Growth and Development of Puppies and Kittens
March 5, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
As a new puppy owner you are naturally anxious to make sure the new arrival receives the right amount of nutrients in their diet for healthy growth and development.
When should you feed him ?
What’s In the food?
The purpose of your puppy’s diet is to provide him with all the nutrients he needs to grow and remain active. All food contains a mix of protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals and vitamins, each of which plays a vital role in nutrition and must be supplied in the correct amounts by the puppy’s diet.
Protein is important for growth and to repair damaged tissue, especially muscle. This is why it is needed in higher amounts in the diets of growing pups and very active adult dogs.
Carbohydrates and fats are the body’s main energy source. Fats provide more energy than carbohydrates and are essential in small amounts for a healthy skin and coat.
Minerals and vitamins are important in the diet in small amounts. Puppies and nursing bitches especially require an adequate supply of calcium and phosphorus in their diet. It is possible, however to get ‘too much of a good thing’ and it is dangerous to over supplement an already balanced diet.
As your pup grows into adulthood, his requirements for each of these nutrients will change, and it will be your responsibility to ensure that he is receiving the correct diet for each stage of his life.
Of course, proper nutrition starts before the puppy was born!
A puppy born to parents fed on good quality food, especially when the bitch is pregnant, is much more likely to have a strong constitution, and we can expect the puppy to be healthier, more resistant to disease and have a long life.
Similarly, a bitch living as part of a family in an emotionally satisfying environment can be expected to produce puppies which are more stable and well-adjusted than a one living in a caged and restricted environment.
A puppy’s initial nourishment is linked to the mother. Any deficiencies in her diet over a prolonged period will be passed to her litter. The most important stage of pregnancy is the last third, from six weeks onwards. This is when over 75% of the puppy’s weight is developed.
This is also the period when there is an efficient flow of nutrients from the mother to the puppies, which will be so beneficial during the first few weeks after birth.
At this stage the mother may be fed a higher energy food as her stomach capacity will be reduced.
Feeding the puppies places a demand on the mother to eat, digest and absorb very large amounts of food/nutrients. This then enables her to produce sufficient milk to support the growth and development of a number of puppies.
With all breeds it is important that weaning (changing the puppy’s diet from mothers milk to dog food.) does not begin until the end of the third week after birth. This process should be done gradually.
At this stage the mother’s milk provides the only nutrition to the puppies. Most of the puppy’s antibodies will have passed from the mother during the final days of the pregnancy. These antibodies will last for the first 8 weeks of life.
Breeders and owners love to see plump, roly-poly puppies because these seem to epitomise good health and proper care. In the same way, fat babies were once admired but this is now frowned on by health professionals.
In practice, more health problems result from over-nutrition than from lack of adequate nutrition. Although severe underfeeding will stunt growth, slight underfeeding will actually reduce health problems in adulthood.
There is undisputed evidence that a high intake of protein and fat during puppy-hood leads to health problems. Behavioural problems especially hyperactivity can often be attributed to the same cause. Skin problems which used to be seen mostly in older dogs now seem to be prevalent in young dogs also.
In spite of this, most proprietary pet foods for growth have very high levels of protein and fat and this is even promoted as a virtue. (The adverts may even say “The first ingredient is meat!”)
Obesity is an easily prevented condition, and now is the time to form the habits which will save your dog from suffering in later life. Some breeds are predisposed to obesity, such as Labradors and the small terrier breeds, neutered animals can also be a little more prone to gain weight. As well as taking your pup for regular exercise, be sure to feed him no more than is required to keep him in peak condition with his ribs easily felt, but not showing.
The key to having a healthy puppy is to feed enough of a natural and easily digestible diet to ensure a slow rate of growth rather than for the puppy to shoot up. A puppy which grows slowly will still realise its growth potential but may take a little longer to reach full size.
The needs of puppies vary tremendously so recommended feeding amounts should be treated with suspicion. Good judgement and experience are better guides.
Although many health problems and weaknesses have a hereditary basis correct diet can minimise the effect of these inherited weaknesses. Weakness of the digestive system, as in the German Shepherd or a tendency to develop eczema as in the West Highland Terrier can be avoided by a correct diet. Hip dysplasia has been shown to be aggravated by incorrect diet during growth and it is likely that other developmental disorders of the skeleton are diet-related.
