growling, or retreating) can actually reinforce the dog’s fears and insecurity and enable the unwanted behavior to continue.
A way to reorient your dog socially if he’s grown fearful of other animals or people is to associate something he really enjoys with the uncomfortable social situation. Give your dog his favorite toy, a bone, or a treat when you are about to encounter people or other animals that may trigger his unwanted social behaviors.
If your have a very challenging time socializing your dog on your own, it’s wise to consult a dog behavior specialist or trainer for some help. A well-adjusted dog makes your life easier and it is a lot easier to include your best friend in activities when he’s comfortable with social situations.
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Resources: http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_SocializationAdultDog.php
Thursday, November 8, 2012
FILL A STOCKING FOR FIDO!
Christmas is upon us again. Not in the mood for fighting the crowds at the mall? Especially the pet stores?
This holiday we've made something special for man's (and woman's) best friend, our ever loyal, needy, whiny four legged kids.
Dog Cheap Sleeps has taken dog beds to a new venture, we have created dog Christmas stockings from durable, soft, cleanable vinyl. The same vinyl we use for our dog bed waterproof covers. These Christmas stockings will last for a lifetime, simply wipe off with a sponge and put away until next year.
We have three sizes to offer, small, for the little guys, medium for the not so little guys, and huge for those over the top big dogs. You will have a choice of size and color to best suit your dog (or home decor).
Have a great and safe Holiday.
Jeanie - Owner www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Otterhound
The Otterhound is a
large scent hound. The Otterhound is fearless and animated. Friendly, loving
and happy with a lot of spirit, they make good companions. They are a friend to
all other dogs, family pets, children and people in general, however do to
their hunting instincts they will chase non-canine animals. Because the
Otterhound was never traditionally kept as a pet, it is not among the most
responsive of breeds. Training the Otterhound takes patience. If the Otterhound
senses the owners are weaker minded than themselves they will become quite
willful, acting independent with a mind of their own as they will believe they
need to run the home. The Otterhound is not recommended for apartment life.
They are relatively inactive indoors if they have sufficient exercise. They do
best with at least a large, well fenced yard. It can sleep outdoors in
temperate or cool climates if given a good shelter. Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Sunday, October 28, 2012
My dog barks all the time, how can I get him to stop?
Some tips to help are, if you are at home with the barking dog, shake a can with something in it, fill a soda can with pennies or small pebbles. When your dog barks, tell him to stop and shake the can , it will make a lot of noise. He may instantly stop barking due to being surprised by the noise. Likewise you can use a spray bottle in the same way.
There are several collars on the market which produce a static charge when your dog begins barking. These work when you aren't home and may be necessary in order to keep the peace with your neighbors.
Always choose the method to train your dog wisely and consult a trainer or dog behaviorist if you have concerns or questions. Some breeds of dog are just barkers, since barking is instinctual, it may be impossible to train some dogs not to bark. Always consider what a breeds traits are before committing to being a life long home for a dog.
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Resources: http://www.dog-info.org/stop-dogs-from-barking.html
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a great all around dog. Often called the Gentle Giant, Irish Wolfhounds are friendly with children and other pets. Their coat is rough and wirey providing protection in the cold damp climate.
Irish Wolfhounds were first named as a breed in 1500 BC - by 1800 BC they were all but extinct due to a decline in the breeds numbers. The dogs were used by nobility for hunting - they were often given as gifts to foreign nobility, with the lighter colours being highly sought after.
" In 1869, Capt. G. A. Graham determined to resurrect the Irish wolfhound, a task he set about by crossing the few existing wolfhounds — in particular one named Bran, thought to be the last true wolfhound in Ireland — with such breeds as the Scottish deerhound as well as the Great Dane, the borzoi and even the Tibetan wolf dog. When first exhibited at a dog show in the 1870s, the reborn wolfhound created a sensation — the same reaction it inspires to this day when first seen. Its commanding appearance draws many admirers, but its popularity is tempered by the practicalities of keeping such a large dog."
