Vaccines protect your pet from contagious disease. Around six weeks old, puppies and kittens lose their maternal antibodies that had kept them safe since birth. Vaccinations are started at this age and boostered every three weeks until 12 to 15 weeks old. The immune system is not fully developed until then, so complete protection may not be achieved with the initial vaccines. During adulthood, vaccinations are boostered every one to three years depending on the specific disease risk in your area and the efficacy of the vaccine.

Proper nutrition is very important in all stages of life. A balanced diet that is AAFCO approved (Association of American Feed Control Officials) will provide all the daily requirements of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your pet needs to stay fit and healthy. Table scraps are not balanced and tend to be high in fat and salt. They only contribute to an overweight, picky eater. Your veterinarian will make recommendations as to the type of food that is best for your dog and cat.

Early detection of illness starts with regular wellness examinations performed by the veterinarian. Your vet may recommend tests that can discover early organ dysfunction or metabolic disorders like Diabetes, Thyroid disease, or Cushing’s disease. Older pets will have their blood pressure checked and may have an ECG performed or an x-ray taken if a heart murmur is detected. Catching a problem before there are any obvious symptoms greatly improves the prognosis and may even be reversible. Symptoms mean there is damage already being done to the body. Be sure to discuss any changes in water consumption, appetite, eliminations, and activity levels with the doctor.

Prophylactic dental care is proven to greatly reduce referred infection from the oral cavity into the heart and major organ systems. As well as teeth brushing, your dog and cat should have a professional dental cleaning before periodontal disease becomes established. Ultrasonic scaling and high-speed polishing of the teeth removes bacteria harboring tartar that leads to infection, pain, and tooth loss.

Continued parasite prevention is important to avoid diseases that are transmitted by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Adult pets can carry intestinal parasites without showing any outward symptoms. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms, ticks carry infectious organisms that cause Lyme disease and Ehrlichia, and fleas are thought to be vectors of hemobartonella, a blood parasite that causes anemia in cats. Some of these illnesses are zoonotic or contagious to people. Your veterinarian will prescribe safe, easy to use, monthly preventive medications to keep your pet free of these harmful parasites and protect your family from serious zoonoses.

Keep in mind that a pet ages at a must faster rate than a person. A trip to the vet once a year is the equivalent of a person seeing a doctor about once a decade. Many changes can occur in between wellness exams. Veterinarians are recommending twice a year check ups for dogs and cats. Early detection of disease will greatly reduce the progression of damage being done and improve the outcome of treatment.

Although a dog of any age and either sex may submissively urinate, this behavior is more common in female puppies. It can be triggered by any gesture of dominance by a human or another dog. A loud voice or excited greeting can cause it, and many times a person is unaware that they acted in any particular way at all. In any case the dog is displaying, in its instinctive way, that it is completely submissive and means no threat.

When a dog makes this submissive display, it may squat or roll over on its back while urinating. The dog may also “grin” by pulling back the edges of its mouth exposing its teeth. This facial gesture could be easily confused with an aggressive snarl. The exposed belly is a signal that the dog wants to “give up” the perceived challenge and is not displaying a desire to be petted. Reaching for an unfamiliar dog when this posture is observed can result in a snap at the fingers – a fear bite.

Puppies can usually be desensitized to submissively urinating over time. Greetings that initiate the posture should be avoided. The dog should be ignored when the owner first arrives home. A high pitched “hello sweetie” will cause the dog to urinate every time. Once the dog has settled down, the owner should move away from the dog and squat down to its level. Without saying anything, the dog is then allowed to approach. At the first hint of the dog squatting, the owner should turn away. Eye contact is a dominance display and can be a trigger for submissive urination.

Everyone who enters the house must follow the same steps to prevent the behavior. A dog that has a tendency to submissively urinate should be let outside before the front door is opened to a visitor. After the visitor is inside, the dog can be introduced slowly, but the visitor should be told to ignore the dog as well. Eventually, the dog will understand that there is no threat, and the submissiveness should subside. Most dogs grow out of this problem. Expect that a dog with this trait will act in the same way during new situations and around new people.

