How to Survive Your Teething Puppy
Dt. Anna Coffin/Guthrie Pet Hospital |
| Photo Pixabay |
Puppies are the most adorable things on the planet. Except for their sharp, busy little teeth. We used to meet a guy with a labrador puppy whose hands and arms looked like he got into a fight with a hundred cats. Jasmine's mouth was pretty busy too, and at first, I had little marks all over my hands also. Of course, giving the puppy something appropriate to chew on and encourage them doing that is the way to solve the problem. But what if you don't have something like that handy?
With Jasmine, I solved the problem by having tied a rope around my waist. It was always there as needed for Jasmine to sink her teeth into. Worked like a charm. She got what she needed, and my and other people's hands were safe.
The principle of giving your puppy something appropriate stands. The rope was just to ensure there was always something appropriate on hand.
Dr. Anna has further helpful suggestions; check them out in her article.
Vaccines and Dogs – Which Ones Do They Really Need?
Dr. Christopher Byers/CriticalCareDVM
Vaccines. One of the top controversial topics today. Are vaccines saving lives or killing our dogs? Or is there anything in-between?
Like with most extremes, there is always a middle ground which is usually the place to be. Yes, vaccines do save lives. And yes, too much vaccination is detrimental. When in doubt, or having an argument with your veterinarian, refer to the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) guidelines. There are reasonable and firmly rooted in what you'd consider the middle ground.
To summarize, every dog should get the core vaccines. These are parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies. These are viral diseases that have no cure and can kill dogs who lack immunity. Once immunity is acquired, rabies remains legislated but the other three you can check immunity instead of giving a booster.
There is a wide range of non-core vaccines. These are vaccines, of various degree of efficacy, your dog may or may not need, based on their health and lifestyle. AAHA website even includes lifestyle-based vaccine calculator if you wanted to use it.
Read Dr. Byers' thoughts on the subject.
Related articles: Problems with Canine Over-Vaccination
What is Normal Earwax for Pets?
Dr. Sarah Wooten/petMDEarwax is excreted by the body to maintain the ears. Its function is to collect and remove dirt, debris, dead cells and microbes. Some earwax is needed and normal. Trying to remove it by cleaning is messing with the way the ear is trying to stay healthy. If your dog's ears are healthy, don't mess with them.
Some breeds are predisposed to generate too much earwax, and an inflamed ear will produce more in the attempt to protect itself and clear out what's irritating it. If there is an earwax buildup together with a bad odor, redness, swelling, head shaking, or pain, you are likely looking at an infected ear.
If you're not sure whether your dog's ear needs care, have it checked. Some dogs need ear care from you, and some don't. Don't go fixing what isn't broken but don't let a potential ear infection fester either.
Dr. Wooten's article is very smart and reasonable; check it out.
4 Things You Need to Know About Miniature Schnauzers
Dr. Andy Roark/Cone of ShameI always enjoy Dr. Roark's spirited videos. This one focuses on Miniature Schnauzers. For the purpose of my blog, I'd just like to recap health issues you should be aware this breed is prone to, which include:
- pancreatitis
- bladder stones
- liver shunts
- allergies
- epilepsy
- diabetes
