Educational Articles
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Providing puppies with positive socialization experiences may prevent the development of future fears. Puppy socialization must be done gently to avoid accidentally causing fear. Puppies are most primed for socialization before the age of 14 weeks. By taking precautions, some careful socialization can and should be done even before puppies have completed their entire vaccination series.
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Not all puppy foods are created equally, and your large breed dog needs to be fed an appropriate diet for development. An improper balance of nutrients can lead to health problems, including bone deformities. Measuring proper calorie amounts, looking for the AAFCO statement, and controlling food intake will ensure your puppy develops properly.
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Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that can affect all areas of the skin, including skin folds, often seen as red, pus-filled pustules. Treatment may require oral or topical medications and it is always a good idea to practice good hygiene. Pyoderma carries a good prognosis for recovery but recurring or chronic cases may require longer treatment and additional testing to determine an underlying cause.
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A herder through and through, the Pyr Shep is an energetic dog that needs a job. They become very attached to their owners, with a keen sense of their mood.
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Pyrethrin insecticides are naturally derived from the Chrysanthemum (mum) species of flower, and pyrethroids are the synthetic versions. The use of pyrethrins/pyrethroids is generally safe in dogs; however, cats and fish are very sensitive to these products.
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Pythiosis is a waterborne infection that can infect the GI tract or skin of dogs. It can cause extreme weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or skin lesions such as ulcerating nodules and draining tracts. This disease is more common in southern regions. Treatment involves surgical removal of all affected material if possible, including limb amputation if indicated. Different antifungal therapies have shown some efficacy and need to be continued long-term. Prognosis for resolution of pythiosis is guarded to poor.
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Quality of life is a way to refer to and discuss the day-to-day life and lifestyle of a dog reaching the end of its life. Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist, has developed a quality-of-life scale for dogs that provides guidelines that help owners and veterinarians work together to maintain a healthy human-animal bond. The scale looks at seven different categories including hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, more good days than bad. The scale can also help you clarify the decision for euthanasia, hopefully relieving anxiety and regret about your beloved dog's end of life.
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Most dogs care for their puppies with little need for human intervention; if they do not, then their caregivers need to step in. It is critical to maintain a warm environment and ensure they receive enough milk. Puppies’ weight should be checked daily in the first two weeks, and any prolonged crying should be investigated. Feeding can be supplemented with commercial milk replacer if needed. Further feeding and vaccination recommendations are discussed. Contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
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A RAST test, or radioallergosorbent test, is a blood test that can be used to determine which allergens are causing a pet's allergies. This test is often performed as part of the workup for atopic dermatitis in dogs. The results of allergy testing are typically used to develop a hyposensitization plan for your dog, which helps desensitize your dog to allergens. Many dogs treated with hyposensitization, formulated on the basis of RAST results, experience a significant reduction in the signs of allergic dermatitis.
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Observant, devoted, and lively, Ratties make great companions and family dogs. They love to play, but they want to be with you, so they suit families who want a friend and playmate.