Bites from non-venomous snakes should be treated the same as puncture wounds. Bacteria from the dog’s skin and the snakes’ mouth are delivered beneath the skin by sharp, needle-like teeth. Because the teeth are so sharp, the skin may seal quickly over the puncture. The bacteria may then reproduce and cause an abscess. It may rupture and drain several days later. A large amount of tissue may slough off that was damaged by the infection. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed prophylactically for non-venomous snake bites.

Venomous snake bites are a different story. It is important to get treatment for the dog as soon as possible. Try to keep the dog calm, and keep the bite wound below the level of the heart. Do not attempt to remove the venom yourself by any means. Venom from different snakes act differently on the body, so identification of the snake makes it easier to determine the appropriate treatment protocol. Initial treatment is symptomatic. Shock is controlled with rapid IV fluid therapy and steroid injections. Antivenin is a serum that neutralizes venom, but it comes with its own set of risks, so it must be known whether the antivenin will benefit the dog. This will depend upon which type of snake caused the bite. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medications are all indicated. Some venoms cause intravascular coagulation, some cause localized tissue destruction, and some cause neurological effects. The dose of venom determines the severity of illness, therefore, small dogs are more at risk than larger ones because they will receive a higher dose of venom per pound of body weight. In any case, a venomous snake bite is a life-threatening emergency, and veterinary care should be sought immediately.

There is a vaccine available for venomous snake bites. It may be useful for hunting and working dogs. It causes the body to produce antibodies to the venom making the dog somewhat immune. The vaccine appears to be safe, but its efficacy and duration is limited. Even a vaccinated dog should seek medical attention immediately after a bite from a venomous snake.

Other names/Nicknames:

• Chinese Powderpuff

Country/Date of origin:

• China
• Han dynasty 100 BC

Height:

• 9 to 13 inches at shoulder

Weight:

• 5 to 12 pounds

Personality:

• Affectionate with family but suspicious of strangers.
• Does not like to be handled.
• Active and alert.
• Rather delicate.

History:

It is widely accepted that hairless dogs are spontaneous, genetic mutations.  They have been reported all over the world but for some reason they are more often found in Central and South America.  The Crested dogs are recorded in China 2,000 years ago but it was in Central America that they were fostered, keeping the breed alive when it fell out of favor in its native land.  The Chinese Crested is found in two varieties—Hairless and Powderpuff—and both types can be found in the same litter.  The main difference between the two varieties is the hair coat, of course, but the Powderpuffs can also have a drop ear, which is not permitted in the Hairless variety.  The Powderpuffs are not subject to as many genetic defects as their Hairless siblings and need to be retained in the breeding pool to maintain the health of the Hairless Cresteds.  A breed club was formed in 1975, and the Chinese Cresteds were accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1992.

Body Type:

• A small, dainty dog with a soft veil of long, silky hair.
• Long tail, held low, is not altered
• Heavily-fringed ears may be either erect or dropped.
• The feet of the Chinese Crested are extraordinarily long.  They are so exaggerated in shape that it can appear that they have an extra joint.

Coat:

• The Powderpuff variety has a long, silky coat.
• It can be any color or combination of colors.
• Moderate grooming.
• The hair tangles easily.

Health and Wellness:

• Generally healthy.
• Problems with teeth and bad breath.

What you should know:

• One of the early supporters of this breed was Gypsy Rose Lee.  She, however, favored the Hairless variety.
• A Chinese Crested in motion reminds one of a prancing pony.
• The gait is fluid, with great reach and drive.  Surprisingly vigorous in a Toy dog.
• Hairless and Powderpuffs are often born in the same litter.  Legend has it that the hairy pups are to keep their hairless siblings warm.
• Long-lived.

Personality:

• Quiet, gentle, and passive.
• Playful as kittens, becoming more reserved as they mature.
• Make excellent companions for people and other pets.

