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There are at least 20 symptoms and signs that you should be aware of that your Goldendoodle needs to see a vet if you are a new dog owner.  Unfortunately too many people wait until it is too late to get their pet to the vet,  then wonder why it passed away.  While it is a decision delimma for many,  it is very important that you take your Goldendoodle to the vet if the follow occurs:

1. Decreased appetite 

2. Lethargy  (especially in a young puppy or senior dog)

3. Vomiting

4. Diarrhea

5. Straining to potty….either thru urine or the other

6. Not gaining any weight or fails to grow

7. Appearing too thin

8. Constant scratching or chewing on the feet or tail

9. Shaking its head and scratching at the ears

10.  Loss of hair (more than normal)

11. Coughing

12. Sneezing

13. Limping  (for unexplained reasons)

14. Not able to housebreak  (could be urinary tract infection)

15. Excessive drinking  (should check for diabetes….especially if your pet is over weight.)

16. Can’t tolerate exercising

17. Has collapsed

18. Excessive urination

19. Urinates or loses bowls suddenly and without warning

20. Has blood in the stool

Healthy living  with your Goldendoodle starts with maintaining a healthy diet and keeping up with appropriate vaccinations.  Many pet owners fail to keep their puppy’s vaccinations current and this causes the puppy to be at risk for catching parvo, distemper or other deadly canine diseases.  Your Goldendoodle puppy’s first visit is usually called a “wellness check up”.  During this type of check up,  your veterinarian will look at your doodle’s eyes, ears, teeth  and listen to his or her heart.  They will look for puppy cataracts and possible heart murmurs.  They will look at your doodle’s coat and weigh him or her.  Some vets will let you walk in while others require a scheduled appointment.

Viral infections with puppies can occur suddenly and without warning.  Early recognition can help your puppy survive if he or she has become ill.  Puppies can become dehydrated quickly which is why it is very important to not wait if you suspect there is something wrong.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Keep your doodle’s vet records up to date.  It is important for your vet to know what you are feeding your doodle, how much and when.  Your vet may recommend changes if your doodle is gaining weight too rapidly or not enough weight at appropriate stages…especially in the first year.   Know your doodle’s birthdate.  Depending upon where your Goldendoodle resides,  it is important to pay attention to fleas and ticks.  Goldendoodles should NOT be on any type of topical flea preventatives.  These type of treatments can cause early organ failure and sudden seizures.  “Comfortis” is recommended for Goldendoodles which is a once a month flea preventative.    When your Goldendoodle turns 2 years of age,  you may want to have your veterinarian x-ray the hips so that they can be evaluated.  Just because your doodle’s parents had an OFA rating of good, fair or excellent does not mean that your doodle is free and clear of possible hip problems.   Testing is only valid for the dog that is evaluated,  not for offspring.

?It is understandable that many Goldendoodle owners are stressed when taking their new puppy in to see their vet.  Your doodle can only communicate through his or her body lanquage.  Unfortunately,  they can’t tell us where they hurt or how they feel.  Owners who are stressed out can transfer their anxiety to their doodle.  If you are tense, worried, scared, upset or feeling anxious,  you will transfer those feelings to your Goldendoodle.  They are very sensitive dogs.   They will then associate those feelings each and every time he or she goes to the vet.  Try not to be anxious when its time to take your Goldendoodle to the vet.

 The foundation of a healthy Goldendoodle is very important.  A healthy Goldendoodle is central to his or her well being.   Try to make an effort at being calm, relaxed and positive when it is time to take your doodle to the vet.   If you are purchasing a young puppy,  make sure to “puppy proof” your home.  Children always have small toys that can easily fit inside of your doodle’s mouth.  Small toys can be swallowed which can cause choking and possible death.  A good rule of thumb is that if an object is small enough to fit into your doodle’s mouth,  he or she can swallow it.

We like to think that our dogs have common sense.  They don’t.  If you can’t supervise your doodle,  make sure that he or she is either crated or somewhere that is enclosed to help keep your doodle from getting hurt.  Goldendoodles are very intelligent dogs.  They can easily escape from your yard or slip out of their collar or leash.  Don’t let your doodle run loose as they will then be at risk for being hit by a vehicle.   Don’t leave pills lying around.  I, myself, am a diabetic who takes glipizide.  This lowers blood sugar.  This medication can be deadly to any pet who eats it.   I have to always be careful to NOT drop a pill and if I do drop a pill,  I have to immediately find it and pick it up.  Never leave medications on a counter or table where a puppy or adult dog can easily get to it.

