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All About Horses
Loved by many, horses and humans have enjoyed a strong bond which dates back to ancient times. At first horses were hunted, but humans learned to tame and ride them. From there the horse helped transform how people got around and worked, being one of the primary forms of land transportation until the car came into popularity.
Can Dogs Spread the Ebola Virus?
No one knows for sure. Out of an abundance of caution, authorities euthanized the pet dog of a Spanish Nursing assistant after she contracted the Ebola virus while caring for a patient in Spain.
What Are Whippets?
A Whippet is a dog breed that is part of the sighthound family, although they often are mistaken for greyhounds. They are slender and have a light gait. These dogs are playful and friendly, and they have grown in popularity over the last several years. Whippets can range from about 25 to 40 pounds and have a wide variety of colors and patterns. Unlike dogs such as German Shepherds, their markings are not significant to the breed, so their looks will vary. Generally they will be friendly to visitors, but are not very fond of cats that come onto their territory unless the cat is already a member of the family.
THE SHIBA INU
The Shiba Inu, also known as the Shiba Ken, originated from Japan. It is one of Japan’s most popular and oldest dog breeds. They were bred to hunt wild boar and small game using their keen sight and smell abilities in the rugged mountains of Japan.
Brief History
The Shiba Inu has had cultural significance in that this breed is considered a natural monument and very nearly became extinct during World War II. The first of this breed to enter the U.S was in 1954 with a military family. “Shiba” means brushwood and “ Inu” means dog. They are popular today in the U.S as companion dogs.
Physical Features
The Shiba Inu is a foxy, medium-sized dog with a compact, well-muscled body. They typically have broad heads with dark, slanting eyes and a black nose. Shibas also have small erect ears. This breed has a double coat with a thick outer coat that can range from red, to sesame (black-tipped hairs on a red background) to black with tan points. The undercoat is usually cream, buff or gray. Their fur is short throughout their entire bodies, including face, neck and legs. Their tails are thick and powerful, and are carried over the body in a curled position. Hind legs are strong with a wide stance, forelegs and feet are moderately spaced.
Average Height:
14.5 – 16.5 inches
Average Weight:
17-23 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Temperament
The Shiba Inu is an independent and proud dog. This breed is alert, intelligent and curious. The Shiba loves to explore and has been known to wander. Although reserved with strangers, this breed is warm and affectionate to family members and close friends. It may be aggressive toward other dogs, and needs to be socialized early on in life.
The Shiba Inu does well with positive dog training classes early on during puppyhood.
This breed may be stubborn and shy, and needs to be around people and other dogs regularly. Shibas tend to be protective around family members and benefit from an experienced and attentive dog parent.
This breed enjoys playing around at the dog park, going for long walks and being part of family outings. They love to wander around and need a closed and secure backyard so as not to escape. Though they love the outdoors, Shibas need to live indoors and do not do well being alone all day.
Special Needs
The Shiba Inu needs to be supervised carefully when out and about in the backyard or garden. This breed wanders and escapes easily. This breed has special grooming needs, and is prone to separation anxiety.
Possible Health Concerns
This is generally a healthy dog breed, but is prone to a few health concerns:
Hip Dysplasia. This is a hereditary condition that affects the Shiba. HD is an abnormal development of the hip joint in medium and large dog breeds. It is generally characterized by a loose joint, and then degenerative joint disease. Excessive growth, types of exercise, nutritional factors, and hereditary factors all come in to play with hip dysplasia. Consult with your veterinarian for expert advice.
Elbow Dysplasia is an abnormal development of the elbow joint in young, large, rapidly-growing dogs. It involves abnormal bone growth, cartilage development, or joint stresses. Elbow dysplasia is considered to be one of the most common causes of osteoarthritis of the canine elbow.
Skin Allergies can result in severe itching and scabbing. Your veterinarian will also prescribe medications. Shibas usually don’t start having allergies until they reach 6 months of age. It’s important to visit your veterinarian at the first onset of scratching or itching since these skin irritations can lead to severe skin infections.
Exercise
Since the Shiba needs moderate exercise, it’s important to keep them fit and active, so as to prevent bursts of energy or destructive behavior during the adolescent period.
The Shiba Inu needs positive training classes and fun activities like Frisbee or fetch. Canine sporting events like Canicross and sledding are also favorites to this breed. Keep your Shiba indoors during the hot summer months, and exercise during the early morning or late afternoon hours when it’s cooler. Hiking, biking or skijoring are also fun sports this dog loves.
Because this breed can be overly energetic, Shiba pet parents shouldn’t resort to long periods of crating.
