My OperaAnimal rescue Havanese Health Problems: What To Look For
Saturday, June 12, 2010 7:35:53 PM
You are serious about learning more about how to care for the Havanese puppy you wish to purchase. It may have been many years since a dog has been in your home, or perhaps this will be the first do you have ever owned, or perhaps you have never spent much time with small breeds.
What questions will you want to ask your Havanese breeder before you commit to the purchase of a particular animal? What simple, regular routines will you undertake to ensure your Havense's continued good health? What are the signs of health problems in any dog? What are the signs of particular Havanese health problems?
No one likes to think about it, but sometimes our beloved pets are injured-hit by a car or bicycle. Many dog owners are unprepared for emergencies, don't know how to find emergency care for their pet, and may not even have a regular veterinarian. Arranging emergency care for your Havanese, should it ever be needed, need not take you by surprise.
Common Havanese health problems include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dislocated kneecaps (luxating patellas), ear infections, poodle-eye, and dry skin. None of these problems is life threatening. Knee problems in the Havanese lead to bow-leggedness. Cataracts and retinal atrophy can lead to early blindness.
Some Havanese health problems are genetic. Problems such as knee and hip dysplasia (dislocation), early onset cataracts, retinal atrophy and genetic deafness tend to run in the Havanese breed. These problems are not fatal, but might affect the quality of life for your Havanese. For instance, eye problems can lead to blindness. You will want to make sure that your breeder has tested the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the puppy you wish to purchase. Breeders should remove animals with eye or joint problems from their breeding stock.
Many Havanese health problems are not inevitable. You, your Havanese's best friend and protector, are the first line of defense. Watch for changes in your Havanese's actions or appearance. Is your previously playful Havanese, now just lying around all day? Is your Havanese keeping the same bowel and bladder habits? Is your Havanese eating? A change in any of these may signal illness.
You should arrange for regular veterinary checkups for your Havanese. Have the veterinarian check for parasites such as worms and ear mites and give the animal its vaccinations. Vaccination schedules vary, but nearly all include rabies, distemper, parvo and parainfluenza. Distemper and parvo are contagious and usually fatal infections. Law in all states requires rabies vaccinations.
You should seek emergency care for your Havanese if any of the following occur: a suspected broken limb, suspected poisoning, trouble breathing, massive bleeding, poisoning, or seizures. Keep your vetrinarian's phone number on hand for any such emergency.
Fiona Kelly is a passionate lover of the Havanese and owns a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Havanese. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Havanese Health Problems plus a whole lot more.animal rescue: hollywood charity
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