With Giant breeds the difference between appetite and requirement is vast and therefore there is more chance of these breeds becoming obese. This can be accentuated by owners wrongly believing that it is desirable that a puppy should grow rapidly and then feeding more than is required. Excessive growth at this stage may also lead to bone abnormalities.
Exercise is important, and in itself promotes health.
Some health care professionals advocate that puppies should not be exercised as this will damage the developing bones and joints. This makes as little sense as recommending that children should not have exercise until adulthood.
Exercise promotes good muscle tone, and well-developed bones and joints as well as providing social interaction. As mentioned above, developmental defects of the skeleton are caused, not by exercise but by poor diet.
Some problems of the growing dog
Although many health problems/weaknesses have a hereditary basis correct diet can minimise the effect of these inherited weaknesses. Weakness of the digestive system, as in the German Shepherd or a tendency to develop eczema as in the West Highland Terrier can be avoided by a correct diet. Hip dysplasia has been shown to be aggravated by incorrect diet during growth and it is likely that other developmental disorders of the skeleton are diet-related.
Developmental problems are less significant in the cat because of the proportionally smaller size.
The Dental Hygiene for Dogs
March 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
Dental hygiene is important beyond having healthier teeth for dogs. Gum and teeth infection, broken teeth or tooth loss, and related periodontal problems involving connective tissue in the dog’s mouth can lead to bacteria making its way into the pet’s bloodstream. This can lead to infection of the heart, lungs, liver, intestinal tract, kidney and other internal organs and other side effects.
Dental pet care experts say that up to 80% of dogs manifest signs of dental diseases by three years in the absence of proper oral hygiene. Getting dogs accustomed to dental care as early as possible is crucial to ensuring their long-term health. With regular check-ups, cases such as bad bite or malocclusion, gingival irritation, deciduous teeth and tartar formation can be spotted earlier. This will prevent the situation from worsening and help save the dog’s teeth.
In some cases, veterinarians may advise pre-anesthesia blood work, or an overall health check to determine if the dog’s kidneys and other internal organs are functioning properly and if blood count is normal. The process will also help establish any potential risk before anesthesia is applied.
An antibiotic may be administered to dogs with bad teeth before the dental to eliminate the infection and minimize complications. Fasting will also be required the night before anesthesia application. The check-up itself will involve looking for cavities, gum pockets, loose teeth, tartar and unusual palate or gum growth.
It should be noted that pets seldom experience tooth decay, due in part to their non-acidic saliva, cone-shaped teeth and natural cleaning from their habit of chewing and gnawing. However, an owner who notices that his pet has bad breath must recognize this as a sign that infection is already present and that tartar has already built up.
Tartar can be found below the gums and breeds bacterial growth, leading to inflammation. Owners who know how dog teeth develop would be better equipped in handling such a situation.
After being born without any teeth, dogs grow them from the second or third week after birth. At about eight weeks, puppies generally have 28 temporary teeth, including incisors, pre-molars and canines, that they start losing when they reach 12 weeks.
Adult dogs grow about 42 permanent teeth that start appearing at six months. When this happens, some dogs can become uncomfortable, chewing actively and mouthing anything to ease the discomfort and pain.
Dogs develop incisors - 12 small front teeth - that they use for grooming themselves and for picking up small objects. For larger pieces, including food, dogs use four canine or cuspid teeth that are long and pointed.
Slicing action on small food bits is done using 16 premolars, while grinding and crushing support comes from 10 molars at the back of the dog’s mouth.
There are basic steps dog owners can take to keep their pet’s teeth healthy. Toothpastes and toothbrushes designed specially for dogs are already available in the market. The finger brush - similar to that for the human infant - is a rubber hood worn by the owner over his finger. The product has soft rubber bristles on one side and is used by the owner to clean the teeth and massage the gums of his pet. The finger brush can later be replaced by a regular dog toothbrush after the pet becomes accustomed to the cleaning process.
Brushing a dog’s teeth should be done at a 45-degree angle, at the junction where they meet the gums. Small circular motions are ideal, followed by vertical strokes. This two-step process will help pull out and discourage the formation of plaque. The owner should brush his pet’s teeth several times a week, making sure that all teeth are covered.
