More dane info
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"CHIROPRACTIC" One of the most important things in rearing a Great Dane is keeping them sound. Many people don’t realize the implications of this and a lot of Danes wind up with problems that could’ve been avoided. It is common for lay people to believe that Dane pups are supposed to be ‘uncoordinated’, and allow them to go on like this, without making sure they are just being ‘typical’ babies, or indeed there is a real issue. A lot of problems are not picked up soon enough because of this tendency, along with an aversion to taking the dog to a chiropractor with something because they themselves don’t go to one or simply don’t believe in the therapy. A GD puppy is fast growing and things grow at different rates, this can mean he is predisposed to ‘going out of wak’. If muscle or connective tissue is injured this alone can lead to structural changes, as these, if left to heal in an other than normal way will alter the skeletal meccano, and this can set up muscle wastage, changes in bone, set up arthritis, joint wear etc it is impossible to give the average Joe the years of experience in observation and out come and expect them to be able to look at their pup and know for sure something is definitely wrong. More often , they see things that are perfectly normal and query them. Whilst owners shouldn’t panic that their dog may have something wrong they aren’t picking up, they should be aware that if in doubt always ask your breeder, and if possible, as one might do with ones self, have a ‘check up’ done by a qualified animal/dog chiropractor , whilst the pup is still in the growing phase, just to make sure that all is in place and nothing is going to be left to undermine the dogs structural health in the future. The sounder your pup is now, the sounder he will be as an adult and the better he will cope with old age. Remember, that apart from anything else , he is a big dog, with more weight to carry around, and it only makes sense that if his structural integrity is undermined, it will be a lot harder to get around . Really serious injury of course can do damage that nothing can repair, but chiropractic and or muscular injury that is fixable should not be left to chance, if your Dane is going to remain/ return to normal. So called ‘bad movement’ is often labeled as ‘hereditary’. I get really annoyed with this. Yes , there is going to be some incidences where it is truly a case of a genetic predisposition (see article below) and it is far easier to blame something like a breeder or a bloodline, than look outside the square and find out whether it might just be bad rearing, or injury. Anyone who suffers from chiropractic issues knows just how much discomfort and pain can be associated with it. As one of these, I can vouch that a bad back can leave you feeling truly sick, as if you have some sort of disease. Your dog cant tell you this stuff, so that is why it is something you should consider as part of the dogs ongoing well being. Yes there are other treatments that assist these problems like acupuncture, physio etc, but a misalignment MUST be corrected . Don’t as one of my clients mothers insisted ‘let nature take its course’, and was adamant the dog wouldn’t see a chiro because she didn’t believe in them. After some screaming n hollering’ from me and my Dane cronies in on the issue, the young owner defied her, and the dog was put right.
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During the growth spurt from birth to 60 days, the dysplastic puppy's muscle and connective tissue--unlike a normal pup's -- can't keep pace with the fast-growing bones. The resulting mechanical looseness of the joint (hip laxity or subluxation) causes abnormal wear on the cartilage that line the femoral head. As the bone-buffering cartilage deteriorates, arthritis often sets in. "Arthritis is basically an abortive attempt by the body to stabilize the joint by adding bone." explains Dr. Randy Boudrieau, associate professor of surgery at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
Although genes play a big role in the development of canine hip dysplasia (CHD), not everything about the disease is hereditary. Evidence suggest that even dogs genetically predisposed to CHD can escape its worst effects if breeders and owners control rapid growth and weight gain during puppy hood--thus increasing the chance that muscles, connective tissues, and hip joint bones will develop congruently.
You can put the brakes on excessively rapid growth by controlling what and how you feed young dogs. Studies show that puppies fed a high-calorie diet grow faster that their litter mates on a low-calorie diet. Research also shows that puppies that have constant (ad libitum) access to food have more hip-joint laxity at 30 weeks and higher incidence of hip dysplasia at 2 years than their counterparts consuming 25-percent less food on restricted feeding schedule. "Feeding a puppy a controlled, balanced diet is probably the best way to manage its growth," advises Dr. Lisa Freeman, clinical instructor at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Other so-called nutritional preventives and remedies don't work to stop CHD--and in fact are potentially harmful. For example, mega doses of vitamin C are not effective at preventing CHD, and supplemental calcium can actually exacerbate the disease.
