Australian Bulldogs
                                                                 

Health Issues:

• Luxating Patella – this occurs when the groove within the animal’s knee is not deep enough for the cruciate ligament. As a result, the knee joint slips in and out of the knee with movement. This problem is genetic and best fixed with surgery so the ligament can sit in the joint.
• Breathing – often Aussie Bulldogs pant with their mouth open to get enough oxygen. They have a short face and it is important with short faces (brachycephalic) that it has a good airflow sometimes this requires having surgery to shorten soft palate and then have nostrils widened to allow more air flow.
• Hip Dysplasia – a hereditary disease of the hips where the femoral head (ball joint) does not fit neatly into the socket joint. This is diagnosed by x-rays taken by your vet. Your pet must be sedated for accurate hip x-rays. This problem needs to be managed with weight control, medications and sometimes surgery.
• Aussie Bulldogs sometimes suffer from entropion where the eyelid rolls inward and the eye is painful due to the eyelashes rubbing on the cornea and this can cause ulceration of the eye.

Dry eye can also be a problem where the eyes don’t produce enough tears. Blocked tear ducts can also be a problem and cause staining on the face. This wetness can also lead to facial fold dermatitis.

• Skin problems – Aussie Bulldogs are prone to facial fold dermatitis, interdigital dermatitis (between does) and ear infections. Follicullis is common (infection of the hair follicles, often on the face and feet). Also dogs under 1 year are prone to demodex mites.

                                                                         BEAGLES                                     

Congratulations on choosing a beagle.  As you know beagles are a hunting dog. They are a good natured, curious, and affectionate and love company. They are exuberant and have considerable energy and can become bored, destructive and noisy (they bark or howl) if left alone. It is a good idea to have 2 dogs if one is a beagle. They enjoy training but are easily distracted (particularly by biscuits)
There are some health issues they are predisposed to that we need to check them for:

• Heart problems- pulmonic stenosis
• Skin problems- tumours- particularly mast cell, peri-anal and histiocytomas.
• Solar dermatitis
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Cushings Syndrome
• Eye problems    –glaucoma    -cherry eye
• Bleeding disorders
• Neck pain

You can help with this by making sure your bring your pet in for a check-up if you notice anything wrong- particularly lumps and bumps and any redness in eyes. Your vet will advise what tests should be done but expect regular yearly eye pressure tests for glaucoma.

                                                                                Border Collie

        Basic Care:

• Need LOTS of exercise and stimulation. These dogs were bred for herding sheep and cattle. A good run or ball game once a day will use up a lot of energy. If left bored, these dogs will become destructive. Agility is fantastic for these dogs, and they make great competitors.
• Training is a must for these dogs and they will pick up tricks and commands very quickly. Thrive on challenges and need a good strong leader.
• Daily brushing of their coat is a good idea, as well as a monthly bath in a good quality dog shampoo.
• A good quality medium dog kibble relative to life stage is also recommended – puppy, adult and senior.

                                                                           Boston Terrier

Basic Care –

• Boston Terriers have a short coat that does shed, it requires brushing once a week.
• Eyes need to be wiped and kept clean.
• Boston Terriers don’t tolerate heat well and need a cool shady place to rest in summer. Fresh water should be available in a non-spill bowl.
• Good quality small breed kibble is essential to maintain good health this should be relative to each life stage puppy , adult and senior.

Breed History

• The Boston Terrier originated around 1870 when Robert C. Hooper ofBostonpurchased a dog called Hoopers Judge, who was both a English Bulldog and White English Terrier type breed purchased off William O’Brien believed to be imported fromEngland. Judge was bred to a white bitch owned by Edward Burnett and the breed was born. They were originally bred to hunt rats in the garment factories. They were bred to be happy go lucky little dogs that are eager to please their owners, so they are easy to train.

Health Issues –  They are happy, hardy little dogs but are at risk with:

• Stenotic nares is part of the brachycephalic syndrome of short nose dogs, stenotic nares means that the nostrils are pinched or narrow making it more difficult to breath. Surgery can be performed to correct this problem.
• Pulmonary Oedema is difficulty breathing because of fluid accumulation in the air spaces and parenchyma of the lungs it causes gas exchange and can cause respiratory failure. It can be due to either failure of the left ventricle of the heart to adequately remove blood from the pulmonary circulation or problems in the lungs.
• Hemivertebrae are wedge shaped vertebrae and can cause an angle in the spine or pressure on the spinal cord. Dogs can live happily with no problems but if any back injury occurs, there is a risk of mild to severe symptoms the most severe being paraplegia.

