Educational

What food should we feed our new puppy?

I recommend Paw Tree and suggest keeping the puppy on the same food we feed. I also recommend signing up for auto-ship. You never run out and don’t need to remember to order.  Just adjust the shipping time frame as your puppy’s needs increase. http://www.pawtree.com/plumcreek

What is giardia?

Giardia is an intestinal infection caused by the giardia parasite. It is widespread and complex to prevent in puppy areas. See the link:https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-giardia-in-dogs/.

We take many precautions to prevent this, but it is only sometimes 100% effective.

 

What is coccidiosis in dogs?

It is an intestinal tract infection caused by a single-cell organism. Dogs can be carriers and have an outbreak when under stress.

How much exercise should my pup have

Exercise and more

Pet Health Insurance

Like most babies, puppies will have routine checkups by your Vet. Pups can get into trouble (eating something they shouldn’t) and need emergency vet care. Like all things, vet care can be expensive. I recommend Healthy Paws pet insurance because they have been the #1 pet insurance for three years.

What is OFA? Why must we have a preliminary done?

OFA is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The preliminary X-rays are done to screen future breeding stock, show dogs, or hunt dogs. Visit the website here.

A preliminary x-ray can be done as early as four months. If a dog is found to be dysplastic at an early age, the economic loss on training handling is minimized, and the emotional loss is reduced. An OFA veterinary radiologist reads the X-ray. The same hip grades are given to preliminary cases. A recent publication shows that initial OFA grades are effective in scoring hips. The closer to a rating of  2, the greater the percentage of having the same permanent grade score.

I do preliminary OFA because I don’t have a local vet for the PENN hip. Penn hip can be done at an early age and can be a part of their permanent AKC record. I am hoping to find a local vet soon to offer Penn hip.

What is PRA 1 & 2? Why do we test for it?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye disease that causes vision loss and eventually blindness. We screen our breeding and show dogs with a DNA test. All of our dogs are clear, and so will all their offspring. Visit the website here.

What is Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy?

GRMD is a mutation of the dystrophin gene that causes a deficiency of the dystrophin protein. The lack of dystrophin protein leads to the progressive degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscles.  We screen all show/breeding dogs and are clear of GRMD. Click here for more info.

What is Ichthyosis? What do the test results mean?

Ichthyosis is an autosomal recessive genetic mutation that affects the skin of golden retrievers. It gets its name from the fish-like scales. Ichthyosis is not itchy but does cause excessive flaking. A dog would only suffer from the condition if its DNA were tested and it was affected.  Even then, the dog may not have signs. Therefore, the only way to ensure your pup will not suffer from ichthyosis is to provide the puppy with a carrier. Click here for more info.

What is Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD1) & do we test for it?

It is an inherited bleeding disorder that inhibits normal blood clotting, causing prolonged bleeding. I have tested my Standard poodle,  and he is clear. Click here for more information.

What is Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEWS)? Do we test for it?

A genetic disorder that is fatal to pups. It is a recessive gene.  Both parents have to be carriers for you to get an effective dog. Our male is tested and is transparent. He is safe to breed with any Poodle or Golden Retriever. Click here for more information.

What is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)? Why do we test for it?

This is another hereditary disease in that both parents must pass on a defective gene. It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord of dogs. The disease often begins with an unsteady gait. It usually occurs later in life, around age 8. My male is a carrier and should only be bred to tested and clear Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Click here for more information.

Safe Household meds for pets.

There isn’t a vet on call when pets get sick in the middle of the night or on weekends. This is an excellent reference for safe, over-the-counter meds and doses we can give our pets. Remember, this is just a reference, and always contact your vet first. Click here for more information.

Reasons to refrain from spaying or neutering before 12 months.

Our pups are sold with the understanding that they will not be spayed or neutered before they are 12 months old. Click here for more information.

What vaccines should my new puppy have, and when should I give them?

Hit the tab below; It is a breakdown of the vaccines and schedule. Remember to ask your vet what is best for your pet and area. Be bold and ask questions. Click here for more information.

How often should I de-worm my puppy?

We de-worm our puppies every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then once a month until they are six months old, and then twice a year. We de-worm breeding females before breeding and right before delivery. Then, they follow their puppy’s de-worming schedule. Click here for more information.