Source: http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/hound/irish-wolfhound.html
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Vizsla
The Vizsla (VEESH-la) is a medium-sized hunting dog. The strong body is slightly longer than it is tall. Keen and trainable to a high degree, they need mental stimulation daily. Without extensive daily exercise they may be too energetic and excitable for very young toddlers, but are excellent for energetic kids. They have many talents such as: tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdog and competitive obedience. The Vizsla is a hunting dog and may be good with cats they are raised with, but should not be trusted with animals such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs. Vizslas also tend to chew, so make sure they have something to chew on other than your furniture. They are very athletic, and when lacking in exercise they may become destructive or neurotic. This breed is not for everyone. If you want a calm dog and are not willing to walk a couple of miles or jog at least one mile a day, do not choose a Vizsla. Without proper exercise, they can easily become high-strung.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Papillon
The Papillon is sometimes called the butterfly dog, because the ears look like butterfly wings. It is a friendly, intelligent dog that is tougher than it looks, and loves outdoor exercise. Affectionate, gentle, patient, and proud, they love to cuddle. They are steady, obedient and are not yappers. Although, they can be good city dogs, they are sometimes not good apartment dogs, because the dog has a strong instinct to protect their property, and many will bark excessively at nearby noises, not making the distinction between casual noises and those worthy of a real alarm. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but are in general easy to train otherwise. If you allow this dog to become pack leader to humans, it may become very possessive of its owner and resent outsiders. When a dog believes he is pack leader to humans, it is called Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog is allowed to believe he owns the house. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems such as, but not limited to, being, nervous, high-strung, timid, separation anxiety, guarding, growling, snapping, biting, obsessive barking, dog aggression and being untrustworthy with children. Keep this in mind with any and all dogs. They always need someone they can look up to for guidance as a firm leader.
http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/toy/papillon.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/papillon.htm
Saturday, October 13, 2012
TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR
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| Dog Harness for safe riding as a passenger. |
"The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip: download a PDF of this information here.
2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
3. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
5. What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side.
9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers. " We sell waterproof dog crate pads, and custom sized dog travel beds - - http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/~/media/files/pet-care/images-misc-sizes/rdtrip_edu.pdf
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2011/05/safe-road-tripping-with-pets/index.htm
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone
Coonhound is happy, even-tempered and very good with children. It can be
surprisingly affectionate. Be careful with cats and other non-canine pets. If
raised with a kitten from puppyhood they may be okay but some Redbone Coonhounds
try to hunt cats down like raccoons. Some Redbone Coonhounds drool a lot while
others do not at all. It all depends on the shape of the lips. The true
Coonhound-shaped mouth will drool a lot. The Redbone Coonhound will do okay in
an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive
indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.
http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/hound/redbone-coonhound.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/redbonecoonhound.htm
Friday, October 5, 2012
We have a friend, Bran, from Australia create a post on his blog for Dog Cheap Sleeps....
http://www.iwhbran.org/a-friend-gunner/
http://www.iwhbran.org/a-friend-gunner/
Saturday, September 29, 2012
OH NO, MY PUPPY BITES!
You’re excited and proud to be the new pet owner on the block;
however you find that your new best friend is biting you and your children. You
aren’t alone. Puppies, like children, general go through stages of mouthing and
biting. Providing toys designed for chewing and plenty of opportunity to play throughout
the day goes a long way to help your puppy learn not to bite people.
If your puppy tries to bite while playing, stop playing with
him/her. Tell the puppy NO and walk away. After a short while, reengage in
play. Never run and play chase with or allow your dog to nip and bite during
play. This will set your puppy up for failure when you turn around and scold
him for “playing”.
If your puppy brings you a toy to play with, this is an
opportunity to do some training with him before you play. Puppy learns that if
he listens and obeys, there will be a reward. This also helps establish humans
as higher in the pack order. Use these training opportunities to burn off the
puppy’s excess energy. Taking your pup on a long walk will also help. A tired
puppy is a well behaved puppy.
Other tools for training are praise and consistency.