British Bulldog

Basic Care:

• Facial folds need to be checked regularly and cleaned twice a week with a dry cloth to prevent moisture and dirt build up
• Housing needs to be considered as Bulldogs are brachycephalic. Bulldogs do not tolerate heat well and need to have somewhere cool with water available to prevent overheating.
• Bulldogs have a short coat that tends to shed a lot. As it only requires a brushing once a week it is a low maintenance coat
• A good quality medium breed kibble for  your Bulldog is essential and should be relative to their life stage – Puppy, adult and senior.

Health Issues:

• Heart problems such as Pulmonary Stenosis can crop up, this disorder is a malformation of the heart involving a narrowing in the area of the heart where the blood is pumped into the lungs
• Bulldogs can suffer from hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid gland becomes under active and the dog’s metabolic rate slows and they tend to put on weight. This is diagnosed with a simple blood test and controlled with daily medication.
• Bulldogs sometimes suffer from entropion where the eyelid rolls inward and the eye is quite painful due to the eyelashes rubbing on the cornea and this can cause ulceration to the eye.

Dry eye can also be a problem where the eyes don’t produce enough tears. Blocked tear ducts can also be a problem and cause staining on the face. This wetness can also lead to facial fold dermatitis

• Skin problems such as hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) – these are caused by a small irritation (such as an insect bite or a reaction) which your dog licks or rubs excessively. This small irritation becomes moist and infected and can often grow to the size of a dinner plate in a number of hours. They require treatment with oral antibiotics and antiinflammatories.

Some Bulldogs suffer from Demadectic mange caused by a mite living under the skin in the hair follicles. This is a very itchy condition and can be contributed to coat loss in this breed.
Some Bulldogs have a tight tail and this can cause them to get tail fold dermatitis. In its worst case sometimes the tail has to be amputated.

• Elongated soft palate –  when you have a dog with a short face it is important that it has a good airflow sometimes this requires having surgery to shorten the soft palate and also have  your Bulldogs nostrils widened to allow more air flow.
• Luxating Patella – this occurs when the groove within the animal’s knee is not deep enough for the cruciate ligament. As a result, the knee joint slips in and out of the knee with movement. This problem is genetic and best fixed with surgery to deepen the groove so the ligament can sit comfortably in the joint.
• Breeding Complications – a lot if made of Bulldogs being unable to deliver puppies on their own. Consideration should be made when deciding to breed your Bulldog as most require a caesarean to deliver puppies. A lot of people keep their males entire with the hopes that someone will be interested in using them at stud. If you like the look of testicles we can order implants for you.

                     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Care Needed:

• Regular grooming – they do drop coat twice a year, they do best with daily  combing of ears, weekly brushing of the coat is essential as will knot easily especially when kept long. Monthly ear cleaning is also recommended as their ears fall down and can easily trap dirt and moisture.
• Poor road sense – good fencing is essential and they should always be on leash outside of yard
• Exercise – daily walking is recommended
• Annual health checks –  vaccinations are essential as is regular worming. Heartworm and flea and tick prevention is also necessary. Some dogs may be sensitive to particular weeds and grasses
• Diet – Premium dog biscuits appropriate to life stage (Puppy, Adult and Senior), Greenies or other dental chews for dental health and training treats.

Cavoodles

These are a cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  and miniature poodle. These are a friendly and happy dog that wants to please. They are playful but also want to sit on your lap. They are great with kids and need lots of company. They are a crossbreed and have hybrid vigour and we see so many of them we know to look out for:

• Eye Problems-  Kerato (KCS)    – Eyelid problems
• Heart-   Mitral valve (heart murmur)
• Joints-  Patella (kneecaps) problems    –  Hip problems
• Bleeding problems –   thrombocytopenia (IMT)
• Breathing-   may be affected depending on how short their nose and flat their face are.
• Skin problems –  Anal gland problems   -Malassezia dermatitis (ears)

German Shepherd

Basic Care:

• Thick short haired coats need to be brushed every few days and a bath once a month in a good quality shampoo
• With ears like this breed has, often they are more prone to fly bites on their ears. It is recommended you spray their ears with Flyaway spray. Do not use human insect repellent as this will irritate their skin.
• Good training and discipline is a must in this breed as they grow to be quite large and can have and aggressive streak if they are allowed to dominate their family. Desexing can also help to prevent some forms of aggression and this is recommended if you are not planning to breed.
• Large breed dog biscuits relative to life stage – puppy, adult and senior. This breed should not be allowed to become overweight and should not be fed ad lib.
• Regular vaccinations from your vet are a must to protect your German Shepherd. Regular heartworm and worming are also needed.
• A German Shepherd’s ears stand straight up and this can mean that dirt and water can easily get stuck in the ear canal. We recommend cleaning out your German Shepherd’s ears once a week with ear cleaning – but never use water. Always after swimming to help dry out the ears.