Visit this website : http://www.chirovet.com.au/
"TRUTH ABOUT DOGS"
THE IDEAL DOG! Do you want a dog that doesn't t shed, doesn’t dig holes jump fences or bark, can do without your company all day, doesn’t eat much and requires very little training and attention has no health problems at all? Then go see Dick Smith..chances are he will have one of those robot dogs that at best will only consume a set of batteries every so often. Someone did actually say to a breeder at a canine expo that they wanted ‘a dog that would be quiet, wouldn’t bark or drop hair and could live only in the back yard’. Lets hope this person never gets a poor unfortunate dog as a pet. DOGS MAKE NOISE..... Barking along with howling, moaning, whinging , growling, is how your dog communicates, coupled with body language. ‘If only they could talk’..they would save themselves and us a lot of anguish but they don’t- at least, they don’t speak English..but they do try to tell us their needs.It can be to try and tell us they want something (remember Lassie!) Barking is to warn us of strangers of all kinds, of noises that are unfamiliar. Barking can also be the result of nothing better to do...a dog not gainfully employed in something better to do that keeps him quietly occupied, or without company, might be sensitive to stimuli from outside...and bark incessantly, or may just be barking in protest at his lot. Howling, the ‘cow in season’ sound, is ‘calling the pack’..dogs do this when they are separated from their perceived pack, be it other dogs, or you...seeing as many dogs are ‘only’ dogs, this is about you, more likely. Understanding that dogs are pack animals, and that it is unnatural for them to be a lone dog may help you understand why dogs become noisy in certain circumstances. Dogs and humans have been together and shared the communal living area for thousands of years. It is perfectly natural for them to want to be near us. Growling of course is mostly anger, displeasure, guard or fear response. Sometimes there is playful growling, body language is this case is different to the former..and the growler is obviously in a play mode. Know the difference. Knowing your dog is only possible if you spend enough time with him, and get to know his personality and idiosyncrasies. For many reasons, it is very important to know your dog very well..If he is stuck in a back yard and not interacting with you and the family, you have little way of knowing how he will behave around others..or wether he is off colour and sick etc DOGS DIG..... Problems with dog are often not real problems, just dogs doing what dogs do, naturally, only the ordered life of humans think the dog is ‘doing something wrong,’ because it doesn’t fit into the scheme of things. Like the landscaping scheme, or should I say theme. Digging is perceived by many to be a bad act, a wanton act of destruction by the dog, aimed at ruining the lawn or the garden bed on purpose. Digging is a primeval pastime..it was used to dig a hole to sleep in, make a den for puppies, bury a bone, root out scarce food in bad times. Most dogs love to dig and it is natural thing for them to do. )Digging to get out of the property is of course something that can happen and this is the obvious way a dog can think to escape his confines if he fails to jump , or chew out. Wanting to escape his property is a dog problem, which we will address in a minute) If you are a garden connoisseur, you would be best advised to fence it off..unless you are prepared to engage in a fairly intensive training regime to drum in Fidos ‘ground rules’..where he can and cannot go etc. Dogs just love to help you dig in a fresh garden bed, with all that soft soil. Remember his sense of smell is far better than yours, and he can often smell things in the ground you wouldn’t know where there...You could invest in one of those electronic fence devices. Or you could give him his own area to dig in, maybe provide him with a sand pit he can dig to his hearts delight. You can stop him digging in one hole by putting his doggy do in it..but he will dig another else where. Dogs will dig holes because they are bored. Again, dogs on their own often dig out of boredom, which can lead to escape digging, looking for something to do, or companionship. A lonely dog on one side of the fence, knowing there is a dog on the other side could dig to get to the other..this of course could be a fatal mistake. Chronic escape artist require tough measures to keep them in certainly, but their boredom or anxiety should also be addressed -why are they doing it? An electric fence will quickly deter a dog from trying to jump out or even dig under a fence..placed strategically . But as I said before..why is trying to escape? No company, home alone from dawn to dusk? Nothing to occupy his mind? No toys, bones? A sprinkler system becomes a fabulous toy to the bored dog..Digging, ripping out, and chewing up!!! One way of making sure he doesn’t start bad habits is to have an dog run or enclosed escape proof area he cant anything like this, and doesn’t learn the habit. DOGS FART..... One ‘annoying’ habit dogs are notorious for is Farting!!