Consistently praise your puppy’s good behavior and give him toys to chew on,
make sure he has his own space too. A crate of his own or a dog bed where hecan lay down and chew on his toys is all he needs. He needs to know what’s his
and what isn’t to discern what is “right” and “wrong” behavior.
Further resources on this subject can be found at:
http://www.perfectpaws.com/bite.html
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-can-i-keep-my-puppy-from-biting-me
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Havanese
If never primped, clipped or altered in any way, the Havanese gives a rugged impression in a little dog. Havaneses are natural companion dogs: gentle and responsive. They become very attached to their human families and are excellent with children. These cheerful dogs are very sociable and will get along with everyone including people, dogs, cats and other pets. They are sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Few tend to bark a lot, as they can be taught not to do this. It is not their nature to bark a lot. It is best to teach them not to bark unnecessarily while they are still young to prevent it from becoming a habit. Havaneses are good for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Havaneses are born to live in your home, and not in a patio or a kennel; but at the same time, they require plenty of exercise.
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Welsh Corgi
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| This is the Cardigan breed of Welsh Corgi's |
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| This is the Pembroke breed of Welsh Corgi's |
Dog Cheap Sleeps, makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Get your small or custom sized dog bed today! http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Hygroma: Bursitis Treatment in Dogs
Hygroma afflicts large breed dogs including, but not limited to, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Dalmations and Dobermans.
A hygroma growth is a fluid-filled sac that is formed on the elbow. Vets believe it’s caused by the dogs irritating the elbow, by lying on hard surfaces or by the dog favoring one elbow over the other when lying down. The sac forms below the skin and feels firm but is yielding and somewhat mobile within the loose skin.
Usually, dogs develop hygroma when they are young and lying on hard surfaces doesn’t seem to bother them. It then comes back to haunt them as they get older.
Bursa, or elbow bursitis is the similar human condition. The bursa is a liquid filled sac in the elbow to help the skin slide over the elbow. When the elbow is damaged or hurt, bursitis (hygroma) is the result. At first, the bursa may not be painful; however, as the dog ages, it can become very sore and swollen. Eventually it can become ulcerated and harm the joint and bone.
Naturally it’s better to prevent this occurrence by always providing a soft place for the dog to sleep or lay, such as a Dogcheapsleeps.com dog bed or pad. This doesn’t always work and some dogs refuse the comfy dog beds or pads, preferring the cool, but hard, tile flooring. Bored dogs can even shred their bedding for something to do, and still end up on hard surfaces. Even dogs who always sleep on soft surfaces can still end up with hygroma. Very perplexing and frustrating.
The conventional veterinary hygroma treatment is to drain the fluid with a needle, then pressure wrap the leg to stop the swelling in the elbow from reforming. Once the pressure wrap comes off, the swelling usually returns. The other hygroma treatment is invasive surgery, which is neither optimal for the dog or owner, becoming a permanent issue. If an infection or ulceration sets in, sometimes surgery is the only option. But I had a plan.
After hours of badgering, my vet at Squaw Peak Animal Hospital (Dr. Mike Ferrera, 3141 E. Lincoln Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phone: 602-553-8855) finally agreed to insert a Penrose drain into one of my Great Dane’s puppy’s elbows. I had him bandage the elbow area only, no pressure wrapping, and leave the tube in for a week. The tube acts to grow scar tissue within the elbow as well as allowing elbow fluid to drain for an entire week. When the tube comes out, the scar tissue remains and we theorize the scar tissue does not allow fluid build up again. We have successfully treated four dogs with hygroma with the Penrose drain hygroma treatment, and to date, none have returned.
However, during that week when the tube is in, close observation of the dog is necessary to make sure the tube does not get ripped out. A good Bite Not Collar or ProCollar is invaluable. And of course, rebandage once in a while to check for infection. As a side note, my vet thought I was nuts and advised on my way out the door that I was "on my own".
