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Constructive playtime promotes a healthy mind and body for puppies. Of course, it cannot be an all-day event, but it has to be a part of their life. It battles boredom helps to minimize bad behavior or destructive behaviors. It promotes thinking, problem solving, and in your puppy. So which in turn makes training easier! Your puppy is looking for fun activities to appeal to his sense of smell, cognitive functions and to physically challenge him. Puppies are driven to explore, chew or some other mouth activity and play. Consequently, something will fulfill these needs and trust me, you want to direct or control those parameters. Minimize destructive behavior: Whining, barking, digging, inappropriate chewing, depression, frustration, obesity, anxiety, biting, by exercising 30-60 minutes a day. Try to incorporate mental stimulation challenges. Repeating challenging physical exercises can lead to damaging growth plates and soft tissue injuries in puppies younger than 18 months. Be careful to limit full on exercise incorporating jumping, climbing, and intense physical activity to an older dog. At one time luxating patella was considered solely hereditary but now it is considered more of a result when puppies under a year old jump off/on furniture too much as it can also be a result of traumatic injury. We do not let our Havanese on the couch unless they are in our laps, at which we put them down on the ground when they are ready. Until they can get on the couch themselves because on average, they are unable to do so themselves until 6-8 months of age. At that point we generally recommend the stairs, Pet Gear Easy Step, particularly with toy breeds. Training: Positive training is all about rewarding the ‘Dos’ vs. Aversion Training starting at 8 weeks. Havanese generally want to please so by encourage that through positive experiences when you are training. The best training advise is “Start as you mean to continue: consistency, reward, praise, repeat.” There are many cute puppy behaviors that become unacceptable behaviors in a few short months. If it is not allowed from the beginning then retraining is a non-issue. Retraining is to be avoided. Build It Up: The point is to build up your puppy's experience and confidence up through repetition, consistency, and positive experiences. Successful training is starts slow. When training repeat command 3-5 times. Ten seconds in a puppy’s life is an eternity, especially with when they under 12 weeks old. So, sitting or staying for even a count of 3 is worth rewarding and praising like the accomplishment it is. Example: Command, sit, praise & treat- wait until consistent Command, sit, praise & treat- Consistently 3 days in a row Command, sit, Command Wait (wait 10 seconds), praise & treat Command, sit, Command Wait (wait 10 seconds), praise & treat- Consistently 3 days in a row Command sit, Command Wait 20 seconds etc. A fatal mistake is to push too hard too early to accomplish too much. Groundwork. You are laying the groundwork for a lifetime. Keep it short, upbeat, and fun. The reward here is that instead of dealing with a stubborn puppy, they are proactive in their training. You puppy wants to train, they want the treats, and are willing to work for it. Another thought to consider is that you are teaching a foreign language. A puppy’s first language is ‘dog’. From you they are actually learning tone, words and the connectivity involved with certain actions such as with potty training. Always use the puppy’s name, make eye contact, and then say the command. Keep it short. If you need to tell your puppy, “No”, do not limit it to the word only. If your puppy gets in the trash, identify the ‘no’ – trash. Connect an action to the subject that connects to “No”. Example: “Fido, no, get out of the trash.” Walks: Wait a week after your puppy has received their 16 week shots before taking them out in public, i.e. your front yard or park. Defer with your vet. Puppies are not made yet for long walks. Early walks with puppies are about their pace, exploration, and socialization. When training our Havanese to walk we use:
Why do we do it this way?
Start slow: The first time you take take your puppy out, expect it to be ten to twenty minutes. The goal is to have your puppy within one foot of your right ankle. A little faster walking pace will help keep the pup’s attention focused more on you once they have the idea of being on a leash. Otherwise you may end up carrying your puppy if your walk exceeds what they are physically cable of at the time. Avoid the retractable leash: Why? Allowing a pup to reel out to 16 feet or more negates the possibility of rescuing him from an attack. You cannot get to him or him to you quickly enough. It allows him to wander into a dangerous situation. The ‘return’ can injure a small dog’s trachea, or yourself. There are other hazards, but it teaches the puppy nothing about walking correctly with you. Pulling, running about, being behind you and more are not behaviors associated with walking by your side. Spend the time you have fruitfully. Beware: Remember to bring a cup and water for hot weather and always consider the temperature of the pavement. Asphalt holds the heat greater than concrete or sand. Asphalt can run more than 40 degrees hotter than the given temperature. Concrete usually runs about 10 degrees warmer than a given temperature except in the middle of the day when the temp is still climbing on hot days. 120 degrees on the concrete is uncomfortably warm for a dog. At 140 degrees burns and blistering on his pads can begin. It is easy to forget a dog's temperature is higher than our own and this can complicate things in hot temperatures. Closing: Will playtime with your pup solve or derail all bad behavior? No, not totally. It is an age appropriate, very valuable tool to secure your puppy’s best temperament and behavior compared to not recognizing its value. As your puppy grows, they will find good and bad behaviors to explore. It's normal. The Bristol study went so far as to suggest that the owner is the “far better predictor of how aggressive a dog will be” which highlights the monumental impact an owner has on a puppy. There are other factors that contribute to good and bad behavior but playtime with your puppy has tremendous benefits and does not require a trainer, a special spot or expensive books or programs to accomplish.
