Does your dog sometimes have tummy problems?

 Most dogs will have some kind of tummy problems from time to time.  One of the hardest thing for us is to know what to do.  Here are some points to consider:

How can an average dog owner distinguish between not-so-serious cases and ones that require a trip to the vet?  It's not easy, but here are some basic guidelines:  

*Duration:  Many cases will resolve on their own in a day or two, but if the problem continues for a week or more, it's time for a vet's advise.  

*Age of the dog:  It can lead to dehydration and a depletion of nutrients, which can be devastating for the very young or the elderly.  

*Other symptoms:  Many dogs will be their own happy, bouncy selves during a bout of the runs.  If they seem lethargic or feverish, have no appetite, or show such signs of distress as pain or vomiting, you should seek professional help.  

*Appearance:  Visible blood or dark tarry color suggests internal bleeding, and you should seek professional help.  

Taking your fur baby to the vet for every little thing can be costly in both time and money, which is sometimes hard on owners.  Here are some things to try at home, that may help.

Fasts:

Withholding food for 12 to 24 hours, and providing water in small amounts frequently, can clear the cause of the upset and allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle. Be sure that your dog is healthy enough to endure a short fast.

Cures from the Cupboard:

After a fast, food is usually introduced slowly and many people start with binders, which have the power to ease the symptoms. Some tried and true methods include:

• Rice water. Boil high-quality rice in a lot of water, separate out the grains, and offer the dog the creamy white soup that’s left. A splash of broth or a bit baby food will make it more palatable for dogs who will refuse to drink it straight.
• White rice
• Canned pumpkin (plain, not prepared pie filling) has the odd distinction of being effective for diarrhea and constipation.
• Yogurt, which has beneficial bacteria, can help in dogs who can tolerate milk and milk products.
• Herbs, such as fennel, have gut-soothing properties.

I hope some of these tips can help!  If you have a question or comment, please leave it here, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.  If I don't know the answer to your question, I will do my best to get it for you.  And if you're not signed up to "follow" or are not "subscribed" to this blog, please do so on the upper right corner of the page.  Then, you'll get the automatic updates in your email.  Thanks, again, and as always, .. .. .. ..

                                          HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!!!!!   

What To Feed Your New Puppy?

    
     It's been super busy around Dogwood Dachsunds the past week, as the latest litter of puppies went to their new homes.  Above are two happy kids as they take "Scuby" and "Rusty" home to Friendswood, Texas.  These are very patient kids, as they have had their puppies picked out and reserved since they were two weeks old.  Through personal visits and emailed photos, they were able to keep up with their puppies' progress until that happy time when they were able to actually take their little guys home.
     One of the most basic questions people often are at a loss to answer is "What do I feed my puppy?"  There are so many dog foods on the market, this is a legitimate question that can have more than one answer.  There are dry foods, wet foods (canned), food for small dogs, or VERY small dogs, food for large dogs and food for giant dogs (such as Great Danes).  There are even foods that are made for specific breeds of dogs.  Some of those are specially formulated for their particular metabolic needs, as well as some foods in which the kibble is particularly shaped for ease in eating (some short-faced breeds have difficulty picking up their food).
     Your breeder should be able to give recommendations along with sample quantities of the food the puppy has been eating as it was weaned.  And you may take some suggestion from your veterinarian.  If you decide to change to a different food from what the breeder gave you, you should gradually change over to the new food by mixing a small amount of the new in with the old, increasing the amount of the new food a little at a time over a week or two.  And this would be true any time in your dog's life when you might change his food.  A sudden change in food may cause upset in his digestion, and he may not eat well.
     The important thing is that you feed your puppy a good, high protein, high quality food made especially for puppies.  Your puppy will need to stay on that puppy food until he is 12-18 months of age.  It is tempting to switch him to adult food after he has reached "full size".  But his bones and muscles are still growing, and adult food will not contain the nutrients specifically added for puppies. 
     As soon as possible after bringing your puppy home, try to get him on an eating schedule.  Some puppies can regulate their eating habits--but many will overeat.  So offer food two or three times a day. When he seems finished, remove the food until the next feeding time.  He will soon learn to eat when the food is given.  One benefit for YOU in controlling his eating habits is that the more you control when he eats, the more you control when he poops.  This is helpful in your efforts at potty training, as the puppy will normally need to go potty after eating.  You should also keep a bowl of clean, fresh water available to your puppy any time he is out of his crate.  And here, again, he may need to go potty after getting a drink of water.
     Giving your dogs treats has been covered in a previous post.  But I will say, that treats are a fun thing for your dog and for the owner to give.  But they are not nutritionally necessary, and should be limited to a sensible amount.  If giving "people" food, limit it to things such as carrot slices, apple slices or bits of cheese.  (And NEVER feed your dog directly from the table.  This will foster disrespect from the dog, and will result in constant begging.)
     We here at Dogwood Dachshunds will have a new litter in a couple of weeks, and get to start the whole process over again!  Those will be the Christmas Puppies for 2012, so we're really looking forward to them.
      If you have a question or comment, please leave it here, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.  If I don't know the answer to your question, I will do my best to get it for you.  And if you're not signed up to "follow" or are "subscribed" to this blog, please do so on the upper right side of the page.  Then you will get the automatic updates in your email. 
     Thanks again, for stopping by, and as always . . .  . . . . . . . .

