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Pet Health Articles

Dogs + Reproductive Care

  • Most pet pregnancies and deliveries go smoothly, but as a caring pet owner, you should be prepared for the unexpected. This handout outlines what you should know about common pregnancy complications.

  • Pregnancy in dogs can be diagnosed several different ways including blood tests, radiographs and ultrasound. The benefits and limitations of each test are discussed. Ultrasound is the gold standard for pregnancy detection and assessing viability.

  • A barking mop on springs, the Puli is a perky and personable dog that gets lots of second looks for his Rastafarian locks.

  • Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening bacterial infection in the uterus that must be treated quickly and aggressively. It develops due to normal hormonal changes after a female dog's heat cycle. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries.

  • A herder through and through, the Pyr Shep is an energetic dog that needs a job. They become very attached to their owners, with a keen sense of their mood.

  • Most dogs care for their puppies with little need for human intervention; if they do not, then their caregivers need to step in. It is critical to maintain a warm environment and ensure they receive enough milk. Puppies’ weight should be checked daily in the first two weeks, and any prolonged crying should be investigated. Feeding can be supplemented with commercial milk replacer if needed. Further feeding and vaccination recommendations are discussed. Contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations.

  • Observant, devoted, and lively, Ratties make great companions and family dogs. They love to play, but they want to be with you, so they suit families who want a friend and playmate.

  • While hunting is still his first love, the Redbone Coonhound is a laid back hound generally content to lounge around the house and yard.

  • Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended.

  • Despite the fact that early breeders developed the dog as a formidable hunter and defender of property, Rhodesian lovers stay with the breed because he is also a fine companion animal, intelligent, playful and affectionate.