….’Blame the dog’...why because he is usually the culprit. Why Though? Its all about what you feed him, and certainly a result his general internal health. All animals give off gas..that is a fact, take our bovine friends ..their methane outpouring is a potential environmental risk. However, most dogs wont fart nearly as much if they get the right food. The culprit is cooked, canned and commercial food. The more quality raw food a dog eats, which is as nature intended, the less he farts! One particular ‘famous’ brand of can food was called by many of us as ‘The canine Enema’...not only has it coined a term the …...Fart, is was great for causing the sloppiest stools. What your dog eats will determine the nature of his gas output and his stools and the ease with which they are cleanup able! How many supermarket trolleys we see the no frill s dry dog food and can muck for ‘the dog’…...what hope does the average fido have being relentlessly fed crap like this..of course he will Fart, and his teeth will suffer and his health will suffer. he will be beset by degenerative disease. You might love junk food, but you know it isn't conducive to health. You know you need good quality foodstuff to get the most benefit. The dog is the same. If a dog is producing too much gas, chances are he is fermenting the food, not digesting it.. In giant breeds, this is very dangerous. Mentally and physically..dogs NEED BONES. Don’t deny the wolf in your dog his hereditary needs. DOGS SHED HAIR..... With the exception of the Poodle and the Labradoodle..from memory, all dogs shed hair. All creatures shed some hair all the time. Some may be worse than others, but this is a fact of nature..to expect a dog ‘not to shed hair’ is to expect him to be alive and not breath. The problem many have with dogs ‘shedding’ has me baffled. Perhaps I am used to it, but it is part of owning a dog. You can alleviate a lot of it by regular brushing and occasional washing. At certain times the coat with change with the season change, so put a bit more effort in getting the old coat out. Simple. And as I recall, hair vacuums up along with all the other stuff humans themselves put out and accumulate...I can hear one dog talking to another now..”Hmm..don’t know if I want a human..they shed all that skin and attract dust mites!!”
You must remember that he may not be human, he is actually genetically engineered to want to be with humans, and that he has emotions and needs and creature comforts. .Remember however he is never the less a dog. Underneath that soppy exterior is a canine barely removed from the wolf genetically..even if he is just a Chihuahua. Understand his need to interact with the pack..(You).. and his need for the wolf side that does ‘wild doggy’ things to express itself. Treat him with the respect and understanding he deserves and you will have a far better companion and devoted friend who will for the most part be a joy to live with, not a nuisance, or a danger,
"DOGS N CATS" I get many enquiries and sometimes concerns regarding bringing a Dane pup home where there are cats in the house. Cats being cats, they will, unless already used to large dogs or dogs in general, be somewhat miffed, even frightened at the new intruder. The puppy may see these furry felines as either funny looking litter mates or other puppies, or play things..at this age, a pup will find furry things like slippers most appealing!!. The dog is reputedly the arch enemy of the cat, and this is often firmly planted in the minds of humans, therefore they are understandably worried about the new addition and its behaviour and effect on the pussies. In reality, the dog bought up from ‘scratch’(..yes..pun intended!), with cats, becomes a great companion and dare I say sometimes a very large body guard to your cat. The dane generally knows the resident cat to be his family, and I have heard stories where intruder cats have be hunted out...so, the dog can discriminate based on who is and isn't allowed in the yard so to speak...but, the owner should have no fear a dane will grow up and eat the cat, as long as the introductions and the on going interaction is supervised and structured so that the pup isn't too over boisterous with the cats, and get s into a habit of chasing , which can lead to a hunter and prey situation..or the cats don’t hurt the puppy and make him resentful or afraid which can also lead to complications… Its not a bad idea to try and nip the very sharp end of the cats claws during this period, remembering also that cat scratches can cause septic wounds, apart from pain. There is likely to be an initial ‘putting in the place’ by the cat of the pup, which usually means a swipe