The process to insert the tube was less expensive than some of the dog beds available. Note that many vets are reticent to try this hygroma treatment. It’s unproven, not medically suggested, it’s not in their medical books and it’s outside of their comfort zone. My vet is a genuine trooper; right now he has dogs coming in from all over the state for this treatment. To date, he has had no failures. Both vets within my vet’s practice are now performing this minor surgery to insert the tubes. I would urge dog owners who are fighting hygroma to talk to (or badger) their vets about this treatment. It does work, it’s non invasive and it’s very minor surgery.
Remember, a comfortable dog is a happy dog!
Usually, dogs develop hygroma when they are young and lying on hard surfaces doesn’t seem to bother them. It then comes back to haunt them as they get older.
Bursa, or elbow bursitis is the similar human condition. The bursa is a liquid filled sac in the elbow to help the skin slide over the elbow. When the elbow is damaged or hurt, bursitis (hygroma) is the result. At first, the bursa may not be painful; however, as the dog ages, it can become very sore and swollen. Eventually it can become ulcerated and harm the joint and bone.
Naturally it’s better to prevent this occurrence by always providing a soft place for the dog to sleep or lay, such as a Dogcheapsleeps.com dog bed or pad. This doesn’t always work and some dogs refuse the comfy dog beds or pads, preferring the cool, but hard, tile flooring. Bored dogs can even shred their bedding for something to do, and still end up on hard surfaces. Even dogs who always sleep on soft surfaces can still end up with hygroma. Very perplexing and frustrating.
The conventional veterinary hygroma treatment is to drain the fluid with a needle, then pressure wrap the leg to stop the swelling in the elbow from reforming. Once the pressure wrap comes off, the swelling usually returns. The other hygroma treatment is invasive surgery, which is neither optimal for the dog or owner, becoming a permanent issue. If an infection or ulceration sets in, sometimes surgery is the only option. But I had a plan.
Before Drain Treatment
However, during that week when the tube is in, close observation of the dog is necessary to make sure the tube does not get ripped out. A good Bite Not Collar or ProCollar is invaluable. And of course, rebandage once in a while to check for infection. As a side note, my vet thought I was nuts and advised on my way out the door that I was "on my own".
After Drain Treatment
The process to insert the tube was less expensive than some of the dog beds available. Note that many vets are reticent to try this hygroma treatment. It’s unproven, not medically suggested, it’s not in their medical books and it’s outside of their comfort zone. My vet is a genuine trooper; right now he has dogs coming in from all over the state for this treatment. To date, he has had no failures. Both vets within my vet’s practice are now performing this minor surgery to insert the tubes. I would urge dog owners who are fighting hygroma to talk to (or badger) their vets about this treatment. It does work, it’s non invasive and it’s very minor surgery.
Protect your dog’s sensitive joints, order a Dogcheapsleeps.com bed today.
Remember, a comfortable dog is a happy dog!
Cardio Parvo in Puppies
Solomon, a grown up show dog. 
Two years ago, when my dog Sydney had a litter of Great Dane puppies, I had never heard of Cardio Parvo in puppies. At four weeks old the first puppy died and I took it to the Vet, who did a necropsy, an animal autopsy. The necropsy came back positive for Cardio Parvo.When another puppy died three weeks later, I freaked out. I went to the internet and did a search for Cardio Parvo Treatment; I found nothing. There was a lot of information on gastrointestinal Parvo, the common type of parvovirus, but nothing on Cardio Parvo in puppies. I called veterinary colleges all over the country trying to find someone who knew something, anything, about Cardio Parvo, but there was no one, anywhere. I spent countless nights on the Internet searching, here, overseas, nothing, nothing, nothing.
Two years ago, when my dog Sydney had a litter of Great Dane puppies, I had never heard of Cardio Parvo in puppies. At four weeks old the first puppy died and I took it to the Vet, who did a necropsy, an animal autopsy. The necropsy came back positive for Cardio Parvo.When another puppy died three weeks later, I freaked out. I went to the internet and did a search for Cardio Parvo Treatment; I found nothing. There was a lot of information on gastrointestinal Parvo, the common type of parvovirus, but nothing on Cardio Parvo in puppies. I called veterinary colleges all over the country trying to find someone who knew something, anything, about Cardio Parvo, but there was no one, anywhere. I spent countless nights on the Internet searching, here, overseas, nothing, nothing, nothing.