Programs
Enroll after ALL vaccinations received (4- 6 months of age.) AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program Followed by AKC Canine Good Citizen Recommendations: Dogs: Their Secret Lives, (Oct. 14, 2013): This documentary illustrates why it's critical to offer bored dogs and puppies alternative choices to stimulate and to comfort them while apart. 'Puppy Socialization,' Free AKC ebook 'Puppy Culture Exercise Booklet: Puppy Fitness That Fits The Puppy Second Edition', By: Jane Killion Chart for Exercise Guidelines for Puppies - PuppyCulture Exercise Poster by Madcap Productions Remote Camera References: “50 Puppy Training Tips to Help You Stay Sane.” The Dog People by Rover.com, 14 Mar. 2019, https://www.rover.com/blog/50-puppy-tips-for-easier-training/. “Appropriate Exercise.” PUPPY CULTURE, https://shoppuppyculture.com/pages/age-appropriate-exercise-1. Arellano, Anastasia. “Hidden Cameras Show Owners What Their Dogs Do When They're Home Alone.” The Animal Rescue Site News, 20 Aug. 2020, https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/dogs-their-secret-lives-documentary/. Bender, Amy. “What to Do If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety.” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 14 Mar. 2022, https://www.thesprucepets.com/treating-separation-anxiety-in-dogs-1117889. Greenwood, Arin. “New Study on Canine Aggression Says Don't Blame the Breed.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 7 Mar. 2014, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dog-aggression-study-applied-animal-behaviour-science_n_4911861. How Hot Is That Sidewalk? A Temperature Study ... - Lhaps.com. https://www.lhaps.com/images/DogTemperatureArticle_09jun2010.pdf. Hunter, DVM, Tammy, and Earnest Ward, DVM. “Luxating Patella in Dogs.” Luxating Patella In Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs. Magazine, Smithsonian. “Owners, Not Breeds, Predict Whether Dogs Will Be Aggressive.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 4 Mar. 2014, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/owners-not-breeds-predict-whether-dog-will-be-aggressive-180949962/. “Puppy Training: How to Train a Puppy - Tips & Tricks.” American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-training/. “Spot the Difference: Front Clip versus Back Clip Harnesses.” Andrea Arden Dog Training, 18 Oct. 2016, https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/spot-the-difference-front-clip-versus-back-clip-harnesses/. Stephanie Gibeault, MSc. “Puppy Exercise & Activities for Training Your Puppy.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 20 Apr. 2021, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/keep-your-puppy-active-and-out-of-trouble-with-stimulation-and-exercise/. Team, Petfeed. “22 Ways to Play with and Exercise Your Dog Indoors.” Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, 28 Mar. 2022, https://blog.petcube.com/indoor-dog-exercise/. Team, Pets4Homes Editorial. “How to Motivate a Dog to Play and Exercise.” Pets4Homes, Pets4Homes, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/how-to-motivate-a-dog-to-play-and-exercise.html.