Health Issues:

• Due to their deep chest, German Shepherd’s are prone to Gastric Dilation Volvus (GDV), more commonly known as bloat. This is a serious and life threatening condition where the stomach flips over on itself and prevents food from escaping the stomach. As a result, the gas becomes trapped and builds pressure. Due to the twists in the gut and stomach, parts of the bowel can die in a matter of hours. This is a life threatening emergency and can present in many ways: vomiting, bloated abdomen, lethargy, straining to breathe and pale gums. If you notice any of these signs get to your vet immediately. Without life saving surgery and critical care quickly, GDV cases will die within 12 hours.
• Hip dysplasia – a hereditary disease of the hips where the femur head (ball joint) does not fit neatly into the socket joint. This is diagnosed by x-rays by your taken vet. Your Labrador must be sedated for accurate hip x-rays. This problem needs to be managed with weight control, medications and sometimes surgery.
• Hot Spots – these are caused by a small irritation (such as an insect bite or a reaction) which your dog licks or rubs excessively. This small irritation becomes moist and infected and can often grow to the size of a dinner plate in a number of hours. They require treatment with oral antibiotics and antiinflammatories.

Labrador Retriever

Basic Care:

• Daily brushing is recommended and a bath monthly in a good quality dog shampoo
• Yearly vaccinations are a must as well as regular heartworm treatments
• Good quality kibble for large breed varieties as Labradors have a lot of growing to do. This breed LOVES food, always be careful they do not put on excess weight. Never ad lib feed. Always measure their daily food intake and have food stored in garbage containers so they cannot access.
• Good training and obedience is recommended, these dogs can be very boisterous when they become excited
• Socialisation as a puppy is also important, they can often play very roughly with other dogs.

Health Issues:

• Hot Spots – these are caused by a small irritation (such as an insect bite or a reaction) which your dog licks or rubs excessively. This small irritation becomes moist and infected and can often grow to the size of a dinner plate in a number of hours. They require treatment with oral antibiotics and antiinflammatories.
• Hip Dysplasia – a hereditary disease of the hips where the femur head (ball joint) does not fit neatly into the socket joint. This is diagnosed by x-rays by your taken vet. Your Labrador must be sedated for accurate hip x-rays. This problem needs to be managed with weight control, medications and sometimes surgery.

Cruciate Ligament Rupture – this injury is very common in people as well as dogs. This occurs when the ligaments within the knee are put under strain and tear. This kind of injury is best treated with surgery and weight loss as crippling arthritis will set in over time. Arthritis is limited with Cartrophen Injections and lifetime glucosamine supplements.

Pekingese

Care Needed:

• Long haired Pekingese need daily brushing as matts and knots are common, clipping is recommended if you don’t have time to brush daily
• A flat face means the Pekingese is prone to overheating – a cool shady area is needed especially on hotter days
• Dental care is essential due to the shape of their mouth – often they develop plaque and tartar very easily and may need dental work by your vet on their yearly check up.
• Facial folds need daily wiping out with a dry face washer to wipe away any dirt. If this area becomes smelly you can wash it with warm soapy water but you must dry it well.
• Good quality food – relative to breed size (small) and also relative to life stage – puppy, adult and senior foods
• Yearly vaccinations and regular heartworm treatment are a must for a healthy dog
• Really an inside dog as they are not really suited to outdoors due to their coat and temperature extremes.

Health Issues:

• Breathing difficulties – Pekingese are a brachycephalic breed meaning they have a pushed in face and often have difficulties breathing especially when they over heat. Some puppies may require surgery, as their soft palate is too long, to help breathing. Some dogs may need their nostrils widened. Pekingese should not be left out in the heat of the day and should always have someplace cool to lie down with cool water available.
• Eye problems – as Pekingese eyes bulge out of their head due to their flattened face, many are prone to corneal ulcers and dry eye. Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis) is a condition in which one of both eyes fail to produce adequate tears. Untreated this disorder can lead to further complications eg corneal ulcers, loss of sight and pain.
• Hypothyroid – some Pekingese thyroid glands don’t produce enough thyroid hormones and this affects their whole metabolism. A simple blood test picks this up and it is treated easily with daily tablets.
• Heart Problems – such as murmur and arrhythmias and fluid around the lungs, can be a problem for older animals.
• Signs of impending heart disease include: exercise intolerance, restlessness at night, weight loss, pale or bluish gums, fainting or coughing. Should your dog experience any of these signs please visit your vet for a health check.
• Often x-rays and other tests are needed for your Pekingese. Your vet will advise the best course of action.