A calm, long walk will usually suffice when this breed is feeling energetic. Adolescent Shibas need regular off-leash runs at the dog park or beach.
Nutrition
Some Shibas may be picky eaters. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian on diet. Ask your vet about supplements and determine whether your Shiba has any vitamin deficiencies.
There are numerous organic dry and wet commercial dog foods that contain a wide variety of healthy ingredients. These may cost slightly more, but are definitely worth it. BARF diets have been popular in the past. This includes bones and raw food, raw meat, and ground raw vegetables. That said, never feed your Shiba cooked bones because they will splinter and may cause choking or fatal internal injuries.
If your Shiba’s diet is well-balanced, they should have a shiny coat, high energy, healthy gums and teeth and be free of digestive problems.
Grooming
This breed sheds a lot. Although it’s been said that Shibas shed twice a year, some pet parents have said that it lasts for 6 months at a time. If your Sheba has a long coat, you will need to be vigilant about matting and knots. Brushing and combing during shedding season helps prevent shedding throughout the home — and will remove dirt and loose hair.
Shiba’s need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. Brushing this dog’s teeth every day, and visiting your veterinarian twice yearly for dental cleanings is a priority in maintaining good canine health.
Classifying Critters
Animals: they come in different shapes and sizes, with varying colors and a breadth of breeds. At last count, a whopping 8.7 million species of animal were noted in the world, with new animals being identified, and others going out of existence all the time.
THE DALMATIAN
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian, also known as the English Coach Dog, Carriage Dog, and the Firehouse Dog originated from the U.K. This breed is part of the UKC, Companion Dog Group, and the AKC. The origin of the name comes from the Eastern European coastal area of Dalmatian. This dog breed was thought to have been imported to the U.K during the 18th century.
Brief History
The Dalmatian was bred as a coach dog in the U.K. as a guard for passengers and property. The Dalmatian’s love of horses made it perfect for following horse-drawn fire engines. British nobleman also enjoyed having this breed around their stables.
Despite noble origins, today Dalmations are looked upon as a fire station mascot and help bring fire-awareness in education programs for children. The Dalmatian has been in the U.S from colonial times, known as the coach dog breed. By 1888, the Dalmatian was a registered dog breed in the AKC stud book. The Dalmatian is still very popular as a companion dog breed today.
Physical Features
The ever-friendly Dalmatian is a muscular and large dog breed with a slightly square shape. The Dalmatian’s pear-shaped head is almost flat with a slight groove down the center. Their noses are typically black, large and broad. Their medium-sized eyes are brown, blue or a combination of both colors. This breed has medium-sized drop ears with a deep chest and well-arched, compact feet. The Dalmatian has a long tapered tail that they carry with an elegant upward curve. Their coats are short, shiny, and tight. Oh, and don’t forget their famous coloring — white base with gorgeous black spots.
The Dalmatian has lots of endurance and moderate speed. It is an elegant, sporty and active dog that adores people as well as other dogs and animals. Their movements tend to be steady and graceful. With an even temperament, this outgoing dog breed is intelligent, outgoing and dignified.
Average Height:
19-24 inches
Average Weight:
45-65 pounds
Life Expectancy:
11-13 years
Temperament
The Dalmatian is an active and lively dog breed. They tend to be outgoing, friendly, and rarely shy. In fact, they’re known to constantly encourage new friendships wherever they can find them — whether with other animals or people. This dog breed is great with horses and does well on equestrian farms. The Dalmatian is also sensitive and does well with positive dog training. Socialization starting at puppyhood is also beneficial. This dog breed is very affectionate with family and good with children. The Dalmatian has a strong work drive and needs to partake in organized canine activities.
Special Needs
The Dalmatian requires plenty of exercise, socialization, and positive dog training. The importance of early positive housetraining cannot be emphasized enough. Dalmatian pups need to be taught to go outside or they will develop bad habits that will often be difficult to break. It’s also important to prioritize positive obedience training for puppies. This can start as early as 9 weeks of age and should be done in super short increments of time, like 5 minute sessions a few times a day.
Allow for healthy food treats as rewards when positive dog training. Organize dog training classes outside your home to allow for this dog to socialize and meet other dogs and people. The Dalmatian needs a fenced garden or backyard and does not do well with apartment living. This breed does best on farms or large properties with horses, other dogs and lots of companionship.