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created and identified by The Kennel Club. In 2006 the KC started tracking breeds with less than 300 puppies registered annually. In fact, there are over 22 ‘vulnerable breeds’ on the list. Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not yet note declining annual breed registrations. Due to short-sighted practices many breeds are experiencing more issues like musculoskeletal disorders (joint disorders), neurological problems, obesity, behavioral problems, and bone degeneration to name a few disturbing trends. Other growing issues include breathing problems, cancers, skin diseases, ear infections, diabetes, brachycephalic airway syndrome, lymphoma, bone cancer, mast cell tumors and cancer of the blood vessels, etc. This is not just a long list of heart-breaking maladies. It took years to get to this place for some breeds, but a few debilitating things can be avoided or improved upon by intelligent, selective breeding and improved breed health testing. As part of the purebred community, we need for more breeders to make bettering or at least preserving the breed a priority today.
increasing problems with their skull being too small for their brain. More and more Dalmatians are testing with deafness. Most bulldog births are by c-section because the puppies’ heads are too big and hip dysplasia in bulldogs is rampant. These choices ending in near deformities are only a few of the examples resulting from long term breeding extreme practices or worse.
Breeders have choices to truly improve or preserve the breed with an eye to the future. The Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) is only one tool for healthier puppies. It was developed by Sewell Wright (1922) and begins with an individual to measure how closely related - or not - an individual’s ancestors were by how genetically similar they were. In dogs this means looking at the level of inbreeding. This identification is represented as a percentage (0%-100%). The higher the number means a greater amount of inbreeding and a lot more. Greater diversity is reflected in a lower COI. The annual breed average COI varies according to breed. Diversity is one of the keys to the survival of any breed. Lack of diversity or a higher COI means there will be a serious loss of vitality or vigor in the puppies and an increase in recessive mutations. ‘Vigor’ is a term denoting fecundity or successful breeding/fertility along with normal life expectancy and health. One study found closely related breeding pairs resulted in one less puppy per litter. Another study showed adults were 6% smaller than normal. A COI of only 5-10% has modest detrimental effects on a puppy where a COI over 10% shows predictable, significant harmful effects on the descendants and the breed. COI has been proven to be a more a successful formula for healthier dogs than pedigree-based estimates have been. Diversity tests are done with saliva swab. Easy. UC Davis VGL is one testing center among others. The sad fact is that within some breeds it is impossible to breed unrelated dogs. Most of those ‘vulnerable breeds’ have higher inbreeding histories. Participating in dog shows is fun and can continue for many years whether or not participation is as a hobbyist or a more serious contender. Many of these vulnerable breeds are represented in these shows. A great number of breeders or owners do not participate in showing their dogs. In each conformation show one beauty moves up the competition echelon for the title of Best in Show which is the pinnacle for any show. Generally, competition classes go through Winners Dog[male](WD) or Winners Bitch(WB), Best of Breed(BOB), Best of Opposite Sex (BOS), then Best of Winners(BOW). There are classes designated by age. Breed winners compete for the title of Best in Show. Dogs compete against dogs of their own breed, dogs in their group, and so on. There are seven groups competing. In the Toy group alone, there are 21 breeds. A lot depends on the number of dogs in attendance. Shows vary in size, for example there are very few bearded collies, none or a lot. Earning points, majors, championships, levels of championships are all part of excelling in the exciting world of competitive dog shows whether in conformation or sports. There are few shows that award monetary prizes. Westminster does not award monetary prizes where the AKC Championship Show awards $50,000 to its Best in Show winner. The winners must defeat champions along the way and there are regulations about judges. It is the same competitive path with a few caveats from the smallest shows to the more prestigious ones. Most shows do not have prior requirements to register other than being a member of AKC. There are non-AKC shows that do not support AKC and titles are not interchangeable. It takes winning many shows and years to achieve such a thing as an AKC Bronze or Platinum Grand Champion. Showing requires a pretty dog that wants to show, time, a committed owner, and the finances to support it. Handlers are available to show the dog as well. The preeminent conformation show is the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, June 12-13, hosted this year in Tarrytown, New York. This conformation show was established in 1877 but was originally started in Manhattan as an opportunity for hunters to gather and showcase their dogs, mostly Setters and Pointers. The group met at the Westminster Hotel in New York City. They established the Westminster Kennel Club, and the show grew exponentially in popularity. Today there are about 48 breeds categorized as gun dogs or bird dogs. Subcategories are flushing dogs, retrievers and pointing breeds. Normally at Westminster there are roughly 3000 dogs competing to be the Best of Breed and ultimately, Best in Show. These dogs