For affluent owners, bringing their dogs to a veterinarian for scaling and polishing every two or three years will also help. Since the goal is to make these check-ups regular, making the dog used to being handled as early as possible will make it comfortable even when its mouth and teeth are being held and prevent it from becoming angry or biting.
Owners should be aware of the things their pets eat and play with. Rawhide chews, knobby plastic toys and some other items are also part of dental hygiene, as they are not hard enough to damage teeth and help in the cleaning process. However, small toys and real bones should be monitored, as they would pose problems if they break into pieces and are swallowed.
3 Things You Must Know Before Adopting Husky Puppies
February 24, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
When it comes to choosing a pet dog, people always seem to have a liking for husky puppies. This is mainly due to the fact that they are by nature very active, and that they are not aggressive at all. The husky puppy is an ideal companion for you if you are looking for a dog that is friendly and “caring” towards you. As most huskies have good temperament, dog owners will have a much easier time training their dogs. All of the above reasons justify why husky puppies are such popular choices among dog owners.
After reading the above paragraph, it might seem that the husky puppy is a flawless breed of dogs. However, this might not be the case. Adopting a husky puppy is not as simple as it appears to be. Health related problems will start to surface if they are not well taken care of. You will encounter other problems such as preparing the right diet for the your husky. Therefore, there are 3 things you must know before adopting husky puppies.
Tip #1: General Health and Well-being
Husky puppies are very enthusiastic when they meet new people. Therefore, the puppies should be very active and lively when they see you. Some of the actions they will do to welcome strangers will be actions such as wagging their tails and barking softly. These puppies will appear to be very approachable and therefore, you should not have any fear of the puppies biting you. However, if the husky puppies appears to be very lifeless and looks aggressive towards you, you should have your alarm raised. When husky puppies behave in such a way, they are most probably suffering from some sort of dog-related diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to share this behaviour of the puppies with the pet shop owner and advise them to bring the ill puppies to the vet. If the shop owner insists on not doing so, you will need to source for another place to get your husky puppy.
Tip #2: Health and diet
In order to ensure that the husky puppy that you bought from the pet shop is healthy, you should consult a vet for advice and do a full body check-up to see if there is any disease that requires the vet’s attention. Another thing to take note of is that you have to look thoroughly through the dog’s fur and coating to ensure that the dog does not have any spots. As for their daily meals, it is recommended that for each meal, at least 65% of it should be protein. However, it is hard to find any dog food that contains protein rate that is as high as 65%. For that reason, husky puppies owner prefer to prepare their own food for their beloved dogs.
Tip #3: Temperament
Although husky puppies are gentle and have tolerating tempers, people are misled into thinking that all huskies are “safe” to be brought home. As such, what is true of a group might not be true for an individual. This applies to the scenario of husky puppies as well. Some puppies can have very arrogant attitude and behaves aggressively against strangers. Therefore, you should have a so called “trial period” with the pet dog before deciding to adopt that husky.
In conclusion, you should get to know the health, diet and temperament of the husky before making any impulse purchases. Most importantly, pay attention to the 3 things you must know before becoming adopting a husky puppy.
The Development of your Puppy
February 22, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
The progression of a puppy in the first ten weeks is very important. Just like a human baby, a puppy needs lots of love and care. There are many factors which can hinder a puppy’s physical & mental growth.
The First Two Weeks
A puppy is born blind and deaf, and for the first two weeks of his life, he doesn’t do a lot except sleep (around 90 percent of the time) and eat. While he can’t hear or see, he can feel and smell, and the combination enables him to find the all-important nipples on his mother. The mother dispenses milk that contains antibodies that help the pup survive for six to ten weeks. Propelling the pup to his mother are very undeveloped and weak legs. The puny legs also allow the puppy to huddle together with his siblings. The legs develop somewhat while the puppies are asleep because they twitch, something called “activated sleep.”
The puppy is nurtured by his mother, of course, which includes his mom licking his belly, which stimulates the little creature to defecate and urinate.
Depending on how the mother feels, human beings may or may not be allowed to pick up and nurture the puppies every day. When this occurs, it helps man and dog bond more easily.
The Third Week
During this week, the puppy’s other senses start to operate. He can detect light and dark, as well as movement, and will respond to large or sudden sounds. He will start to interact with his brothers and sisters, and he starts developing social skills by this interaction, i.e., feeling them with his paws and snout.
