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Dear Reader
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Stick Dog Pedigree Software
Everyone should have this software. It makes understanding pedigrees obvious. It is easy to use, with a manual that provides step by step instructions. This software includes the Traditional pedigree with names, titles and certifications. It also populates the Stick Dog pedigree with each ancestor for the seven structural traits of conformation. The Symbols pedigree is also populated with each ancestor. Color codes are used to identify health concerns and special traits of interest. This software allows breeders to predict breedings and see the results including the risks, rewards and predicted outcomes. Click here to get your Stickdog Pidegree Software.
Health & Genetics
The following applies to owners and dogs. It is intended to raise awareness levels, not to prescribe treatment.
Virus H3N2 Strikes
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine reported at least 1,000 dogs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana affected with the virus (H3N2) which is believed to have come from Asia. An older strain (H3N8) has also been detected. Both viruses cause persistent cough, runny nose and fever in dogs. The H3N2 infection has been associated with some deaths. If you see these symptoms contact your veterinarian.
Top 10 signs your dog may be sick
- Bad breath or drooling
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Change in activity level
- Stiffness or difficulty in rising or climbing stairs
- Sleeping more than normal, or other behavior or attitude changes
- Coughing, sneezing, excessive panting, or labored breathing
- Dry or itchy skin, sores, lumps, or shaking of the head
- Frequent digestive upsets or changes in bowel movements
- Lack of interest in doing things he once did
- Dry, red, or cloudy eyes
Source: http://www.thepethealthnetwork.com
DVD – Pups and Early Stimulation Exercises
Choosing the Best Puppy – An unpublished report involving more than 70 breed’s shows that 60% of the best dogs in these breeds were not owned by their breeders. Reasons given were: lack of breeder skills, lack of breed knowledge, uncertainty about which pups to keep. Add to this program is a demonstration of how to use early neurological stimulation exercises by Dr. Battaglia. Order the DVD.
Health tips
Don’t skip flea medications
There’s a price to pay. Fleas quickly set up shop on untreated pets and fill your house with their eggs. Fleas transmit serious diseases to people including the bubonic plague. Use long term flea medications.
Too Little Attention or Left Alone Too Long.
Just like children, dogs get bored if you don't play with them. Spending 8-10 hours alone in a crate, tiny laundry closet, or even outdoors can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors such as chewing, soiling, digging, and nonstop barking or howling -- even depression in some dogs. Fight off boredom by hiding treats for your pets to find around the house. Teach your dog to play fetch, tug-of-war and hide and seek. Better choices are doggie day care, a mid-day visit from a pet sitter, or a canine companion. Adult dogs can go 4-5 hours in a crate, but they need exercise each day.
Unintended Consequences Not Socializing
Puppies need positive human interaction especially during their first seven to ten weeks of life. This includes handling and playing with their owners and others to gain a trust in people. Reputable breeders begin at birth and continue this process daily until they are placed in a new home.
Long-Term Health Risks Associated with Spay/Neuter
Another report involving 50 peer-reviewed papers unravels the complexities and health risks related to spay & neuter, especially during the first year of life. Owners should make this choice with care and awareness of the potential health problems. Read the full article...
Report on German Shepherd Dogs – Another Warning Released
Dr. Benjamin L. Hart, DVM, PhD, University of California, Davis, studied the impact of early spay & neuter and disease risks. His report on German Shepherd Dogs is important because of their use with military and police units. His findings show that 7% of the intact males and 5% of the intact females were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders. But neutering either sex at less than 11 months increased the incidence of these joint disorders by 3-fold over that of the intact dogs, resulting in as high as 22% having a joint disorder. While the occurrence of cancers is especially low in the intact males and females, fewer than 3% of intact females were found to have urinary incontinence, which increased to 7% in females that were neutered in the first year. This study is consistent with other spay/neuter studies and the risks involved. Delaying neutering and spaying until pups are at least one year old markedly reduces disabling joint and other dreaded disorders.
Dreaded Diseases
Called the dreaded disorders because they kill, cripple, and cause early death or blindness. Bloat is a dreaded disease with a reported lifetime risk of 24% in large-dogs and 21% in giant breeds. Death is often imminent. For these reasons every owner should have a Bloat Kit for such emergencies.
New Seminars
We have 2 new seminars:
Learn how to produce dogs that are smarter and more trainable with stronger heart beats, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. These seminars include new uses of nutrition, maternal influence, record keeping and management of the pups.
War Dog - Documentary
This Free video narrated by Martin Sheen. This program depicts the amazing saga of the heroic dogs who served in the Vietnam War. You pay only shipping and postage.
Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
Managed by the Morris Animal Foundation. This is the largest study to date in veterinary medicine. This study will take 10-years and cost $25 million. It is designed to identify the risk factors for cancer, allergic dermatitis, obesity and other common conditions affecting dogs. More than 4000 Golden Retrievers will be studied, Owner questionnaires and annual examinations will be used to uncover the genetic, nutritional and environmental factors involved with dog diseases. For more information go to www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/Golden or call Morris Animal Foundation at 1-800-243-2345.
AKC Breeders of Merit
Benefits given Breeders of Merit:
- Appreciation gift when 100% of the puppies are individually registered.
- Up to $20 credit/ month for purchase of downloadable reports from the AKC Store. Credits are refreshed on the 15th of each month
- Web Banners (go to; classic.akc.org/breeders/bom_web_banners.cfm)
- Free Online Classified listing (breederofmerit@akc.org) (free OBC)
- Free duplicate certificates
- Direct access to Special Services department via 800-252-5545 pin 26000
- Applications (breederofmerit@akc.org) or Special Services fax 919-816-3770
Keys to Success
There are volumes of information available on most subjects, which is why we believe that “Those who don't read have no advantage over those who can't.”