represent about 204 breeds and varieties. Prior to the main two days of competition there are miscellaneous events such as the Masters Agility Championship. Second to the Kentucky Derby, Westminster is considered the oldest, continuous sporting event in America. From the beginning Westminster donated funds from this show to support worthy charities. Participants meet specific qualifications to compete at Westminster. In 2020 competitors came from 49 states and 19 countries. Most people who show their dogs because they love their dogs and want to prove their value. A different aspect of winning with a dog is the business of breeding and the value of the puppies, where champions and grand champions rule. Super studs in any breed are part of what is called “popular sire syndrome”. A very prolific number of litters can be produced via artificial insemination or semen storage process by a single sire for years. It is seen when the same name appears over and over again on one pedigree or across the years on many pedigrees. When the studs are simply conformation (beauty) superstars without good genetic and physical health testing and may affect breed health they perpetuate hereditary problems. Unfortunately, due to status their progeny are highly valued. Even if health testing is done at an early age – and some tests or exams cannot be done or validated until a dog is over a year old. There are health conditions that have no test available and/or do not announce themselves prior to presenting the symptoms. Hip testing begins at two years of age although there are a few preliminary OFA tests in different areas such as eyes that can be done early for informational purposes. German shepherds have more than 50 hereditary disorders that are preventable with genetic and health testing. Judges cannot see into the DNA of a beautiful dog and do not know the current or past health history of a competitor. They judge for beauty and individual breed standard in conformation looking at structure, appearance, temperament and how true to the individual breed the dog is. Judges have qualifications they must meet along the way, too. In other events it is the same – the best competitor wins. Bloodlines may be well known but often flaws or disease such as junior cataracts (congenital) do not weigh heavily nor are such things recorded in a pedigree. Having healthy breeding dogs is ultimately the owner’s and/or breeder’s responsibility and choice. The genetic health of the sire and dam gives insight into the health and disposition of the puppies. If breeders do not health test their dogs before breeding them then the breed can be adversely affected by continuing avoidable flaws and preventable disease litter after litter. Unhealthy choices based on perceived beauty have proven to be detrimental to the welfare of several breeds, such as the extreme breeding to flatten a pug muzzle. Two of the many problems with facial shortening is overheating and breathing difficulty. Compared to the dogs of the past there are breeds that have changed dramatically. The KC list of ‘Vulnerable Breeds’ includes breeds such as the otter hounds, Welsh corgis, the bloodhound, collies, bearded collies, the old English sheep dog, mastiffs, and the Scottish deerhound. The list continues with various terriers large and small, spaniels and setters. See the article for exact ‘vulnerable breeds’ listed Dr. Stanley Corner authored the Canine Corner for Psychology Today and wrote about endangered breeds. In his article ‘Dog Breeds Vulnerable to Extinction in the United States’, Dr. Corner postulated that the vulnerable breeds in the United States include again, terriers, spaniels, greyhound, mastiff, Coonhound, Briard, sheepdog, and a few others. See the article for exact breeds listed Understanding these survival dangers even from a layman’s perspective enriches a breeding program and encourages hope. Inbreeding Depression describes the deterioration of a breed (health, vitality, longevity and fertility) when two closely related dogs are bred together. In short, Inbreeding Depression means the reducing a breed’s survival rate. Details include things like:
Random Genetic Drift, also known as genetic sampling error or The Sewall Wright Effect, It is a change in a small population occurring by accident. A random genetic trait is lost or multiplied in the genetic pool independently of reproductive or survival values. This is not the same as natural selection and can result in sterility. Just one of Mother Nature’s chance occurrences. Genetic drift is another component of the extinction vortex. One answer to many of these concerns is Outcrossing or breeding unrelated health tested dogs. Limiting line- and inbreeding is a growing concern. Supporting breeding dogs with a COI no greater than 6.25% would be ideal. Trying to keep the COI very low would make a huge difference especially for some of these endangered breeds although this may not be possible with some breeds. Again, there is COI average according to the breed. Spaying or neutering flawed and/or diseased breeding stock to prevent propagating avoidably unhealthy puppies regardless of their accomplishments or other considerations would be a change and challenge for some breeders. A standard international health test check list for dogs that breeders could use would be beneficial for each breed. Puppies are imported and exported all over the world. Breed health requirements beyond vaccinations should be standardized internationally where possible. Puppies can be tested almost immediately for a few things that will determine whether or not they are possibly a good breeding candidate. Health testing is a growing field. Its growth and usage benefits us all. Another improvement would be that judges take refresher clinics on breed standard vs. breed