He learns to crawl, and his tail begins to wag. He can also venture from his mother to urinate on his own. In some cases, puppies, though not weaned, can be fed liquid food suggested by a veterinarian.
The Fourth and Fifth Weeks
During this period, the puppy’s muscular development increases to the point where he can walk, run, and pounce on his littermates. It is a period of endless exploration, and the puppy’s interaction with his siblings teaches him a lot, including when he’s biting too hard - which elicits a tough response from a littermate - and where he belongs in the aristocracy of the pack - he will alternately sleep at the bottom and top of the puppy pile.
If the puppy is misbehaving, Mom occasionally may get involved by growling at him. This discipline sharpens the puppy’s sense of right and wrong, which can make training easier. The human training process becomes so much harder if the puppy is not disciplined by his mother, like dogs that are orphaned.
The puppy is likely to stop suckling during this time as his teeth develop. Mom will chew, swallow and bring up food for her puppy to eat, which he is able to do in the fourth week.
The fourth week is usually the time when fear is developed: Most of a puppy’s fears are picked up by instinct from his mother, and will include growing scared of his owner if he is treated badly.
The latter portion of this time is when the puppy starts to become socialized with the human family, becoming more aware of the sights and sounds in the house, as well as interacting more with individual members.
The Sixth and Seventh Weeks
This is a time of wonder and curiosity for the young pup, but he is also very sensitive to emotional harm. His emotions will be revealed; he’ll start barking to get attention, whining to show fear, and whimpering if hurt. Take care not to scare or upset him in any way. It’s best that the dog be allowed to relate one on one with a human being, allowing trust to start to build. It is also a time of great fan. He should be given a supply of toys, because he will be very rambunctious and needs them to interact. If he goes too far when playing, his mother will put him in his place. When the puppies are weaned, have their own teeth, and can eat by themselves, the mother dog assumes the role of alpha or pack leader. The mother will show her puppies - using toys - when it’s appropriate to bite.
Puppies will also attack each other to establish dominance and to determine who the alpha is.
The Eighth Week
During the eighth week, the puppy will start to develop bathroom habits. He will use his own place to go, and it won’t be near where he eats. He will look for a place to relieve himself by sniffing about. The eighth week is also a crucial time in socialization - this is the time when fears can be established. You should take care to make sure that all the puppy’s experiences are positive ones, or he may carry around the fear for life. For this reason it is preferable to wait until after the eighth week to take a puppy to his new home. For example, if the puppy gets carsick, he may be afraid of cars, and it will take a lot of training and desensitization to get him to enjoy riding in one.
The Tenth Week
Now the puppies stop battling each other - the alpha and omega in the litter have been established. This is the best time to get a sense of a puppy’s personality. Any fear the puppy might have experienced in a strange place stops - he is ready to find a new home.
Caring For Your Dogs Teeth
February 19, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
Similar to people, your dogs teeth need to remain clean, and free from decay and infection. When they eat, plaque can collect on their teeth. Left unchecked, the plaque can turn into tartar. Eventually, an infection can emerge causing severe discomfort and pain for your dog. Many owners, perhaps from negligence, fail to keep their dogs teeth in good condition. Below, we will describe a few measures you can take to help ensure that your dogs teeth are clean, healthy, and free from problems.
Brushing Your Dogs Teeth
Your dogs teeth need to be brushed a couple of times each week at a minimum. This helps them to remain clear of plaque, and thereby prevents the build up of tartar. When you brush his teeth, do not use the toothpaste from your grocery store. The mint taste may be pleasant for you, but it can be excruciating for your dog due to his heightened level of smell. Visit a pet supply store to purchase a toothpaste that is formulated for dogs. They will also carry special toothbrushes that are designed to reach your dogs teeth.
Chewing For Good Dental Hygiene
When dogs chew on food or toys, the process can keep their teeth clean. For example, dog biscuits are usually hard and break easily. The small bits from the broken biscuits rub against your dogs teeth, effectively keeping the plaque and tartar from collecting. Of course, chewing shouldn’t take the place of brushing, but it is an alternative for owners who are too busy to brush their dogs teeth. Ideally, you should brush his teeth a couple of times each week and allow him to chew biscuits throughout the week.