Possible Health Concerns
Deafness: Dalmatians may be born with normal hearing, yet may lose hearing a few weeks after birth. Deafness is hereditary in Dalmatians, and comes from an auto-recessive gene. This gene also affects eye color, and contributes the blue iris in Dalmatians. As many as 30% of Dalmatians suffer from deafness in one or both ears. Some dog parents may confuse deafness to obedience problems.
Kidney Stones: This is common in the Dalmatian, and can be dangerous if not treated immediately. Feeding a low protein diet with fish or chicken works well in helping to preventing kidney stones. Beef and organ meats should be eliminated from the Dalmatian’s diet. Clean and fresh water needs to be available 24/7.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal development of the hip joint in large dog breeds like the Dalmatian. It is generally characterized by a loose joint, and then degenerative joint disease.
Epilepsy: This has been occurring more frequently in Dalmatians, and can be hereditary or the result of an injury or exposure to toxins.
Dalmatian dog
Exercise
The Dalmatian needs a consistent exercise schedule if living in an apartment or small home. Dalmatians living on farms and equestrian properties tend to get lots of exercise and travel. This dog breed has superb memory, and is a quick learner. Positive dog training sessions are a pleasure with this dog breed. Dalmatians enjoy going out for runs or long hikes. They’re always game to take part in family activities.
Agility is a great sport for Dalmatians. They can start training at a young age for agility, and tend to do well in this canine sport. Advanced obedience is also a great option.
Nutrition
When it comes to choosing a food, understanding your dog’s current health and nutritional needs is paramount. There is no “best diet” since all dogs have different dietary needs, so it’s always smart to consult with your veterinarian — especially if your dog has a medical condition.
Dalmatian dog breed
Grooming
This breed is quite easy to groom. Daily brushing will keep your Dalmatian’s coat in superb condition. A horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb should do the trick.
This dog breed enjoys frequent baths and daily teeth brushing. Bathing should increase if dogs are playing around on farms and in horse manure. Twice yearly visits to the veterinarian for dental hygiene maintenance is a must. Ears need to be regularly wiped out and checked regularly because they flop down and retain moisture. Nails need to be trimmed every month. If your dog does not enjoy having their nails trimmed, try out a nail grinder, visit a professional groomer or your veterinarian.
Not only is the Dalmatian a gentle and playful dog to have around children and family, this dog breed has a happy and outgoing personality that makes everyone else happy. This dog breed does not do well alone and needs to be around people and other animals. Taking part in family activities like hiking, camping, and playing ball at the dog park are a must.
If it’s summer time, all Dalmatians need to use a canine sunblock because their white coats make them more prone to sunburn. Exercise should only take place during the early morning hours or late afternoon.
THE BEAGLE
The Beagle has enjoyed tremendous popularity for many years, and rightly so. He is the epitome of sweetness and joy. A dog of impeccable temperament and gentle nature, this breed is an excellent choice for a family with kids.
Brief History
The Beagle has a long history that hails all the way back to the fifth century. The ancient Greeks used a small hunting dog remarkably similar to today’s much-loved tricolor hound. Early Beagles, which traveled under other monikers such as St. Hubert’s Hound, Talbot’s Hound, and Southern Hound, were enjoyed by notables such as William the Conqueror. These evolved into the diminutive “Pocket Beagle”, popular with the aristocracy in medieval times, including King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth. In the 1700s, the North Country Beagle and the Southern Hound were crossed with the Foxhound, which created the version of hound that we know as the Beagle.
Around 1830 and following throughout that century, breeders devoted themselves to establishing the Beagle as a stand-alone breed. By 1884 it had been imported to America and was recognized by the AKC.
Physical Features
According to the AKC standard, the Beagle is, “A miniature Foxhound, solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.”
This summarizes the Beagle’s muscle and athleticism, his deep chest, and strong legs, while perhaps overlooking his adorableness. His soft, floppy ears and big brown eyes would melt butter.
The registry recognizes two sizes: Under 13 inches and from 13 to 15 inches, which is the height the dog is measured at his shoulder.
Average Height:
13-15 inches
Average Weight:
26-33 pounds
Life Expectancy:
10-15 years
Temperament
On their own, Beagles love to thrive in groups and families, they also blend in well with other dog breeds thanks to their calm, cohesive nature, and their need to be “groupies”. Adopting a Beagle may be your best deed ever since it will bond with you effortlessly and always be on your trail with its gentle and happy aura. Beagles are very tender to children and the love shared and shown will always manifest during playtime.