History:

Breed is the result of efforts in the 1930’s to cross Siamese with Persians in order to understand the inheritance of the Siamese color-point gene.  Offspring were bred back to Persians to keep the Persian look while maintaining the color points.  Named after the Himalayan rabbit, which has the same color point pattern.  Today, Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) considers this breed a division of the Persian breed.  The International Cat Association (TICA) considers Himalayans as a separate breed.

Body Type:

• Short, well-rounded, cobby body is supported by thick, short legs.
• Head is massive and round with small, round-tipped ears.
• Blue eyes are large and round.

Coat:

• Coat is long, thick, and flowing.
• Body coat is a lighter color with contrasting color points on face, ears, paws, and tail.  Needs daily grooming.
• Colors include seal point, chocolate point, blue point, lilac point, flame point, cream point, tortie point, chocolate-tortie point, blue- cream point, lilac-cream point, and lynx point.

Health and Wellness:

• Some lines have problems with hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that can cause lameness.
• Some lines have indicated problems with cardiomyopathy, a defect of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
• More extreme types (cats with radically flat faces) may have breathing problems, misaligned teeth, tear duct blockage or mouths too small to support a full set of teeth.
• Other problems include intolerance of heat and an increased tendency towards dermatitis (skin inflammation).

What you should know:

• Nicknamed Himmies by cat fanciers.
• Often mistaken for a longhaired Siamese or Balinese.

Other names/Nicknames:

• Formerly called a Broken Haired Scotch Terrier
• Yorkie
  

Country/Date of origin:

• England
• 1800’s

Height:

• 7 to 9 inches

Weight:

• Less than 7 pounds (some are a mere two pounds)

Personality:

• Sweet and loving, the Yorkie is the ultimate lap dog.
• Loves to be pampered.
• Intelligent and willing to please.
• Tends to be noisy.
• Good watchdog despite its size.
• Yorkies are very alert.

History:

The Yorkshire Terrier was originally a ratter, kept to control rats in the coal mines of northern England.  If this is hard to believe about the extremely tiny, glamorously coated breed, keep in mind that the early dogs were much larger, weighing around 15 pounds.  The miniaturization took place in the mid 1800’s in England.  The Yorkshire Terrier has been shown in the United States since 1878 and the early classes were divided by weight.

Body Type:

• A long-haired, toy terrier with a high-head carriage and a confident manner.
• Prick ears are not altered.
• Tail is docked to a medium length and is carried slightly above the level of the back.

Coat:

• The long, silky, single coat is fine in texture.  It must be perfectly straight.
• The fall on the head is tied with a bow (traditionally red) in the center of the head, or parted and fastened with two bows.
• The hair is parted along the center of the back.
• The coat of a show-conditioned Yorkshire Terrier should sweep the ground.  Because it is easily broken, the hair is wrapped between shows in little paper covered packets and tied with rubber bands.
• The only color allowed is a steel blue accented with tan points.
• Daily grooming required.
• The coat tangles easily.  It does not shed much.

Health and Wellness:

• Juvenile hypoglycemia.
• Hydrocephalus.
• Retained primary teeth.
• Portosystemic shunts.
• von Willebrand’s disease.
• Patent ductus arteriosis.
• Atlantoaxial subluxation.
• Legg-Perthes disease.
• Distichiasis.
• Shaker syndrome.
• Yorkie encephalitis.
• Melanoderma.
• Tracheal collapse.
• Calcium oxalate urolithiasis.
• Lymphangiectasia.
• Melanoderma.
• Generalized tremor.
• Cushing’s syndrome.
• Mitral insufficiency.
• Keratoconjuncitivitis sicca.

What you should know:

• Yorkies resemble a caterpillar when they walk.  The feet are not visible and the dog seems to flow along.
• The tiny dogs are very fragile and rough play will injure them.
• Good quality Yorkshire Terriers that are very small (about 2 or 3 pounds) are expensive.  Five or six thousand dollars is not unusual for a really tiny one.

