Dog Reports

Posts Tagged ‘Dog Groomers’

When you are ready to get a dog, you’ll find that there are many breeds available to you. Whether you go to a breeder or you are curious about the background of some of the lovely dogs you can find at a shelter, you’ll discover that being aware of the different groups of dogs might help you make your pick. If you are someone who is looking for a dog that will require lots of regular exercise and who has a great deal of natural energy and exuberance, consider sporting dogs. Sporting dogs are very active and alert and do require a fairly constant schedule of activity. Some examples include Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers. Dogs from the hound group were bred for hunting, whether they hunt with their eyes and with their nose. Like sporting dogs, they do require regular and fairly intense exercise, but they are also quite diverse. Make sure that you know if you are getting a breed that bays, because the sound is quite loud. Beagles and Norwegian Elkhounds are a part of this group. Working dogs, on the other hand, have been bred to perform certain specific jobs, whether it means that they have instincts to herd sheep or guard property. Siberian Huskies, Boxers and Doberman Pinschers are all members of this group. Terriers are often distinguished by their small size and their bright and energetic personalities. They are usually not dogs that are friendly with other dogs, and in the past they were bred to kill rats and other vermin. They are quite lively and you may want to think about it before you bring them into a house with small children. Jack Russell Terriers and Welsh Terriers are part of this group. Toy dogs are, as the name implies, small and bred to be house dogs. They are great for people who don’t have a lot of space and make good apartment dogs. Consider some of the very popular breeds like Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers. Herding dogs were bred to protect their charges from predators and to make animals move from place to place. Some members of this group might surprise you, like the Welsh Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds who are just about a foot tall and capable of driving cattle into pastures. These dogs are great companions, but do require good socialization and training. Border collies and Pulis are two examples of this type of dog. Non-sporting dogs are very diverse, and this is something of a catch-all territory. They do not fit into any other group, but they might share characteristics with them. Poodles, Bulldogs and the Japanese Shiba Inu fall into this category, as do the long haired Lhasa Apso and the Keeshond. When you are thinking about choosing a breed of dog, consider what your requirements are in terms of temperament and think about what the dog itself needs in terms of exercise, space or socialization. This is an important choice for you to make, so think about the options and make sure that you get a companion animal who suits your space and lifestyle.

As your dog gets older, you will witness noticeable differences in him or her physically. Their teeth will begin to wear down and will change color. Their eyes may begin to change color as well and start to appear gray or blue. The tone of their muscle will decrease and they won’t be able to get around as fast or as easily as they once could. As your dog ages, they also will begin to experience various illnesses and chronic health problems.

Because dogs are often like part of the family, you will want to be able to care for them as best as you can and in a manner that the dog is still experiencing a good quality of life. You want to make sure that you are very vigilant and that you watch them closely. Study them and see if they begin to act differently, or if they seem to be in pain. It will be more important than ever to get checkup visits on a regular basis so that your vet can pinpoint any serious problems. You may want to do this as often as two times every year. These exams should include a blood workup.

If you are not sure of what warning signs to look for as your dog gets older, consider the following list. -Your dog suddenly needs a lot more water than normal -Your dog begins to throw up -Your dog starts to gain or lose weight. -Your dog suddenly has a change in their stools -Your dog may have a harder time urinating -Your dog’s stools suddenly become very loose or contain blood -Your dog may begin going to the bathroom in the house -Your dog may appear weak in the leg area or have a hard time walking, running or sitting down -Your dog’s coat may begin to look dry, flake or lose fur -Your dog may begin having a difficult time eating and digesting food. -Your dog may exhibit behavior changes. They may be more cranky then usual. -Your dog may begin coughing -Your dog may begin to have trouble hearing -Your dog suddenly becomes easily labored

Many dogs, as they get older, begin to suffer from diseases of the heart and kidneys. They will begin to have problems with their teeth and perhaps even their thyroid. If a dog is able to receive lots of good care, they can live for quite awhile even up to 15 years. However, this will differ based on their breed. Dogs that are neutered or spayed generally live longer. Some breeds of dogs such as Poodles, Airedale Terriers and Cocker Spaniels may live up to 20 years or more. Again, It depends on the breed, the individual dog and how well they are taken care of.