Natural Pet Health Blog

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When you consider getting a dog either for the first time or whether you have had many dogs and are experienced, you should always consider all the factors involved in pet ownership. Dogs should not be chosen on a whim, you should carefully consider what breed would best fit you and your family from the size to the maintenance if it has a long or short coat, etc.

You should research dog breeds and find a breed that fits the age span you are most interested in. You should also decide if you are interested in a purebred or a “mutt”, male or female, puppy or grown, and you should consider the temperament that would best fit your family.

The first we will address is dog breed. If there is a certain breed that you like the look, color, or personality of, you should spend some time researching that breed and talk with people online or in your area who own that breed. Be sure to ask about health problems that run in that particular breed as well as temperament and whether they are good with kids if you plan on having the dog around children. Taking the extra time can save a lot of grief later if you find out the breed you love has health issues that will end up costing you thousands of dollars you don’t have.

When choosing the breed, be sure it fits with the size area you have available for your pet. You may love Great Danes, but if you have a 10×10 yard and you don’t take long walks several times a day you should consider a smaller dog.

You should also take the dog’s coat into consideration. Most dogs shed, but some shed more than others and some breeds don’t shed at all, but require special cutting because their coat grows continually.

If the dog requires extra care with its coat or health concerns you should be prepared for the extra costs that will be involved with this pet. Having a dog is a commitment for a lifetime and will reward you for years, but if you cannot care for them properly it is best not to get a dog at all.

If you are not particular about the breed you may consider a “mutt” or a dog that is of two or more breeds that happen to fit the size and other criteria you are looking for in a dog. I have owned both purebred and “mutts” and have found them to be equally responsive, lovable and healthy when chosen correctly.

You should seriously consider whether you want to raise a puppy or whether you want to start with an adult dog. Either way you should at least consider starting at the local shelter in your search. It is nice when we can take in dogs who are in need of a home. This is a great place to find older dogs as well as puppies, but it can have its drawbacks as well. I have found dogs that have been housed at a shelter for any length of time are no longer house trained so you have to start over with that, and they may have been exposed to disease in the close environment of the shelter. If you purchase from a shelter be sure that they have an agreement for providing care or reimbursement if the dog should come down with kennel cough or another common kennel disease.

If you purchase from a breeder be sure to find out if the person is reputable by asking them questions about their breeding practices and their contracts. A reputable breeder will have contracts and will be able to answer any questions you have about how and why they breed and their dog’s backgrounds.

Lifespan is another important factor in choosing a dog. If you truly love the large breeds you will have to be prepared to loose them sooner. Medium to small breeds live several years longer than the larger breeds. The larger breeds often have hip and knee problems as well, though some smaller breeds might also, it is more common in the larger dog.

Do you have a preference for male or female dogs? Be sure to keep that in mind when you are looking. Don’t just say – “Oh well, we’ll settle for this!” This is a decision you live with for many years so consider it carefully.

In some breeds the females bond more with one person and guard and protect them and the males are more territorial and guard and protect their yard, home etc. In your breed research you may want to find out if this is true so that you can choose based on what works best for you.

Last but not least is the dog temperament. You should always consider if that dog breed tends to be hyper and active always running, jumping and playing or if its a more sedentary breed. If you want a lap dog don’t choose an active breed. All dogs have more energy as youngsters just like humans, but some breeds are more laid back. You should choose a breed with the traits you are looking for rather than trying to force an active dog to be still or a sedentary dog to run.

If you choose thoughtfully and train with care you will enjoy your dog for many years. Your dog will be a joy for you and your family and all that you come in contact with.

Video Slide Show of Cardigan Corgi puppies taken on June 13th, 2009.

So you think you want a Siberian Husky? This video is about something that you should consider before committing yourself to Husky ownership. Huskies go through a big shed, or “blow out”, twice a year. This can last around 3-6 weeks, and during this period they lose A LOT of fur! (I fill up grocery bags full of my dog’s hair) You need to brush them every day during their blow out, and be ready to have your couch, clothes, and everything else covered in dog fur.

Recorded on November 10, 2009 using a Flip Video camcorder.