Poodle(Toy, Minature and Standard)

Basic Care:

• Maintenance is needed for poodle’s coats – if left un-brushed or clipped, it will cause mats that pull at the skin and become very uncomfortable. Daily brushing is recommended or clipping every 2 months.
• Weekly plucking and cleaning of the ears is recommended to stop moisture and dirt becoming trapped in the ear – best to start when a pup as adult dogs will resent it otherwise. Can be done with human tweezers or forceps that you can order from your vet. Cleaning should be done with swabs and a special alcohol based ear cleaner – never use water.
• Yearly vaccinations and regular heartworm treatment is essential
• Good quality biscuits relative to life stage and size – puppy, adult and senior

Health Issues:

• Ear infections – (otitis externa) these are caused from dirt, wax and moisture being trapped within the ear canal. Poodles have a large amount of hair growing in their ears and this needs to be plucked to prevent ear infections in the future. Ear infections need to be treated with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories by your vet.
• Cruciate Ligament Rupture – this injury is very common in people as well as dogs. This occurs when two ligaments within the knee that cross over one another are put under strain and rupture. This kind of injury is best treated with surgery and weight loss as crippling arthritis will set in over time. Arthritis is limited with Cartrophen Injections and lifetime glucosamine’s
• Luxating Patella – this occurs when the groove within the animal’s knee is not deep enough for the cruciate ligament. As a result, the knee joint slips in and out of the knee with movement. This problem is genetic and best fixed with surgery to deepen the groove so the ligament can sit comfortably in the joint.

PUG

Basic Care:

• Pugs have a thick double coat and need regular brushing. They shed this coat twice a year.
• Pugs have large bulging eyes and these should be wiped daily with a damp face washer
• The folds on Pugs faces should be maintained by cleaning them twice a week with a dry cloth
• Pugs have a different shaped mouth to other dogs and this means they may develop plaque and tartar more easily and require yearly dentals
• Due to the Pugs flat face, they are prone to overheating more easily and should always have a cool place with water to cool down on a hot day,
• Walking is great exercise for these dogs, however NEVER in the heat of the day and never take for long runs as these dogs easily overheat.
• A good balanced diet is needed as well as calorie control as Pugs easily put on weight due to their love of food
• Regular vaccines and heartworm prevention and worming is needed

Health Problems:

• Allergies – Pugs can develop allergies to the food they eat, as well as things in their environment. Allergy testing can be done for your Pug, we can send away a blood sample to America for testing, or send a hair sample to a naturopath. Once you know what your Pug is allergic to, you can avoid or mimimise it which is better than being on drugs like cortisone.
• Musculoskeletal – Pugs can have problems in their spine, they may have Hemivertebrae which is a problem with the shape of the vertebrae and may lead to disc disease. In its worst form your pet can become a paraplegic and they may need surgery and lots of physical therapy to regain use of their hind legs.
• Eye problems are a risk: dry eye – keratoconjunctivitis – is a condition in which one or both eyes fails to produce adequate tears. Untreated this disorder can lead to further complications eg corneal ulcers, loss of sight and pain.

It can be effectively treated with eye ointments so go to your vet if your Pug’s eyes are glazed, red, blue or in anyway looking wrong to you.

• Breathing difficulties – Pugs are a brachycephalic breed meaning they have a pushed in face and often have difficulties breathing especially when they over heat. Some puppies may require surgery on their soft palate to help breathing. Some dogs may need their nostrils widened. Pugs should not be left outside in the heat and should always have someplace cool to lie down with cool water available.
• Heart Problems – may occur with age as they are at risk of heart murmurs, arrhythmias and fluid in the lungs.

Signs of impending heart disease include: exercise intolerance, restlessness at night, weight loss, pale or bluish gums, fainting or coughing. Should your dog experience any of these signs please visit your vet for a health check.

Hearts can be assessed in a variety of ways eg x-rays, ECG, ultrasound and blood tests. Your vet will advise the best course of action.

Shetland Sheepdogs