Then late one night I was in some obscure website where people were posting about Parvo and the name Dr. Jack Broadhurst came up with a link to his email. I kept reading, and found out Dr. Broadhurst was the pioneer in treating Gastrointestinal Parvo and Distemper with Tamiflu. I knew it was a long shot, but I emailed him and asked him for help with Cardio Parvo treatment, explained about the puppies dying about three to four weeks apart, and pleaded for his help. The following Saturday, early in the morning, the phone rang. It was Jack Broadhurst; he was there to help. The relief that washed over me was overwhelming.
Then another puppy died. Dr. Broadhurst was not sure if Tamiflu would have any affect on Cardio Parvo in puppies but suggested getting a prescription from my vet and trying it. I went to my vet the following Monday and even though he knew nothing about Cardio Parvo treatment, he wrote us a prescription for Tamiflu. We started treating the puppies right away, and four weeks went by with no loss of life.
Then at seven weeks, the rest of the puppies were still alive. At the eighth week, another puppy died. Broken hearted, I took the puppy to the vet for another necropsy, and the result was the same: Cardio Parvo. The vet had been on the phone and internet with veterinary colleges all over the world, and he told me there is no cure for Cardio Parvo in puppies. Most vets had never heard of it, much less knew anything about treating it. It is so rare, there is just no information available.
My vet suggested I go home and let the puppies die. He told me he would not euthanize puppies. I said "No, there has to be something." Of the original eight puppies, now only four remained. They were painfully small, but happy and playful, and I knew there was no way could I take them home and watch them die. My vet, obviously upset, said “No, there is nothing we can do for them.” I knew he was as pained as I was, and as frustrated. Then I lost my temper and I said, “This is stupid, they are sick and no one in the world can help?"
Charger as a puppy, with Cardio Parvo.
Finally my vet finally said, “There is a chance, but you would have to see a Canine Cardiologist and it’s very expensive.” I told him to give me the name and phone number of that doctor. I went home, and called the Cardiologist, Dr. Arch Robertson. After I filled him in, he saw us the same day. He examined all four puppies, did several tests on their hearts, took their blood pressure, took blood and shook his head.
He had also never heard of or treated for Cardio Parvo in puppies. I noticed a college text book on his desk, wrote down the name of the book and the publisher, went home and immediately ordered the book. Out of seven hundred and some pages, there is one paragraph, just three sentences on Cardio Parvo. The last sentence said ‘total litter failure’. He sent the blood off to a lab in Ohio for testing, and it took two weeks for the test results to come back.
Not good news, all four puppies had inflammation around their hearts and lungs. My original Vet called and said he was sorry, but they were all going to die as there was no cardio parvo treatment possible. I thought about it for a minute, called the Cardiologist and asked what the normal treatment was for internal inflammation in a dog. He didn’t hesitate; he said they treat it with steroids. I said and………………………..? He wanted to make a call to Dr. Miller at Texas A & M, the leading dog cardiologist in the country at the time. He said he’d call me right back.He did; the two Doctors were going to treat the puppies with massive steroids for two weeks. Two weeks was an eternity for us, we agonized through every day, finally back in for another blood test, waited the obligatory two weeks for the results to come back. It is humanly possible to not breathe for two weeks. Finally the phone call, no more swelling around the hearts or lungs. Could we be free and clear?
Visa, who had Cardio Parvo in this picture, has also completely recovered.One more exam, and this time Dr. Miller flew into town to see and examine the puppies. Neither doctor could find any reason for concern. All four puppies seemed to be healthy and free from the Cardio Parvo. I wanted to cry but just couldn’t. We had to return for one more exam in four weeks.