Time For The Dentist?
Occasionally, your dog will need to have his teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. Even with diligent brushing and constant chewing, bacteria can build in the crevices between his teeth. With enough time, that bacteria can grow and enter your dogs body, causing harm and impacting his overall health.
Typically, a veterinarian will use an anesthesia to keep your dog sedated during the cleaning process. Then, an x-ray will be taken to examine his teeth more clearly. If the veterinarian does not find any teeth that have been damaged or have become abscessed, he will perform the cleaning. Otherwise, he may suggest that your dog receive a root canal or other procedure.
Only One Set
Your dog has only one set of teeth and can not afford to lose them. To keep them clean and healthy, brush them regularly and give your dog plenty of opportunity to maintain their cleanliness through chewing. Then, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to have your dogs teeth cleaned professionally. Through regular dental care, you can prevent your dog from enduring discomfort and pain.
Hard Or Soft Dog Food - Finding Out Which Is The Best One!
February 13, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
Sometimes puppy owners face a dilemma regarding the type dog food for providing their puppies. Dogs tend to prefer moist and canned food types. They are aromatic and are naturally tempting the dog’s palate rather than the dry ones which comes inside a bag. Every dog’s dental health relies on the ability of the dog being to chew crunchy and hard items and kibble foods which are dry serve well for this purpose. What must an owner do?
Some make a 2 pronged approach while selecting food for their own furry friends. They mix a part of both dry foods with the canned, giving their pup “best of both the worlds.” If you’re feeding canned moist food to your pup, you would definitely give it nutrients in some way or other along with something which it can crunch and chew. Dog biscuits and chew dogs or treats might help to serve the purpose.
Do remember that a pup’s health depends upon the nutritional value of the food. A dog is as healthy like the food consumed, in all respects. The food which you get for your pup should meet the nutritional needs possible, either it’s moist or dry. Unfortunately while it comes to doggie’s food you get for what you pay. Generics and Store brands are made with lots of cheaper ingredients and many types of filler. They will feed your dog; however, they might not be the apt choices for your dog. The most expensive brands like the Science Diet and Eukanuba are “specially formulated” and really, to an extent, are. They have high quality ingredients which are suit better to meet all your pup’s needs.
In fact, if you are providing a good methodology for your pup to work on its choppers in a regular basis, it does not matter if you’re using moist food or dry. During regular checkups your doc will examine the pup’s teeth and will tell you if there’s a problem which needs to be repaired by giving some dietary supplement or different food type.
The reason why dogs need to chew on hard things is 2 fold. It strengthens the teeth and also works out the jaw muscles, keeping their teeth strong and having a powerful jaw. It also provides dental care .All owners should brush the dog’s teeth at least 2 times a week. If it’s not possible, crunchy foods as kibble and biscuits might be a sort of toothbrush for the pup, loosening the tartar and plaque for cleaning their teeth.
Selecting the correct food for your pup is very important for the pooch’s nutritional value needs and also it’s dental health. If you would prefer to give your pooch the soft tastier, moist foods which would come inside a can which is fine, just make it sure you are also giving something for your dog to really sink his tooth into.
How to Ensure That you are Choosing a Healthy German Shepard Puppy
February 13, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
There is nothing cuter than a puppy but have you considered the type of puppy that you want gamboling around in your home? With so many dog breeds to be found you should see which of these dogs will be very faithful to you. Well this question is easy to answer. The German Shepard puppy can be trained to be not just a companion but to also for the various tasks that you may have.
While you can look at these German Shepard puppies with an idea to buying them you will need to choose your puppy carefully as hereditary breeding has caused health problems. These health problems are hip and elbow dysplasia, digestive problems, epilepsy, chronic eczema, dwarfism, flea allergies and keratitis. To ensure that you are choosing a German Shepard puppy that is free from all of these problems you should contact a breeder who will be able to provide you with a certified assurance of your puppy’s health.
Since these puppies are very friendly and eager to learn you should take care to train them so that you have a German Shepard puppy who is obedient as well as capable of learning new things. One of the best ways to make sure that your new puppy learns what you want is to train the puppy outside. This way you can take the time to see that your puppy’s health is kept well.
