Article Advise

submitted: Jul 17th 2008 | by: FionaKelly | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 526 | |

So, you're thinking about buying a Havanese puppy. You will be brining one of the most rare purebred dogs in the world into your home. There are only approximately 4,000 Havanese dogs in the United States! They have been specially bred for their short stature, sturdiness, and long soft hair.

However, common Havanese health problems have come from centuries of breeding in a very small gene pool. You will want to monitor your puppy for these Havanese health problems so that you will enjoy your Havanese's show-dog looks and socialable nature for many, many years to come.

The Havanese is a longhaired breed, so you should brush and comb their fur twice a week. This will prevent matting and tangles. Most Havanese owners have their dogs professionally groomed several times a year. Be sure to keep your Havanese's eyes and ears clean. This will help prevent infections.

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.

Be sure that you have a regular veterinarian for your Havanese's health care. As part of regular veterinary care, your Havanese puppy should receive vaccinations against common animal diseases and examinations for parasites such as worms and ear mites.

You are the first line of defense against Havanese health problems. You should keep an eye on your Havanese and notice any changes in behavior or appearance. An animal that is usually lively and playful who becomes dull and listless may be unwell. A loss of appetite or weight may also signal illness. Regularly check your Havanese's coat for fleas and ticks. A mass under the skin may be a sign of an abscessed wound and should receive prompt veterinary care.

Keep your veterinarian's phone number readily available in case you need to arrange emergency care for your Havanese. If you need to transport your Havanese to the veterinarian, be sure to do the following. Muzzle the animal, because injured animals may bite even their owners. If you suspect a limb is broken, wrap the limb in a towel and loosely tape it. Do not splint the limb. You can lift small dogs directly under their belly. For small dogs with a suspected neck, back or hip injury, lift the dog on a board. Lift large dogs on a board.

About the Author

Fiona Kelly is an avid lover of the Havanese and has a popular website that can teach you 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.

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