Golden Retriever Tips » 2005 » November

This is Part II of II for Allergies – Golden Retrievers May Suffer Too.

If you do think your dog has some type of allergy, consult your vet. The doctor will be able to perform tests to determine whether an allergic condition exists, how severe it is, and what the proper treatment will be. If the dog has an allergy to certain foods, it will be imperative to restrict the animal’s diet to eliminate those items that cause a reaction. The vet’s testing methods can help to determine whether this type of allergy exists as well. If the dog has flea allergy dermatitis (an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas, rather than to the insects themselves), an extreme flea prevention regimen will be recommended.

Just like humans, Golden Retrievers that suffer from various allergies can live comfortably with them if they are detected and treated properly. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a time to “play doctor” by attempting to diagnose and treat a possible allergic condition yourself. Only your veterinarian is qualified to determine whether your dog is suffering from allergies and what course of action to take.

This is Part I of II for Allergies – Golden Retrievers May Suffer Too.

Many people don’t realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United States alone suffer from one allergy or another, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common form of allergies in dogs. Other types include atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies.

Signs and symptoms of dog allergies may vary but are often marked by persistent itching and discoloration of the skin (most common in skin allergies), coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and mucus discharge (most common in inhalant allergies), and nausea, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea (common to food allergies and other ailments.)

Over-the-counter preparations and treatments for common Golden Retriever allergies exist and may be purchased at any good pet supply store, but care should be taken when choosing such treatments. Consultation with a vet is the best first course of action for several reasons. First of all, what you think is an allergic reaction may actually be signs of a more serious ailment and a vet should be the one to determine whether that is the case. Secondly, if the allergy is severe enough, over-the-counter treatments may not be sufficient to treat the symptoms and a prescription strength treatment may be required. There is also the chance that the dog does not have an allergy at all. The last thing you want to do is medicate your pet unnecessarily.

Part II will be posted in a few days.

This is Part II of II for Top Five Dog Breed Perfect For Urban Living.

3. Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are a fascinating breed. Their attitude belies their small stature. They’re one of the smallest dogs known to man, yet in their minds, they’re the biggest bullies in town. They’d bark at canines and humans much, much, much bigger than them, and they won’t back down an inch. Chihuahuas may be gregarious little creatures, but they are very receptive to their masters’ commands. They’re too small to reduce your home into ruins, and this makes them perfect household pets.

4. Pugs. Pugs are still considered as members of the toy breed. They are closely related to American and British Bulldogs, albeit, smaller in size. They are not as ferocious as their cousins, however. On the contrary, they’re quite lazy, and would rather spend the whole afternoon in deep slumber. This makes them great household companions who don’t require demanding care.

5. Labradors. This breed is being included in this list for those who would want a sports dog. Labradors are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They learn fast, and are very mild mannered. They are not as gregarious as other dogs of the sports breed. They respond well to a little show of affection, but they’re smart enough not to be giddy about it to the point of jeopardizing household effects. Labradors need regular exercise, however, so a daily walk would be necessary to keep this canine companion in good health.

City dwellers don’t have to sacrifice the joys of owning a dog. It’s just a matter of choosing the right breed to suit their lifestyle and living conditions. A dog can bring so much happiness into anyone’s life, and with the right breed, city dwellers could experience urban living with these affectionate and faithful pets.

This is Part I of II for Top Five Dog Breed Perfect For Urban Living

Everyone loves dogs. Those cute, adorable canine creatures are very delightful companions that could bring so much joy to each and every day. Dogs, in fact, are the most popular pets in the world. Wherever there are puppies on display, you’re sure to find a group of people gathering around them. Is it because of their lovable eyes that always seem to beg for some attention? Or is it because of their intelligent behavior that makes them faithful and useful company? Or perhaps, it’s because of their generally pleasant demeanor that could bring out a smile in all of us.

Sadly, not all households and not all lifestyles are conducive to adopting just any kind of dog. This is especially true for those who live in the cities, where life is faster paced and space is usually limited.

This shouldn’t be taken to mean that city dwellers are completely deprived of the opportunity to own a dog, however. There are just some breeds that are more perfect for urban living. Let us take a look at them.

1. Shih Tzu. Long a favorite breed of most toy dog lovers, Shih Tzus are amazingly resilient canines, considering the diminutive size. Their long hair, which can reach the floor because of their short legs, need constant brushing. But aside from this, Shih Tzus are perfect for city life. They are not gregarious dogs. Their aristocratic history actually gives them a regal bearing. Often, this is mistaken for arrogance, especially with their flat noses that make them look like adorable snobs. They are very well-behaved, and portable too, again, thanks to their size. You won’t have to worry about ruined household effects, at least, not as much as when you care for a sports breed.

2. Lhasa Apso. A close kin of the Shih Tzu, Lhasas are also popular dogs for city dwellers. They possess the same regal temperaments of their cousins, are not hyper active, and they generally need little housetraining. Lhasa Apsos, however, need the same grooming requisites as Shih Tzus.

Stay tuned for Part II

This is Part II of II for Is A Golden Retriever The Right Pet For You?

Is a Golden Retriever the right pet for you? Let’s take a look at the questions you should be asking yourself before deciding on a canine companion as your pet of choice.

How busy a person are you? Dogs need constant care most of the day. If you’re out of the house a majority of the time, you will not be able to provide for the dog the care it deserves. Additionally, Golden Retriever puppies initially need housebreaking, that is, training them to be house-friendly so that they won’t end up chewing on some expensive items and ripping that costly carpet to shreds. You would have to invest some substantial time to train a dog the proper way.

How patient are you? Not all dogs can be trained easily. Though possessed with higher intelligence than most available pets, dogs can sometimes test the limits of your patience. Additionally, not all dogs are alike. Some breeds are different than others, in terms of physical characteristics and behavioral traits. While some dogs respond to negative conditioning, or punishing them when they do something bad, other dogs are more receptive to positive reinforcements, that is, praising them when they do something admirable, a Golden Retriever is like this.

How much commitment can you give? Caring for a dog is not a short-term hobby. Often, it is a decade-long commitment, as dogs do have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. During this time, you will be expected to give much love and affection for your dog so that it may grow up healthy and sound.

Is your place perfect for a dog? Not all households are dog-friendly. Small spaces, for example, like condo units and studio-type apartments, will prove difficult for dog caring. Dogs need a lot of space to move around. They need to exercise on a daily basis, as their health is sometimes more volatile than ours. If you wish to care for a dog in a small swelling place, you must invest some time everyday to walk him around the neighborhood so that he would get the workout he needs.

These may sound as steep requirements for owning a Golden Retriever. But the joys that those adorable canine companions can bring into our lives will make all the troubles very much worth it.