Considerations in Choosing a Dog

Choosing a pet is for some a simple thing, while for others a more than a serious endeavor. Usually, the pick of the pet can be based on location, family situation, intent, are there children, or various other factors. Where it gets complicated, or intense, is when one has to take into consideration potential health issues. And one of the more relevant issues is the propensity for hip problems. Certain breeds are more likely to develop joint issues.

Probably the most simple question when looking at a new puppy is to ask " Did the parents, or any other pups in any of their litters ever show signs of joint issues?". And before I start, I would recommend talking to a vet about exercises to maintain mobility, activities to be avoided, and the need or recommendation of adding supplements to a dog's diet.

Here is a list of 9 breeds that have been shown to have a predisposition to joint problems.

1. German Shepherds: It's well known that Shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia and other joint issues.

    2. Labrador Retrievers: With a propensity towards obesity, amplify stress on joints.

3. Dachshunds: With their long, low bodies, they can develop back problems, especially if they become overweight.

4. Rottweilers: Have a genetic propensity to develop hip and elbow dysplasia and even arthritis.

5. Newfoundland Retrievers: Like other big breed dogs, they can hip dysplasia /arthritis partially due to rapid growth rate.

6. Great Danes: Huge frames and rapid growth tends to lead to hip/elbow dysplasia and even arthritis.

7. Saint Bernards: Huge, fast growth can cause stress on the joints leading to hip issues.

8. Old English Sheep Dogs: Suffer the same fate as other large breeds.

9. Mastiffs: Also prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, as well as candidates for arthritis.

Don't think I'm down on any of these breeds. I had a Black Lab for quite a while. He was my best hunting partner. He loved to be out goose hunting. He was always active. He never got overweight. He never had any of these issues. I think knowledge is the greatest tool in preventing or treating conditions as best we can.

Liquid Glucosamine (Vegetarian)
Suitable for All dogs even those allergic to Beef or Shellfish 

Veterinarians sometimes recommend supplements with glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin when a dog is a young as one year, or at the time when they quit growing. This is something you, as the owner, and your veterinarian needs to talk out. After all, your dog deserves to live the best life possible. And my final advice is "Choose wisely, and enjoy your best buddy".

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Why Do Dogs Drool?

Just about all dogs drool but it's much more noticeable in some dogs than others. The most basic reason dogs drool is related to the same reasons they salivate, or, indeed, why humans salivate: they are anticipating food. Any time a dog starts expecting food there will usually be some drool soon.

But dogs drool for other reasons, too. Your dog can't sweat to cool himself the way that humans can. He has to pant to take in air and cool down. This panting can also lead to drooling, especially if your dog is very hot.

Dogs may also drool when they're very excited. Any time your dog reaches the point where his tongue is hanging out of his mouth, there may be drool. That can include excitement about seeing you come home, excitement about playing, excitement about watching a squirrel - you name it.

Some dogs do drool more than others. This is often due to the shape of their muzzles and the amount of "flew" that they have. Flews are the long, pendulous lips some breeds possess. Examples include Saint Bernards, Bloodhounds, many mastiff breeds, Bulldogs, English Setters and others. If a breed has long, pendulous lips then it's a good bet that they will be likely to drool a lot.

Your dog may also drool if he is sick or nauseated. If your dog rarely drools and he suddenly begins drooling you may want to consider taking him to the vet. In these cases drooling can be a sign of poisoning. It may precede vomiting. It's also possible that your dog could have something lodged in his mouth. See if your dog will let you check by gently running your finger around his mouth. In either case, it's a good idea to go to the vet if it's unusual for your dog to drool and your dog acts like there's something wrong.

In some cases a dog may have a broken tooth or some other injury to his mouth that leads to drooling. Again, a visit to your vet is recommended.

If you have an habitual drooler there's not too much you can do about it. If your dog drools when he travels you can help him by putting a window down for him. The fresh air may make him feel better. You can also talk to your vet about giving your dog an over-the-counter pill for motion sickness. Your vet can tell you how much to give your dog. A couple of ginger cookies helps some dogs if given before you travel.

If your dog drools while watching you eat you should consider banishing him from the room while you're eating.

Otherwise, you can handle drooling by keeping a cloth nearby to wipe your dog's face when he starts to drool. Some owners like to put a bandana on their dogs so they always have a cloth handy for wiping their dog's face.

The good news is that drool does wash out of clothes and it's easy to clean off your walls.

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