During their final exam, one of the potential show dog people interested in one of the female puppies went with us. I wanted her to get answers straight from the Cardiologist. The exam room was rather crowded, because Dr. Robertson had invited other vets in to see these living puppies and be there for the exam. We asked questions about diet, exercise, or long term potential health problems resulting from their close call with death. The answers were simple; treat them as normal dogs. All four dogs would die someday, possibly even from heart problems, but it would have nothing to do with their exposure to Cardio Parvo.
Honey, driving Gino, an older dog, nuts!
Two years later now, two of the puppies have gone on to show homes and are doing great. The other two puppies are still here with me. As a breeder I can tell you it was very difficult for me to let those first two puppies leave. In my heart I knew as long as they were here, I would keep them alive, but I felt if they left I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to them. Once past my paranoia, both puppies are doing just fine. They are in great homes, loved and spoiled.
Fading puppy syndrome will never be the same for me again; if I lose a puppy to fading puppy syndrome he or she will be taken in for a necropsy. Also, as with gastrointestinal parvo, it is important to make sure the whelping, litter, and later the puppies, are in an area that can be disinfected. Carpet cannot be disinfected. Cloth covers, blankets or sheets must be washed in hot water and bleach.
Dogcheapsleeps.com vinyl dog beds can be disinfected by wiping carefully with a bleach or other disinfectant solution. The reason I’m writing this article is because I vividly remember the late nights and early mornings spent on the internet searching in vain for something, anything on Cardio Parvo in puppies and cardio parvo treatment. Just maybe, if it happens to someone else they will find this article and discover the same things I did. There is help, it’s unconventional, it was experimental, but I’m here to tell you, it works.
Dr.JackBroadhurst’s website is http://www.jackbroadhurstdvm.com
Dr. Arch Robertson’s email is VETMED@vetmedultrasound.com.
My gratitude for these men is indescribable.
Monday, September 17, 2012
BEST DOG FOOD FOR A NEW PUPPY
Puppy Food Standards
Always make sure the food meets standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Those standards cover protein, which supplies necessary amino acids; fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Keep in mind when deciding what quantity to feed, puppies need about twice as many calories per pound as an adult dog of the same breed.
Wet or Dry?
Wet food has more nutrients per less amount of food so it will take less wet food to feed your puppy. Dry food usually contains more “filler” or useless calories Dry food keeps longer and is easier to store than wet food. A mix of the two would be idea for many puppies.
In the end, you will have to research your specific breed of puppy and find a recommendation. These recommendations are for small or medium breeds. Large breed dogs can never have puppy food. The calcium content is way to high. Large breed puppies need very little calcium in their diets. Their bones and joints need a long slow growth rate. High calcium puppy foods can damage joints and sometimes the damage is permanent. This type of damage can cripple large breed puppies for life. Most large dog breeders start puppies on adult dog food because of this.
You can always consult your vet. Some puppies have food sensitivity issues, just like people. A good site to find out about puppy foods, what they are made of and their nutritional values is http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
You can always consult your vet. Some puppies have food sensitivity issues, just like people. A good site to find out about puppy foods, what they are made of and their nutritional values is http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
Other resources:
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
Saturday, September 15, 2012
SMALL DOG BREEDS, PROS AND CONS
"According to the American Kennel Club, many of the most popular dog breeds
registered each year are small dogs."
registered each year are small dogs."
Small Dog Breeds, Pros and Cons
Small dog owners are absolutely sold on small breeds, they accept the pros and cons of these very cute small animals. Many small dog owners dress their pets up and buy them expensive furniture, pedicures and fancy dog desserts – there is a lot to love about cuteness!
Let’s look a little deeper at the positive traits of small breeds…
Pros:
· can live in apartments
· can have their exercise needs met with a good walk
· vet bills are less costly
· live longer than larger breeds
· easier to travel with a small dog
· they're cute!
And now the not so positive traits of small breeds…
· excessive barking
· small dog syndrome (dog is alpha, aggressive, bites)
· hard to train, especially males
· not good with children
· they are expensive to purchase due to small litters
Other resources:
Dog Cheap Sleeps makers of the last dog bed you'll ever need to buy! Buy your dog bed today. http://www.dogcheapsleeps.com
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