Other names/Nicknames:

• Irish Red Terrier
• Red Devil
• Daredevil

Country/Date of origin:

• Ireland
• 16th century

Height:

• 18 inches

Weight:

• Females:  25 pounds
• Males:  27 pounds

Personality:

• The Irish Terrier’s disposition is as fiery as its coat.
• Spirited, animated, plucky.
• Nicknamed the Daredevil because of its tendency to rush headlong and blindly at an adversary, disregarding the consequences.
• Loving, gentle, and playful nature.
• Does not get along well with other dogs or cats.
• Courageous and loyal in the extreme, often recklessly putting itself in harm’s way to protect loved ones.

History:

Originated in County Cork, Ireland in the 1700’s as a farm dog.  The dogs were jacks-of-all-trades, watching the barnyard; guarding the children; hunting for varmints; tracking larger game; retrieving water fowl; and, warding off prowlers at night.  The Irish Terrier breed, one of the oldest terrier breeds, was refined and standardized in the late 1800’s in Ireland and England.  The Irishman came to the United States soon afterward, and was one of the original breeds shown in the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Body Type:

• A wiry, sturdy, graceful, all-of-a-piece dog, with a moderately long body and straight, strong back.
• The head is broad and slablike, and the jaws are muscular but not full-cheeked.
• The teeth are strong and even.
• The dark eyes are small and full of a fiery intelligence.
• The medium-length tail is carried low and is not altered.
• The small, V-shaped ears are set well on the head and are cropped short.

Coat:

• Whole-colored shades of red are the only colors allowed.
• A rich, very dense, wiry, close-lying, double coat free from curl, kink or softness.
• High maintenance grooming.

Health and Wellness:

• Hypothyroid conditions.
• Urolithiasis (cystine).

What you should know:

• The Red Devils served as army dogs in World War I and II, acting as sentries and messengers.
• The stubborn nature of the Irish Terrier sometimes makes it difficult to housebreak.

Other names/Nicknames:

• Chinese Hairless

Country/Date of origin:

• China
• Han dynasty 100 BC

Height:

• 9 to 13 inches at shoulder

Weight:

• 5 to 12 pounds

Personality:

• Affectionate with family but suspicious of strangers.
• Does not like to be handled.
• Active and alert.
• Rather delicate.

History:

It is widely accepted that hairless dogs are spontaneous genetic mutations.  They have been reported all over the world but for some reason they are more often found in Central and South America.  The Crested dogs are recorded in China 2,000 years ago but it was in Central America that they were fostered, keeping the breed alive when it fell out of favor in its native land.  The Chinese Crested is found in two varieties—Hairless and Powderpuff—and both types can be found in the same litter.  A breed club was formed in 1975, and the Chinese Cresteds were accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1992.

Body Type:

• A small dog that brings to mind a little pony.
• Long tail, held low, is not altered.
• Erect ears are not altered.
• Fringing is optional.
• The feet of the Chinese Crested are extraordinarily long.  They are so exaggerated in shape that it can appear that they have an extra joint.

Coat:

• The Hairless variety has hair only on the head, feet and tail tip.  It can be any color.
• The texture of the skin of the Hairless should be smooth and fine grained.  It is warm to the touch, although it is the same temperature as haired dogs.
• Skin can be as colorful as the hair coats:  blue, pink, lilac, golden, spotted, or the same shade as the hair.
• Color of the skin is variable.  It darkens (tans) in the summer and is lighter in the winter.

Health and Wellness:

• Missing teeth are a problem that seems to be connected to the hairless gene.
• Toenails are sometimes missing in the Hairless variety.
• Hairless variety can get severe acne.
• Will sunburn if not protected with suntan lotions.

What you should know:

• One of the early supporters of Hairless variety was Gypsy Rose Lee.
• A Chinese Crested in motion reminds one of a prancing pony.  It certainly looks like one with its mane and hairy tail
• Cresteds and Powderpuffs are often born in the same litter.  Legend has it that the hairy pups are to keep their hairless siblings warm.