Lastly,  there are tons of great books and videos on the market to help you learn how to be a good mommy or daddy to your Goldendoodle.  Being prepared is the best took for surviving an emergency. 

*About the author:  Dee Gerrish has been writing about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999.  More about Goldendoodles can be found on her website at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com

Horses are known for their horse sense, horse power, loyalty, dedication and what not. They have become associated with man over the passage of time, since times immemorial. Horses and ponies have served man in many ways. A horse carriage or a horse cart is what comes to our mind at the first instance.

As a means of transport from one place to another, horse drawn coaches have provided comfort, safety and reliability to the persons who travel by means of them. In certain places, horses work in agriculture farms. By sheer diligence and industrious output, horses have endeared themselves to mankind. Stud farms have become the dream possession of animal lovers.

The sight of a stallion with a black velvety and glossy coat, of good height and stature, sturdy, is enchanting for a horse breeder or a trainer. If the animal is fostered and trained by the person, a special attachment and a sentimental relationship get developed. Bonding cannot be depicted in a better way. Stable relationships get exemplified by horses.

Right from the moment they are born, horses are known to show friendliness and playfulness. A foal is a delightful creature that frolics and gambols, providing amusement to the onlookers. A foal is a true depiction of innocent fun, bundle of energy or a live wire. People can be excused if they show a wish to fondle and caress them. The horse also acknowledges this gesture and cherishes it as it grows up only to reciprocate and return this love in a grander manner. An attitude of gratitude, so to say!

However, training of horses is an area where many changes have taken place by way of research and development. Horses, ponies and mares can be expected to learn the ropes fast and deliver goods to the owner’s satisfaction and pride. The grasping power of horses and ponies is phenomenal. But care needs to be taken to ensure that horses and ponies do not inculcate ‘bad manners’.

The situation of the horse going wild and berserk is enough to send shivers down the spine of a person. Holding the reins is of paramount importance. Food and treats that conform to the basic nature and normal food habits are the healthiest. However, horses are known to have different tastes. Generally, treats would consist of raisins, pitted dates, sugar cubes, apple pieces, hay cubes, carrot pieces, sunflower seeds, peppermints. Treats ought to be restricted, else a horse could be demanding and this would pose dangerous. Things that should be avoided under treats would include lawn, hedge or garden clippings, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, acorns, chocolates. The last one has resulted in a horse getting tested positive for drugs.

Ponies are miniature horses and are loved to be reared by one and all. Children especially are fond of ponies. Like horses ponies are generally smart, hard and sturdy, athletic, loveable. They continue beauty with intelligence.

All in all, horses have proved to be resourceful for man. They bring laurels in races and restore the wager’s confidence. They toil productively in fields. They help carry goods from one place to another. They serve as good playmates. Can man live without horses? Yes, but perhaps he would lack the horse power!

Just where exactly did this sweet and adorable little lap toy dog, the Japanese Chin originate? As with many of our toy dog breeds, there are several theories for us to remember as the history of this toy dog breed.

There is plenty of evidence that the Japanese Chin can be traced back to the dogs that arrived in Japan as precious gifts from China and Korea over 1,100 years ago. The Japanese Chin is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs.

The exact history of the Japanese Chin is difficult to determine, however, evidence exists that at the end of the first century A.D., the Chinese had a type of dog known as ‘Pai’. Canine breed authorities say the ‘Pai’ was a very small, short-headed and short-legged dog. One canine breed writer, Collier, tells us there is little doubt the Japanese race of small dogs originated from China. It is fact that trade and association between the two nations date back as far as the fifth century. During the period of Tein Wu Ti (A.D. 673-686) and Ch’ih T’ung Ti (A.D. 690-696), Korea and China constantly gave small pet dogs to Japan.

As with many of our toy dog breeds there are various theories about the origin of the Japanese Chin. Some suggest they come from Korea and that a Korean prince went to Japan taking gifts for the Mikado in A.D. 732. The gifts included tiny dogs with flat noses which resemble our present day Japanese Chin. In those days they were called Shoku-Ken. They were definitely different from the dogs in Japan at that time which was of the Spitz type.