While it is true that almost all puppies love playing and going for walks, the German Shepard puppy is a puppy who will thrive with this activity. The walks can be used to train your puppy to have good social behavior when you meet strangers. There is one very important item which needs to be addressed when you are beginning the training of your puppy.
The German Shepard puppy is a very intelligent animal. Without any activity to keep the puppy fully occupied you will have on your hands a destructive puppy. This destructive tendency can be reduced if you begin the correct training and handling of the puppy. You should make sure that you are training your puppy with lots of patience, firm but gentle handling and lots of love.
When you are thinking about the grooming which is entailed with this breed of dog you will find a dog type that is relatively easy to groom. You will need to brush out the coat of the German Shepard puppy on a daily basis. Other than this your puppy will need to have a bath only about twice a year. More than this amount will cause your puppy’s skin to loose its protective skin oil.
Even though there are many different breeds of puppies that you can think about getting, the German Shepard puppy is one who will provide you with loyalty and companionship all through its life.
The Best Puppy Diet - Tips On Determining The Best
February 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
Puppy’s are sweet to have around, they are not only beautiful to cuddle, but also make great company, to ensure that they are in the best of health and live long, a well balanced puppy meal is mandatory. But then what things need to be considered when choosing a good puppy diet? Always consult your vet before shopping for a puppy’s diet. Puppy’s dietary needs are different from mature dog’s dietary needs. You should therefore avoid grocery store trips to grab that easily available dog food which might not be suitable for your puppy’s diet.
There are many options to select from when feeding your puppy, here are some; natural and organic puppy diets are quite popular these days and you should consider getting some. A number of pet owners like feeding their puppy raw diet. Others may select kibble as their preferred dietary component for puppy food. With all these reasons valid, let’s focus on the last one.
As you introduce the puppy to solid food, remember that good quality puppy feed with little kibble is ideal. Good puppy diet should incorporate all the vital vitamins for it to form a healthy diet capable of excellent growth. Puppy mealtimes are best given three to four times a day. If your puppy finds it hard eating the diet you give, try to soften the food by moistening it a little with water so that the puppy can eat it easily, but a point of caution is to avoid moistening puppy food with milk because milk acts as laxative in the puppy’s diet. Water is better because it creates a softer and easily chewable cuisine for your little friend.
As the puppy grows and gets used to feeding on kibble as a daily part of his/her diet, you should consider slowly reducing the amount of water. If you intend to feed the puppy on dry dog food until it fully matures, then you should plan your diet switching earlier than later. Do away with dog food moistening because it could make diet switching a difficult task later on in life. Six weeks of age should see your puppy feeding on solid kibble.
Give your puppy all the kibble he or she desires during the early stages of weaning. Always remember to feed the puppy on the new diet of dog food at regular intervals. When the puppy approaches his or her fifth birthday, reduce the diet from the previous three to four times a day to only two mealtimes a day. By this time you should be well accustomed to the feeding culture and should have figured out the right day rations of food quantity necessary to give your dog a healthy diet and stable weight.
If you are not confident about the dietary needs of your puppy, then consult your pets vet for advice. Majority of puppies have a round, cuddly and cute demeanor at one point in their young lives. At times it can be very hard to tell whether your puppy is overweight. Your vet is the best and easily obtainable help you have when it comes to answering this question. Seek his assistance concerning weight issues.
Providing a healthy diet for your puppy should not be a difficult task. Seek your pets vet for advice, guidance and any information you may need to ensure that you provide the best diet suited to your pet’s special needs, whether it’s a senior dog, adult dog or puppy. Remember to choose your pets food wisely because poor nutrition can do a lot of damage to your pet’s health. Good puppy diet in the early stages will provide a very good foundation and will propel his/her growth significantly.
Bich Poo Puppy & Dog Information
February 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
The Bich Poo is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a Bichon Frise and a Poodle, classified as an F1. Since the Bich Poo is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. Bich Poos are energetic and prone to mischief when left alone but are intelligent and good natured dogs who enjoy the company of people. Both the Bichon and the Poodle are very sociable and take well to training, but they can be stubborn.
The coat color will vary widely. The Bich Poo will present a stocky appearance, broad at the shoulders with a large black nose.
Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict which characteristics will dominate. Subsequent breedings to the F2 or F3 level can alter the appearance dramatically from the original F1.
