Archive for October 20th, 2009
Is your dog at risk for hip dysplasia? This disease of the hip joint can develop into arthritis later on. Certain breeds such as Labrador and Golden retreivers are more at risk for this disease. Dr. Bill Smith, a professor of small animal surgery at the University of Illinois says that any large breed dog can develop this problem. If you have a large dog, ask your vet when your puppy is under a year old if hip dysplasia may be a problem and what you should do about it. He will tell you want signs to look for and treatment that is available including pet medication to ease the pain.
The Functional Side of Canine Clothes
These days it’s not uncommon to walk down the street and see pets adorned in all manner of human clothing. Paris Hilton helped to popularize the trend; her Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, practically served as a fashion accessory in her own right. Hilton would parade around with the dog peering out of a purse or handbag, and it was almost always decked out in miniature pink apparel.
Dog coats aren’t just stylish statements, however – they have a more practical purpose as well. Now that the air has turned chilly and snow will soon be falling in many parts of the country, a puppy parka or rain slicker is an essential part of any walking routine. Even though dogs’ natural fur is usually enough to keep them warm, it doesn’t always cut it in harsh conditions.