to the face.. unless the cat is so afraid it remains out of reach and away from the pup. The pup should always be distracted away from over zealous interest in the cat. If the cat is given to screaming past the pup at light speed, try and distract the pup so that he doesn’t get the desire to chase after it..this could also cause a serious injury to the pup, who could slam into something or slip badly , and this we do not want! When you are not there the same thing applies to children..separate the species..don’t leave them alone together to sort it out themselves. Your supervision and common sense in the preliminary introduction into the house of the new puppy, and monitory of their interactions from there on is paramount, until they establish a relationship that works for both of them, with no stress to anyone in the house hold. Dogs and cats live peaceably together in many households, and yours should be no exception. Footnote: Care should be taken if you are bringing a ‘rescue’ dog into the house. The dog may have been deemed good of temperament with people, but he may not be with cats. This is often learnt the hard way.. Whilst it might be the kind thing to do and take in a homeless dog instead of a new puppy, when it comes to bringing one into the home with your cats, and of course, another dog if you have one, extreme care should be taken to establish that the dog can be mixed with either..after all..unless you can verify his background, you have no idea why he ended up homeless.
Dogs And Humans
About 14000 years ago, man began to domesticate the dog...whether through the adoption of wolf pups by humans or the process of wolves domesticating themselves by hanging about dumps and camps, the process led to what we have today, an animal that is so obviously connected to us it could be said he is genetically engineered to being so. Understanding why he is connected to the human race so intrinsically, it is obvious why man has dogs as companions. Dog pups , once they are cognitive, take readily to the attention of humans, craving the persons company more than the dam, who's only purpose is a milkbar and possible warmth source. Anyone who has raised a litter of pups will know how quickly the pups will take to human ministerings. Once the bond is formed it is there forever. Dog s like being with people, in fact, they actually need to be. The partnership which is bound up in a thousands of years of helping each other s survival, has created an intimate union between man and dog that is ‘in our genes‘. Another interesting thing to realise is that the dog as he is today not actually evolved in the natural way,.man has simply made him the way he wants him .At a molecular level very little has changed for the dog in all this time...the DNA of dog and wolf is almost identical. Unbelievably, the skeleton of the wolf has been manipulated by man to become the many and various different breeds we know today...without loosing a single bone!. It is indeed amazing when you know that the same ancestor is the forbear of both the Great dane and the Chihuahua. There are 78 chromosomes in dog DNA as compared to Human which has only 46. This is why the variations in size and type are possible. Interestingly genes that effect the timing of the dog fetal development are responsible for the variations in a breeds final shape. As breeders are well aware , puppy heads have different proportions than those of the finished adult. (At birth, a practiced eye might be able to determine the difference between a black litter of dane pups to a black litter of Labradors, but the lay person would have great difficultly..of course the knowledgeable breeder would soon discern the difference as the pups grew if there was any doubt..lay people can be duped when choosing a ‘purebred‘ pup too early who's ancestry is not as professed) The fact that two species who are genetically and phenotypically different wish to share their lives with each other by choice...is an indication of the uniqueness of this relationship. In society today, dogs do more than just keep us company. They work as herders ,guards, seeing eyes, bomb, drug and body detectors, help the physically challenged to lead fuller more independent lives, visit the aged and give comfort. No other animal can so fully and completely give itself over to us like the dog. Knowing that dogs and humans have been together for so long helps us realize just how ingrained the need for us both to be with each other is. In a recent survey in the US, 94% of dog owners listed Companionship as a key benefit of owning a dog, 6% hunted with them and only 4% used them in farming. In New York alone there are 100,000 registered dogs, but include the unregistered and you are closer to 400,000...amazing
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Contact Details
Gayle RevillBendigo region, VIC, Australia
Email : bluedanes4me@southernphone.com.au