Approximate Adult Size
As with many hybrid breeds, the size and weight of the Bich Poo will vary. The approximate adult size, two years old or older, of either the male or female is 9 to 12 inches at the withers. The withers is the highest point of the shoulder. An adult Bich Poo will weigh between 6 and 12 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Bich Poos are a relatively new hybrid so very little data is available. Poodles are prone to glaucoma and epilepsy. The Bichon Frise is relatively free from serious health problems, although kidney problems have been reported. As with most hybrids and the introduction of multi-generational breeding, a full understanding of potential health issues is difficult at this time.
This disease list is provided only as an informative guideline and your Bich Poo may not experience these conditions. Consult a veterinary professional for more comprehensive information.
As with any dog, the puppy stage, 0 to 12 months of age, is the time for shots, boosters and check up. As an adult, the dog should have an annual veterinary checkup including a dental exam and cleaning. Avoid feeding your dog sweets and other human food. Check with a veterinary professional about your dogs diet.
Grooming
The coat of Bich Poo will be generally be curly and short with little shedding. The Bich Poo coat is prone to matting and tangling so regular brushing is a must. Regular brushing will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog.
Dental health is important and the teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities and periodontal disease. Poor canine dental hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious health conditions.
The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.
Life Span
With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a Bich Poo should be able to live a long and healthy life, perhaps as long as 15 years. Given the hybrid nature of these dogs, an accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible.
Bich Poo Registries
American Canine Hybrid Club
As a hybrid breed, the Bich Poo is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.
Litter Size
Litter size is said to average between 4 and 5 puppies.
Category
Hybrid
Every dog is an individual so not everything in this article may be correct for your dog.
This information is intended only as a good faith guideline.
Keeping Your Adorable Beagle Puppy Healthy
February 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
I would be lying if I said that beagle puppies are ugly. To me, it is probably one of the most adorable breeds of dogs that I’ve ever seen. Nevertheless, you should think twice before you decide that you want to adopt a beagle puppy. It is not easy to take care of a beagle puppy, especially when it comes to keeping it healthy. There are a lot of things for you to know about a beagle puppy, such as preparing its meal and knowing its habits and preferences. Therefore, you will need to seek advice on keeping your adorable beagle puppy healthy if you truly want to adopt a beagle puppy.
Most importantly, you have to make sure that you have enough time to spend with your beagle puppy. Beagle puppies prefer to have companion around them. If you need to work and can’t spend much time with your beagle puppy, it is recommended that you adopt a few more pets to accompany your beagle puppy. Any type of pets such as a Chihuahua or even cats will do the job, since beagle puppies are friendly and sociable in nature. When they are left alone, they will tend to make noises and create nuisances of themselves, just to catch your attention. Also, if you happen to own a garden or a backyard, your beagle puppy might even dig up the garden and make a mess of it. Therefore, it is very important that you spend sufficient time with your beagle puppy.
Next, you have to be cautious with the health of your beagle puppy. Beagle puppies, when compared to other breeds of dog, are more prone to diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, back problems and kidney failure. Therefore, it is vital that you bring your beagle puppy to the vet for regular health checkups. When diagnosed at an early stage, these diseases should not cause too much trouble. Other than health checkups, you should also bring your beagle puppy outdoor to exercise. Exercising allows your beagle puppy to maintain its fitness and prevents obesity. In the long run, obesity will cause skeletal problems and other heart related diseases. For that reason, it is important for your puppy to exercise regularly. Bringing your beagle to the park may be a good form of exercise for your puppy but you have to make sure that your puppy is on a leash, as it will wander off from your sight if something catches its attention.
Lastly, you have to pay attention to the grooming of your beagle puppy. Beagle puppies tend to shed quite a lot of hair. Therefore, you must brush its coat at least once per week to keep the coating of your puppy clean and healthy. It is also a type of emotional bonding when you help to brush the hair of your puppy. Other than brushing its hair, you will have to clean the ears of your puppy. As the hairs of the puppy always trap moisture underneath its ear, infection often occurs around that area. Therefore, you will have to clean the ears of your puppy with dry cotton buds.
It is important to keep in mind the few points mentioned above. Those are tips to keeping your adorable beagle healthy and you will definitely need those tips if you are keen on adopting a beagle puppy.