Regarded as the least hostile dog breed, you will never find a Beagle attacking or biting strangers unless it is harshly provoked. Their welcoming nature allows them to deal with strangers in an intelligent manner that gives them some freedom while being protective of their environments, families, and owners. If you are a stranger to a Beagle, it will hardly show any negative response or aggression towards you and with some strokes to its fur, this dog will bond with you immediately and share in some fun moments with you as it shows you around.
Special Needs
Being a sporting dog, a Beagle has to have vigorous exercise on a regular basis. His tendency to bay and howl can create issues for apartment living.
Possible Health Concerns
Being a sporting dog, a Beagle has to have vigorous exercise on a regular basis. His tendency to bay and howl can create issues for apartment living.
Heart disease
Epilepsy
Back problems
Eye problems
Chondrodysplasia (abnormality in bones and cartilage)
Mast cell tumors
Exercise
Apart from being gentle and friendly, a Beagle is a highly active and energetic dog. If not on a leash, he may run off and chase smaller animals such as rabbits. Allow your Beagle some space and time to play, and you should train him to adhere to a daily regular exercise routine with you such as walking or jogging.
Nutrition
The active lifestyle of the Beagle will call for a protein-rich diet: whole meats, fish, and poultry are an ideal choice. To maintain its coat and keep it shiny, you might have to add in some essential fatty acids found in fish oil, safflower, and sunflower. Vegetables such as pumpkin and spinach, and fruits such as apples, watermelon, and blueberries can also be included to provide your Beagle with a healthy dose of vitamins.
Grooming
The Beagle has a short coat and sheds individual hairs all year long. He will benefit from an occasional brushing and nail trim.
Veterinarians Guide to Fleas and Ticks for Pet Owners
Everything You Need to Know About Fleas and Ticks
As any pet owner will tell you, our lovable balls of fluff are prone to bringing unwanted friends of their own home; namely fleas and ticks.
These common critters can find their way on to dogs, cats and even humans – sometimes with nasty consequences.
So, what can be done to treat these bloodsucking mites and how can you prevent them in the first place?
Fleas – what are they?
Fleas are small, wingless parasites that can feed on your pet’s blood. Cat fleas for instance are dark brown and 1-2mm long. They are often picked up outdoors, and there are over 2,000 different types in the word. Adept at jumping, they are easy to pass on to other animals, as well as owners. They can be picked up anywhere, from other pets, kennels and even from the great outdoors. They can be more common in warmer months, but exist all year round.
Ticks – what are they?
Ticks are tiny blood-suckers with a spider-like appearance. They have eight legs and can range from 1mm to 1cm in size. They are typically fond of woodland and grassy areas, where they latch on to your pet. They are known for transmitting bacterial diseases, the most common of which is Lyme Disease, borne from black-legged ticks. Much like fleas, they are more common in the warmer months, but present all-year round.
How can you prevent fleas and ticks?
The first measure is to protect your pets.
If you live in a house with a large unkempt yard, try and cut back the grass, which attracts these insects. Where possible, use flea spray to prevent any outbreaks, too. While indoors, pay attention to areas where ticks and fleas can thrive; on carpets and rugs – thorough vacuuming will help keep this at bay.
Secondly, make sure your pet’s bedding area is well cleaned. Anything that could attract unwanted visitors should be cleaned or thrown away. Where possible, deep clean toys in hot water regularly, to kill any lingering bugs.
Finally, there are many treatments on the market that you can use on your pets. Not just when they are infected, but as a preventative measure. From flea combs to sprays, along with regular brushing of their coats, to reduce pests from growing. If your pet has long hair, you may want to keep this short, particularly in the warmer weather, so it is less of a breeding ground for pests.
Flea and tick collars are worthwhile solutions to help repel fleas away using chemicals that are safe for your dogs and cats. These can be picked up in most vet clinics, drug stores and pet stores, and are inexpensive.
Signs of fleas and ticks
Scratching, writing and over grooming are common signs that your pet may be housing fleas or ticks. Sometimes these can be visible to the human eye, particularly during grooming, but not always. Therefore, if you suspect that your beloved cat or dog is infected, you may want to take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you experience a continual itching and bites in succession, or believe that you have been bitten by a tick (sometimes the tick is still visible in the skin), see a professional caregiver immediately.
Treating fleas and ticks
The good news is that these bugs are easy to treat, in many forms, from powders to medicated shampoos. In the first instance, visit your veterinarian. It’s also vital to ensure that you do not use the same treatment on your dog, as your cat, as in some cases these are known to be toxic to felines. Therefore, always seek professional guidance before treatment.
You will also need to consider treating your house, from upholstery to carpets, and bedding. Anti-flea and anti-tick treatments are commonly available.