Potential internal parasites in cats include round worms, tape worms and hookworms. Learn more about internal parasite symptoms and treatments in cats with tips from a veterinarian in this free cat healthvideo. Expert: Tracy Carreiro Bio: Tracy Carreiro is member of The Faxon Animal Rescue League. The League was founded in 1913 to help overworked and abused draft horses. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Not too sure which type of dog to buy? This is part 3 of 3 articles that addresses the different needs and characteristics of some of the popular dogs. Look out for my other 2 articles on ‘Dog Breed Characteristics – small dogs’ and ‘Dog Breed Characteristics – medium-sized dogs’.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, dominant dog which needs a firm, consistent but friendly owner. They can be good with children if obtained since young and trained. Early and consistent training is necessary as Giant Schnauzers tend to be very wilful. They like to run around, and don’t usually see people in their way and can injure children easily. They need a lot of exercise and busy professionals should avoid getting this breed. If they are denied of exercise and left on their own, they can get very destructive.

Golden Retriever

One of my favourite breeds as well. They are well known for their “patience, kindness and friendliness”, and thus serve poorly as a guard dog. However, they are extremely good with children and can be trained easily. Golden Retrievers are very attached to their owners. Leaving them alone in a room can cause the dog to become very sad and distressed. Frequent grooming is needed to reduce the amount of shedding. Intelligent and eager to please, they are also employed in rescue missions, drug detection missions, and serve well as guide dogs for the blind.

Great Dane

Great Danes are well known for their huge size and gentle personality. They have been in the Guinness World Records for the tallest dog. They are generally good with humans (including strangers) and other pets. Grooming is minimal. They need regular exercise because they possess a good amount of energy.

Old English Sheepdog

They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes. They intelligent, funny, sociable, and adaptable. They are also good with young children, and hence earned the title “Dear Nanny”. Owing to their herding instinct, they have been known to push family members away from dangerous objects or people. They can also get very stubborn at times.
They are often known as the Dulux dog, as a result of them appearing in the advertising of Dulux paint.

Labrador Retriever

They are exceptionally gentle, intelligent, energetic and good-natured, and Labradors are generally considered good companions for people of all ages. They are comparable to the Golden Retrievers. They respond well to praise and attention, and with proper training, the Labrador is one of the most trustworthy, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world. They love to play in water, so be sure to bring them to the beach often. Due to their friendly nature, they are not suitable as guard dogs. However, an uncontrolled adult Labrador can get really problematic. So, be sure to give them the proper dog training.

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Adopting a dog is a big commitment and you need to really think about if you are ready before you start shopping for your new pet. Not only will a dog take up quite a bit of your time but there is a significant financial commitment as well. Here’s some things to consider before adopting a dog.

Do You Have Room For A Dog?

Some dogs need more space than others but all dogs need an area for a bed and maybe even a crate. If you are contemplating a big dog, you might need a fenced in yard or a dog run so he can get enough exercise. Of course, you won’t want your dog to be outside all the time so you need to make sure you have plenty of space inside for your new pet too.

Do You Have Time In Your Schedule For A Dog?

You need to think about how much you are home and when you will be able to let your dog out to do his business or simply to take him for a walk. Aside from daily exercise and feeding, your dog also wants to spend time with you. If you are prone to working late nights and frequent business trips your this could be a problem and your dog could develop some bad habits due to loneliness. It’s not fair to get a dog if you won’t be around for him.

Can Your Family Handle A Dog?

Do you have small children or plan on having them in the near future? Some dogs are not really good with kids so you need to research the type of dog you want carefully. Some smaller dogs are quite fragile and can get hurt easily by well meaning children who are a bit rough and don‘t understand about dogs that are small. Make sure you will be able to supervise if your dog will be around kids.

Are You Ready For The Expense Of A Dog?

Depending on the type of dog you want, you can get one pretty inexpensively at the animal shelter. If you want a purebred dog, it can cost you over $1000 depending on the breed you prefer. But there are many more expenses to dog ownership aside from the initial expense of the dog.
One important expense is to make sure your dog gets the proper veterinary care including checkups, shots, neutering or spaying, flea and tick control, and dental care. Hopefully you will not have to spring for any surgery or emergency vet care but you should be prepared in case you do.

Another big expense is food. Depending on how much your dog eats, food can be a bit expensive because, of course, you want to feed him a good quality food. Additional expenses include:

- Food and water dish
- Collar or harness and leash
- Dog ID tag with owner information
- Dog bed
- Grooming supplies
- Toys and treats
- A good quality crate that is roomy enough for your dog to move around in and comfortable for sleeping
- You should keep your dog inside, but if you can’t a solid windproof and waterproof dog house is a must.
- Dog clothing such as sweaters, booties, rain coats