Feeding Practices -
Until your
pup is 3 to 3½ months old, he should receive three meals a day.
Thereafter, and throughout his adult life, he should be fed twice daily.
Adult dogs fed twice daily appear to assimilate their food more
efficiently and are less likely to be subject to gastic torsion and
digestive upsets. Remember that the growing pup may need to eat
twice as much as an adult dog. Adjust the diet so that the dog
does not become too heavy and is maintained in lean hard condition.
Many people find that some dogs maintain ideal weight and condition on a
self-feeding program (of dry kibble). Never allow your dog to
exercise immediately before or after eating. He/she should have water available at all times but should not be permitted to drink excessively
before or after eating or exercise. Unless the dog is on a
self-feeding program, discourage finicky eating habits by feeding him no
more than he will eat within a few minutes. Remember that, when in
a new home, the dog may take a few day to adapt and may miss an
occasional meal.
A top
quality kibble, which may be somewhat moisted for the youngster, is a
completely balanced diet. The addition of meat or canned dog food
will not change the balance of the kibble providing the addition
is just a small amount. Make it a rule to feed the best kibble
available. Usually these top feeds cannot be purchased at your
local grocer but must be obtained at places like Petsmart, Petco or
other specialized pet suppliers. One cannot economize in feeding.
We find that
the Eukanuba Lamb and Rice diet most adequately meet the needs of our
dogs.
Other
quality kibbles are: Iams, Science Diet, Eagle, and Nutro.
We suggest avoiding the soft-moist foods as they contain considerable
sucrose or other sugars that may cause digestive upsets. Finally,
do not be misled by the percentage of protein in a food. It is the
quality and digestibility of the protein that counts. A feed that
is readily digested and easily utilized results in a small fecal volumn.
Unless a
deficiency has been clinically determined or unless the dog is on
antibiotic therapy, multivitamin and mineral supplements are not needed.
Such additives, when combined with calcium/phosphorus supplements
(especially those containing vitamins A and D, may cause severe and
irreversible growth anomalies. For this reason it is wise to feed
a food specifically designed for puppies and young dogs during periods
of early maturation.
The only
vitamins which may be freely administered without fear or overdose (hypervitaminosis
are: C, E, and those of the B complex family. These vitamins
are particularly helpful during times of stress or illness.
Coat
supplements with vitamins A and D are to be avoided. However, a
coat supplement consisting primarily of lecithin and unsaturated fatty
acids may be beneficial for housepets and dogs with drier skin. A
second choice would be the addition of a vegetable cooking oil.
Even in the best quality kibbles, oils may be destroyed during lenghty
periods of storage.
GENERAL HEALTH
Diarrhea -
Many puppies
and adults will often suffer a loose stool when there is a change in
diet or water. The condition can usually be corrected by limiting
fluid intake temporarily, perhaps resorting to a 24 hour fast followed
by the feeding of lean boiled hamburger with cooked rice, before
gradually resuming the dog's regular diet. Pepto-Bismol
tablets or Kaopectate may be helpful. Sources of lactobacillus
acidophilus such as buttermilk, yougurt Lactinex tablets or granules, or
Bacid capsules are extremely helpful in restoring healthy
intestinal flora (especially in conjunction with and follwing antibiotic
therapy) along with the addition of B vitamins. If diarrhea
persists for more than a day, or is accompanied by other symptons such
as a fever or vomiting, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Signs
of Illness -
When calling
your vet, you should be able to advise him of any changes in the dog's
eating and drinking habits, the condition of the dog's stool (diarrhea,
change in coloor, blood, or mucous), color of his urine (and presence of
blood or precipitate), frequency of urination, difficulty in urinating,
and increase or decrease in volumn or urine, if the dogs' tonsils are
inflamed, and also the dogs' temperature.
Normal
temperature is about 101.2 degrees. To determine your dogs' normal
temperature, take it for about three minutes with a well lubricated
rectal thermometer when he is well (not first thing in the morning or
after exertion). Then when you suspect illness, you will be able
to determine if his temperature is abnormal.
To examine
your dog's tonsils (as well as to administer pills and capsules), open
his mouth by placing one hand over the muzzle and by lightly pressing
his upper lips against his upper teeth. With your other hand
depress the dogs' tongue and look into his throat, on either side.
The tonsils are located in crypts toward the back of the throat,. on
either side. They appear red when infected.
Should you
have a difficulty taking your dog's temperature or checking tonsils, you
breeder or veterinarian will advise you.
If your dog
show any tendency toward abdoninal distension or blating, he (like many
large, deep chested breeds) may be predisposed to acute gastric dilation
or gastric torsion (which may be fatal without immediate surgery).
Discuss the situation with your veterinarian if you observe any
tendency toward bloating.
DOG PROOFING
YOUR HOUSE & YARD
Remove
anything that may be of danger to your pet, or at risk of being broken.
For example, a dangling power cord, Cords from Venetion blinds etc.
Unplug electrical cords and coil them or tuck them out of sight to
prevent electric shocks or heavy appliances from tipping over.
Toxic substances need to be put in a safe place as they sometimes taste
great to dogs. Keep your toilet lid down to keep your dog from
drinking bacteria or additives. All trash should have a tight
fitting lid and be out of the way of your dog. Keep medications
out of reach and secure your chocolate - it contans a stimulant,
theobromine which can make dogs seriously ill.
Check the
fence in your yard for security. If there are any holes or loose
boards fix them before putting your dog out. Check that the gates
shut firmly and that your dog will not be able to squeeze under it.
Place a lock on your gate so that it can't be accidently opened to let
your pet escape. Always check your gate before leaving your dog in
the back yard. Swimming pools should also be fenced or covered to
prevent drowning.
Garages are
just out of bounds. There are hazardous oil spills,
sharp objects , insect sprays, fertilizers, rodent bait or antifreeze
leaking from the car just waiting to make your dog sick.
Most are deadly to a dog. If you do leave your dog in the garage
leave it in a kenneled off section or dog crate. Do not leave your
dog in the garage with your car running. This can cause severe
illness and/or death.
