Most Popular Dog Breeds

The American Kennel Club recently published the most popular dog breeds for 2008. By looking at their personalities, it’s no surprise they were at the top of the list.

Labrador Retriever
Intelligent, eager to please their owner

Yorkshire Terrier
Energetic, adaptable, driven to investigate

German Shepherd
Direct and dependable, hard working

Golden Retriever
Smart, easy-going, family-friendly

Beagle
Happy-go-lucky, energetic, sociable

Average Medical Costs per Dog Breed

Veterinary Pet Insurance recently reviewed their database to find the Top 10 insured dog breeds.

Breed Number Insured Average Medical Costs Per Year
1. Labrador retriever $287
2. Golden retriever $279
3. Yorkshire terrier $245
4. Shih Tzu $207
5. Boxer $295
6. German shepherd $296
7. Chihuahua $215
8. Maltese $241
9. Pug $249
10. Cocker spaniel $252

Safety Tips When Exercising Your Pet

• Check with your local veterinarian to choose which exercise is right for your pet
• Always keep your dog on a leash unless in an enclosed supervised area such as dog day care
• Always have an adult with you when exercising outside your home
• Know exactly where your dog is at all times
• Check the path in which you walk the dog to ensure there are no hazards
• Do not tie the leash to your wrist
• Do not exercise when the weather is too hot
• Bring water and a travel bowl for your pet

Ever Considered a Pet Pig?

The thought of a pet pig does seem quite novel and they are so cute. However, there is a lot to think about before owning a pig. Every year, many pet pigs are abandoned to shelters because their owners did not fully understand what they were getting into. Pet pigs are very high maintenance, plus, your council may not even allow them.

Pigs will be pigs. Just as in the wild, pet pigs will explore everything with their snout. Your home or yard can be turned upside down in a short period of time. Being omnivores they will eat almost anything but a special diet is needed in order for them to remain healthy. They need to be taken to a veterinarian regularly for vaccines and health checks. And, you need to find a veterinarian who is experienced in treating a pet pig.

Pet pigs can be trained on the leash and to go to the toilet in the right area like a dog. But, they tend to be territorial so training and discipline is key.

Bloat

Bloat can be extremely dangerous and often requires quick thinking if it occurs. It is more common in deep chested dogs such as Great Danes, Weimeraners and Mastiffs. Referred to as a Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), it occurs when the stomach blows up like a balloon and twists.

Dietary risk factors include:
• small food particles,
• presence of oil or fat amongst the first four ingredients in dry food,
• large amount of food fed once daily,
• feeding from an elevated bowl,
• eating quickly or gulping air.

How to prevent Bloat:
• Watch for early signs such as retching, enlarged belly, restlessness, difficulty
breathing
• Feed smaller meals rather than one big meal
• Avoid exercise immediately after meals
• Avoid sudden diet changes

Seek veterinary attention immediately if you think your dog has bloat.

Waking Up Tired Every Day?

As pets continue to exist as family members, it's not all that uncommon for us to allow our pets to sleep in the bedroom. It has been well established that pets enhance human health through the reduction of stress. But, could they actually be linked to poor sleep?

John Shepard, M.D., medical director of the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center in the United States, investigated the relationship between pets and sleep problems.

Out of 300 patients experiencing sleep problems, he found:
52% of patients had one or more pets
60% of patients slept with their pets in the bedroom
53% of patients were suffering sleep disruption every night
21% of patients reported snoring from their dog
7% reported snoring from their cat

He concluded that each individual needs to weigh up the pros and cons of sleeping with their pet and that it's not uncommon for people to choose to tolerate poor sleep just to be near their little companions.

Source Science Daily

Is the Barking Driving You Crazy?

All dogs have vocals whether it is barking, howling or yapping and some breeds vocalize more often than others. It’s important to choose the dog that’s right for your situation. As with any bad behaviour, excessive barking can be managed, if controlled early.

Dog Breeds That Bark A Lot
Beagle
Yorkshire Terrier
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Chihuahua

If your pet is sitting quietly, you can always reward them with hugs and treats. If you pet is barking you can teach them the “quiet” command. If the barking continues even with persistent training, you can always put them into isolation until they quiet down.

Unfortunately, excessive barking often takes place when you are not at home. And, it’s not until the neighbors complain that you are made aware of it. In this situation, separation anxiety is the most likely cause.

Check out the tips on separation anxiety if this is the case. And consult your local veterinarian for the right treatment plan for your dog.

Which pet at what age for children?

If you are thinking of adding a pet to your family, you will need to do your homework!

As much as the kids pester you and promise to take on the responsiblity of a fluffy, scaley or feathery new addition, it is more than likely that mum and dad will be actually taking on the majority of responsibility, regardless of how old your kids are, so be prepared to get involved.

Choosing an age appropriate pet can be a challenge. You will have to consider how much experience your child already has with animals. Special consideration also needs to be given to infants and toddlers when introducing a new pet, especially cats and dogs. They don't have the emotional ability or empathy at these stages of development to know when they are playing too roughly, and often don't respect sensitive faces and tails. Constant supervision is required, even for the nicest of pets, because no pet likes to be startled and may react in an unexpected manner.

My Border Terrier joined our family before the kids came along and I'm happy to chat with anyone in a similar situation about how I slowly introduced him to the kids. It's been very successful and he's a terrific family pet. However, as much as he puts up with the odd 'horsey' ride and 'overly enthusiastic' hugs, I constantly supervise the kids when he is inside. As much as we love him, he is a dog, not a person, and I don't give him 100% of my trust. Constant supervision means always being in the same room as your kids and pet when they are together, having the ability to intervene if necessary.

I would highly recommend taking the time to drop into your local vet clinic to discuss the risk factors of introducing a pet at this stage. Vets and nurses are always more than happy to talk to you about your specific circumstances and give you the best advice. The other benefit of contacting your local clinic is that you will want to start building a long lasting relationship with them.

Of course, don't limit your imagination to the traditional cat and dog. Kids make your life very busy, so it's also worth including on your potential pet list some low maintenance but great family pets.

Just to get you thinking:
- rabbits and guinea pigs
- mice
- rats
- lizards
- fish (brilliant for infants and toddlers when out of reach, but they will fascinated)
- birds
- ferrets

Try and visit a local 'petting' farm or visit friends with pets you are considering. Getting some hands on experience before making the long term commitment is a must.

I will be posting more information about what to consider when choosing types of pets at different childhood age groups through to the teenage years. Stay tuned and ask away. The more information you seek and preparation you do, the better chance of a successful addition to your family.