presentation in conformation with some accountability added which could be helpful. Judges set the standards by elimination. In some ways judges are the gate keepers to maintaining and enforcing the breed standard via their influence. For example many Havanese are dressed to look like Shih Tzu in the ring because that is what the judge’s *winning* choice is even though the breed standard states otherwise. The key to supporting a healthy breed standard is the institutions that promote the best in hereditary health, current health, and the purpose for what this breed was meant for. It plays a part in intentions. A good example of this is: A breeder that breeds a gun dog looks for and encourages different things than a breeder that breeds a herding dog. To that end individual breed standards need to be medically evaluated to move them forward to support healthy bodies in the future. The KC in England “cracked down on non-functional extremes . . . in order to stop the trend of turning dogs into caricatures”(Fred Lang/TheDogPlace). A healthy standard or directive needs to be confirmed and certified for each breed through its own international breed club. Celebrating purebred dogs recognizes these beautiful, unique dogs and their rich history and the need for breeders to chart a clear course for their future. There needs to be more breeders who work to preserve and perhaps, repair their breed through diversity in their breeding program, investigative health testing, and following OFA testing recommendations. It is an important trait to have the fortitude to shut down breeding any dog that produces proven genetic flaw(s) or is genetically diseased regardless of investment, etc. In other words they put the breed first. Multi-level intervention early on increases breed stability, health, and growth. For so many breeders who invest their hearts and finances in their dogs, step it up, this makes a difference! P.S. For all you folks out there that have beloved dogs with varied histories, this is not an attack on your wonderful dog nor is your dog less than. This article's goal is that if we want purebred dogs, as preservation breeders, we have to have a defined outline of that breed, their health, and the intention for which this breed came about. The standards are there to qualify the goal. Recommendations: For Havanese COI, we use Havanese Gallery References: ABRI, UNE. Inbreeding, http://abri.une.edu.au/online/pages/inbreeding_coefficient_help.htm. Anonymous. “Your Purebred Is Inbred: 5 Realities of Dog Breeding.” Cracked.com, Cracked.com, 19 Jan. 2016, https://www.cracked.com/personal-experiences-1712-your-purebred-inbred-5-realities-dog-breeding.html. Arnold, Brandy. “History of the Westminster Dog Show.” The Dogington Post, 7 Nov. 2019, http://www.dogingtonpost.com/history-of-westminster-dog-show/. Boyko, Ph. D., Adam. “Dog Inbreeding, Its Consequences, and Its Quantification: Embark.” Embarkvet, Embark Vet, 6 Apr. 2022, https://embarkvet.com/resources/dog-health/oedipus-rex-inbreeding-its-consequences-and-its-quantification/. “Coi FAQS: Understanding the Coefficient of Inbreeding.” The Institute of Canine Biology, https://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/coi-faqs-understanding-the-coefficient-of-inbreeding#:~:text+So%2C%20in%20terms%20of%20health.detrimental%20effects%20on%20the%20offspring. Coren Ph. D., DSc, FRSC , Stanley. “Dog Breeds Vulnerable to Extinction in the United States.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 13 Nov. 2013, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201311/dog-breeds-vulnerable-extinction-in-the-united-states. Crabtree-Hannigan, James. “Westminster Dog Show Prize Money: How Much Do the Winners Make in 2020?” Sporting News, 10 Feb. 2020, https://www.sportingnews.com/us/other-sports/news/westminster-dog-show-prize-money-2020/5byztinvhu3v1pe0ajnpvf48f. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Genetic Drift.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/science/genetic-drift. Gabriella. “Home.” German Sheperd Corner, 12 Jan. 2021, https://germanshepherdcorner.com/health-issues-in-german-shepherds/. Gornstein, Leslie. “22 Vulnerable Dog Breeds That Could Disappear.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 7 Jan. 2019, https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/meet-22-dwindling-dog-breeds/. “Gun Dog Magazine.” Gun Dog, https://www.gundogmag.com/. “Gun Dog.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Apr. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_dog. “Inbreeding Dogs and Genetic Disease: Dog Breeding Information.” Dog Breeding Information | Take Your Breeding to the next Level..., Dog Breeding Information, 27 July 2016, https://www.dogbreedinginformation.com/inbreeding-dogs/. “Is Inbreeding Coefficient of 9.5% a Deal Breaker?” The Labrador Forum, https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/is-inbreeding-coefficient-of-9-5-a-deal-breaker.15653/. Lanting, Fred. “Topline: Canine and GSD Illustrated.” TOPLINE, BACK, SPINE: CORRECT GSD ILLUSTRATED | TheDogPlace.org, The Dog Place, http://www.thedogplace.org/ShowPlace/Topline-Canine-GSD_Lanting-149.asp. Magrane, Paddy. “Why These Dogs Are in Danger of Extinction.” The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 11 Oct. 2016, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/pets/life-and-style/disappearing-dog-breeds/. New York Daily News. “Scientists Studying Why Golden Retrievers Are Dying Sooner, Getting Cancer .” Nydailynews.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/study-underway-shrinking-lifespans-golden-retrievers-article-1.2212563. Olzer, Rachel, et al. “2.10 Mechanisms of Evolution: Genetic Drift.” The Evolution and Biology of Sex, https://open.lib.umn.edu/evolutionbiology/chapter/2-10-mechanisms-of-evolution-genetic-drift/.