Other names/Nicknames:

• Griffon Belge
• Griffon Bruxellois
• Griff
  

Country/Date of origin:

• Belgium
• 1800’s

Height:

• 7 to 8 inches at shoulder

Weight:

• 6 to 12 pounds

Personality:

• Independent.
• This is not a quiet, reserved lapdog.
• Griffs are active and exuberant.
• Intelligent but quite stubborn.
• Is not easily trained.
• A great bluffer; the Griff will pretend to be the aggressor in confrontations with much larger animals.  It usually backs down.

History:

It is thought that the Brussels Griffon was created by blending Affenpinschers and other toy dogs, notably Pugs and Toy Spaniels.  Its original job was as a ratter in stables and on farms.  Nowadays, it is primarily a companion and watchdog.  There are three varieties of this breed.  They are shown separately in Europe but as a single breed in the United States.  When they are divided, the smooth-coated variety is called the Petit Brabancon; the red-colored, rough-coated variety is called the Brussels Griffon; and, the black or black and tan variety is called the Belgian Griffon.  The Griffon traveled from its native land to England in the 1880’s and shortly thereafter made its way across the Atlantic.

Body Type:

• Stocky, little terrier-type toy with an athletic build and a rough coat.
• Ears are cropped to a point and are carried erect in the United States .
• Tail is docked and is held erect.
• Jaw is undershot but teeth and tongue must not show.
• Muzzle has a distinctly upward turn and is decorated with a full beard and mustache.

Coat:

• Harsh, wiry coat is double.  The undercoat is soft and short.
• Rusty red, black and tan, or solid black are the allowed colors.
• Hand stripping required.

Health and Wellness:

• Cleft lip and palate.
• Hydrocephalus.

What you should know:

• Call this breed Griff for short.
• Griffon in a dog’s name means it has a wiry, or rough coat.
• Both smooth- and rough-coated varieties can be found in the same litter.
• Easily becomes overexcited, almost hysterical.

Other Names/Nicknames:

• Monkey Terrier

Country/Date of Origin:

• Germany
• 1600’s
  

Height:

• 10 inches

Weight:

• 7 to 8 pounds
  

Personality:

• Loyal and devoted pal.  Tends to be a one-person dog.
• A mark of its terrier blood is the tendency for the Affenpinscher to become hyper excited.
• Headstrong and quite fearless against any size aggressor.
• Carries itself with a comical seriousness.
• Intelligent but not particularly trainable.  Has a mind of its own.

History

The Affenpinscher is an ancient breed, although its origins are not recorded.  It was known in Germany in the 17th century and is thought to be the foundation breed for the more familiar Brussels Griffon, and perhaps the Miniature Schnauzer.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies the breed as a toy, but elsewhere it is considered a terrier.  The original job of the little, bristle-faced imp was a traditional terrier task as stable rat catcher.

Body Type:

• Ears are erect and usually cropped to a point.
• Tail is docked and carried high.

Coat and Grooming:

• Harsh, wiry coat is short on the body, and longer on the head and legs.  A definite mustache and beard give the dog a monkey-face expression.
• Black is the preferred color, but black with tan markings, red, or gray mixtures are allowed.
• Moderate upkeep.
• Should not be bathed too often as this destroys the crisp, wirehaired feel of the coat.

Health & Wellness:

• The tiny size and fearless nature can lead to broken bones.
• Teeth require special care.
• Slipped stifle (subluxated patella) can cause the dog to have a hitch in its movement.
• Prominent eyes are subject to scratches and ulcers.
• Fungal infections in wrinkle between nose and eyes.
• Follicular dysplasia.

What you should know:

• Affe means ape or monkey in German.
• An excellent companion for those whose physical activity is limited.
• For its size, the Affenpinscher is a good watchdog.
• This breed is quite rare, and finding a puppy may be difficult.