Another theory of the origin of our Japanese Chin states that as early as 520 A.D., Buddish monks took Shoku-Ken from China to Japan when they went to preach as missionaries. The dogs were said to be a symbol of the sacred Lion of Buddha.

Other people believe the Japanese Chin were of the Imperial Ch’in that supposedly originated in China. The Imperial Ch’in dogs were only owned by Chinese royalty. This seems to be the case of several of our purebred toy dogs. We are so very fortunate now that not only the wealthy have access and the companionship of the purebred toy dog.

It has also been said that the last Empress of China kept 50 of these dogs in the throne room. When the Empress entered the room story goes that these little dogs would line up from door to throne, standing on their hind legs and bowing until she was seated. Of particular note, I would like to add as the author of this article is about my little Danny Boy, who is not Japanese Chin, but is Shih Tzu. Of all the Shih Tzu I have owned, he is the only one who stands on his hind legs before me. Danny and I are very, very close. I wonder if this is a characteristic he inherited from the Imperial line of dogs in China. None of my other Shih Tzu exhibits this trait. I thought he was begging for something. He does it quite often and he looks as if he is just standing up on his hind legs like a human and his front legs are like his human arms and hands. It is so cute; I really enjoy seeing this little trick in my Danny Boy. I am also wondering if the little dogs owned by the last Empress of China lined up from door to throne, standing on their hind legs was out of “respect, love and honor for her.”

It has been said, however, that because the Japanese Chin is not the easiest of dogs to train, the thought of 50 of them doing this in perfect unison was a bit too much to believe. And…….it is only one of mine, out of all I ever had, who does this. Incidentally, my Danny Boy received no training for this. The only real thing different is my relationship with Danny Boy. He is my absolute favorite of all time Shih Tzu I ever owned and I have in many ways told him this. He does have one bad trait I think is cute, but is dangerous for him. He sees himself as rough and tough and loves to try and prove this to all the dogs, big and small. I have to many times rescue him, which may add to the beauty and love of our relationship also. He stands to his feet when I am around because I suppose in his mind, I am his “Empress.”

Other relatives of the Chinese Imperial Ch’in were the Chinese Temple Dog, the Japanese Spaniel, the Pekingese and the Chow. They resemble each other in my opinion.

With all we know about the Japanese Chin today I believe it is reasonable to assume that at least in the very beginning was an Oriental breed. We also know the early days of the Japanese Chin were spent with people of nobility or very high rank and were considered as something very valuable and precious. It is my opinion as well that this “precious look” that seems to glow from the faces of the Japanese Chin is the result of some of that pampering and adoration. The Japanese Chin is a delightful little lap toy dog companion for us today, and is still considered valuable and precious for all who truly love this breed.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Every day thousands of dogs are ‘put to sleep’, which is a kind way to saying that they are euthanized.  Many of these are simply unwanted animals that have been abandoned by their owners.  They are not sick.  They are not unadoptable or aggressive.  They have simply been pushed into the ‘unwanted’ garbage bin.

Here is the story of ‘Red’, a lovely Chow dog that was hanging onto its life by a thread.  Red was an unwanted dog that some careless owner had abandoned.  Red ended up as a stray and was finally picked up by the SPCA in North Carolina.  He was somewhat thin, but really a wonderful dog that would thrive in a loving home.  Since shelters only have so much room and resources, dogs brought to them can only be with them for so long.  After the required time period is up and the dog is not adopted, then the animal is euthanized.  Red was in that situation.  His time was literally ‘up’.  He only had hours to live.

Red was lucky though.  Volunteers and animal lovers came together to try to find Red a second chance for life.  What volunteers did when they found out Red’s situation was to post Red’s picture and information on blogs and websites.  Finally a dog rescue in Texas responded to one of the notices.  Red was dragged from the death table with moments to spare.  He was saved from being gassed (which they do in North Carolina—instead of the more humane needle euthanasia method).

The above is a true story and Red was given his second chance for life. Through the Texas dog rescue and the efforts of many volunteers, Red now has a chance for a great home and a long life with a loving family. 