warmer temperatures, exists in cold weather, and can jump over 6”. Fleas can lay 20 – 40 eggs in a day for weeks, adult lifespan is about 100 days, when a dog shakes, he sheds flea eggs. Fleas are external parasites. Flea dirt is actually feces and dried blood. Ear mites are another irritating parasite, but mites are actually a type of mange, Otodectic mange. Dedicated mite medicine or a 50/50 wash of alcohol and white vinegar over several days will help. Talk to your vet for details. DID YOU KNOW? TICKS ARE ARACHNIDS OR SPIDERS, NOT INSECTS. Ticks are six-legged as larvae and develop two more legs as they grow. Ticks are external parasites and can survive freezing weather. Ticks can lay over 1000 eggs at one time. Adult lifespan is about 3 months- 3 years. Their saliva cements them to their host. Ticks can transmit most commonly and most seriously Lyme Disease. Other diseases include Powassan virus, Rocky Mt. Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis (flu-like symptoms), and more. There are six tick-transmitted illnesses in Texas. Texas ticks include the Brown Dog tick, the American dog tick known as a Wood Tick, the Lone Star tick also known as the Seed Tick and finally, the Deer tick also known as the Blacklegged tick. A Lone Star Tick, found in Southeastern U.S., has a bite that can result in a red meat allergy with additional implications. Unlike the Deer Tick, the Dog Tick does not carry Lyme’s Disease. If you split the U.S. in half, biting ticks that transmit diseases, are primarily found in the eastern states from the Canadian border to southern Florida or Texas although the reports of Lyme’s Disease is moving westward.  IMAGE COURTESY OF TEXAS AGRILIFE IN WISE COUNTY Worms can be in the soil, feces, or develop from other living source. Roundworms are the most common and more so in puppies. Roundworms, hookworms and whipworms are spread animal to animal via roaches, rodents, earthworms and infected water and feces. Tapeworms are internal parasitic worms that start out as fleas, get swallowed by a dog and become tapeworms. They are white, flat and ribbon-like. The spiked head attaches to the intestine wall and feeds. The body is segmented. Parts break off, harden and eventually end up looking similar to white rice in the stool. They are capable of growing up to 50 feet depending on the host. They can live up to 30 years in a host. In a dog they grow to about 8 inches. Heartworms come from mosquitos and can only be managed through heartworm prescription medicine.  IMAGE COURTESY OF CORE DIFFERENCES Treatment is best with a single monthly chew from your veterinarian. A comprehensive parasite treatment program will keep these critters at bay when you treat your yard as well as your dog. Remember to spray 4’ up your fence and house when treating the yard.
DID YOU KNOW? BIRDS CAN CARRY PARVO AND SPREAD IT WITH THEIR DROPPINGS? References: By. “Extension Education in Wise County.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extention, 27 May 2021, https://wise.agrilife.org/2021/05/27/tick-information/. “Canine Skin Parasites Anatomical Model - Mite Flea Tick.” LFA, https://www.lakeforestanatomicals.com/dog-flea-tick-and-mite-anatomical-models-k9.html. Intriguing Facts about Fleas, Ticks & Worms | Canadavetcare. https://www.canadavetcare.com/blog/intriguing-facts-about-fleas-ticks-and-worms/. “Regions Where Ticks Live.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 May 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html. Core. “17 Major Difference between Roundworm and Tapeworm with Table.” Core Differences, 19 Jan. 2021, https://coredifferences.com/difference-between-roundworm-and-tapeworm/. |
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