Here is another story of poor unwanted Chiquita, a little long-haired Chihuahua.  Chiquita was only about a year old when her owners no longer wanted her.  She was also on death-row.  Again, volunteers came to her rescue as they posted her picture (Chiquita completely and lovingly cute in a little pink dress) on the web.  Their efforts saved Chiquita from death as well, and she has now been placed with a family that will appreciate what her little soul is worth.

Red and Chiquita were both lucky, but many other dogs are not.  It takes a lot of effort, time, commitment and caring on the part of many volunteers to save these poor unwanted dogs. 

What can you do to help? 

• Volunteers are needed to accept lists of animals about to be euthanized, and who can then cross-post the details to various dog rescues that may be able to take these animals in. You can contact animalcareservices@greenvillecounty.org (email address) to get up-dated lists.
• You can post the list to blogs or your own websites to gain as much exposure to the animal’s situation as possible.
• Volunteers are also need to help transport the animals from one place to another.  You don’t have to take them through the whole route if the dog is being placed in a faraway location—simply a leg of the route, say from one city to another.
• Of course, money is always helpful. Contact dog rescues in your area to find out what is needed.

If you are a dog lover and can’t sleep nights wondering about what will happen to these poor unwanted dogs, maybe you can help too.  Think of Red and Chiquita and how volunteers willing to put in a little effort to save a dog helped saved their lives.  Maybe that can be you.

How do you purchase the food for your dog?  Do you feed your pet high quality, nutritious dog food?  Or do you look for a cheaper brand?

There are some ingredients that you must absolutely avoid in buying your dog’s food.

These include any wheat product such as wheat gluten or middlings, corn gluten or corn meal, or soybean meal.  All of these ingredients are used as a poor substitute for protein.

Wheat and corn are used as fillers.  They are also very hard to digest by our pets.  Corn, wheat, and soybeans are common pet allergens and should be avoided.

Artificial food coloring is in many foods.

It is used in an attempt to make the food look like fresh meat or fresh fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, the colorings are made from chemicals.  Scientific studies have shown that artificial colorings make hyperactive children more hyperactive.  These chemicals will impact our pets in the same way.

Chemical preservatives are widely used in pet foods.

BHT, Butylated hydroxytoleuene (BHT), also known as Butythydroxytoluene and BHA, Butylated hydroxyanisole and Ethoxyquin are used as artificial preservatives to keep the food from spoiling.

These unnatural chemicals should be avoided in our pet’s food.  Scientific studies show that they can cause serious damage to their kidneys, their liver, and other parts of their bodies.

Tocopherol is a natural source of vitamin E.  Good dog food should use this ingredient as a natural preservative.

Many pet food manufacturers put by-products in their food.

Why do they do that?  Is it because these by-products provide such good nutritional value?  I don’t think so.

By-products are a great way to keep costs down and put more profits into the pockets of the large companies that manufacture the food.  They provide a very low-quality protein for our pets.  Instead, chicken, chicken meal, lamb, fish, and fish meal should be the major source of protein for our pets.

These by-products are considered “not fit for human consumption.”  They include necks, beaks, intestines, heads, lungs, ligaments, brains, feet, and more.

Many dog food manufacturers use lower standards as far as the freshness of their food.

Some stamp their food with a “use by” date.  But that doesn’t consider the fact that the ingredients may be very old when they are put into the food.

We always hear that “we are what we eat.”  This statement is true for our pets.

Poor protein sources, artificial chemical ingredients, lack of fruits and vegetables play a major role in damaging our pets’ immune system.

They prevent our pets from having the ability to fight off free radicals.  These ingredients will negatively affect the health of our dog whether it be in allergies or serious disease.

At first your pet will show little if any effect from the inferior food.  But over time, they will show signs of allergies – scratching, ear infections, etc.  Or it could be in the form of serious disease such as urinary tract issues, kidney problems, lack of energy, and joint issues.  It will result in rising vet bills.

The bottom line is that by feeding lower quality food, we are slowly killing our beloved pet.

The good news is that it may not be too late to make a change.

You can make a change to a natural, high quality, nutritious dog food.  It will help build a strong immune system and a foundation for solid health.  It will allow your dog live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

On the other hand, don’t be fooled by labels that say, “Ultra Premium Formula,” “Highly Digestible,” “High in Anti-oxidants,” “Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids,” etc.  Don’t believe what you hear in television commercials selling dog food.