                              Happy Tails, Everyone!!!!!!!
      

Time for a Treat?

     Just about any dog is ready for a treat, just about any time.  And you as a good "parent", must decide when the time is right for such a treat as well as what kind of treat your dog will receive.  Doggie treats are a wonderful bonus for your dog, and fun for you to give.  But they are not nutritionally necessary.  Just like for own diets, we must monitor what our dog eats for nutrition, quantity, and even whether it may even be bad for him.  Special dilligence should be used if your little friend is a Dachshund, because excess weight can cause or aggravate back problems.
     A good guideline to follow is first of all, ask your veteranarian if your dog is a good weight.  If not, you will probably be given some tips on feeding to either bring his weight up or down to a healthy level for that particular dog.  There are many good quality, high protein dog foods on the market.  You should use advise from your vet, some personal research,  along with your individual budget constraints.  Some dog foods are extremely expensive, and not necessarily the best for your dog.  Just because they claim to add mass amounts of vitamines to their food doesn't mean that is best for your dog.  Check with your vet before feeding a food that has claims like that; my own vet told me she had treated three dogs in one month with vitamine poisoning from one particular (and very high priced) food.
     Some "people" food is OK for your dog.  Most dogs love apple slices, carrots, and string cheese.  Any of these in small portions are fine.  But always separate the giving of treats away from your own meals, and NEVER feed straight from the table.  This will encourage a disrespect from your dog who will then sit right under you and beg whenever you or even guests are eating.  Some things to NOT give your dog are chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, grapes, raisins, alcohol, and xylitol (an artificial sweetner found in gum).  There are many things, including flowers, toxic to dogs; a complete list can be found online by searching "plants toxic to dogs"  and "foods toxic to dogs". 
     Do you have a problem with your dog snapping at your hand for a treat?  You can train him to take it slowly (and safely!)  with just a little effort.  At a time when your dog is not excited, and when he has already eaten and is not hungry, hold a small treat in your closed palm.  Your dog will smell it and try to open your hand wih his nose.  Only when he relaxes, and pulls back, open your hand and say, "Easy."  Your dog will learn to gently take a treat from your hand without taking your fingers with it! 
     I hope this has been informative for you.  If you have a comment or question, please leave it on the space below.  I will do my best to answer, and if I don't know the answer, I will find it for you!  And, if you're not already a "follower" of my blog, please subscribe above and it will come directly to your email.  Thanks for stopping by, and as always, . . .
                        HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!
    
    

Thor Finds a Home - and nail trimming tips

     It's been  busy week around here for the Dachshund Lady.  We have had several puppies going to their new forever homes, with more set to leave even today!  Mostly these have been the Cream puppies of Duke and Duchess; their puppies are so, so cute!  Their litter was an astounding SEVEN!  There were six girls and only one boy; talk about being outnumbered.  But that little boy got to go to his new home yesterday, and he got a brand new, very powerful name:  Meet "Thor".  You Avenger  fans will appreciate that.  :)

"The Mighty Thor"

"Thor protecting his two sisters"

     Here is another picture of Thor's two sisters who are not spoken for yet.  The are just now eight weeks old, but have been completely weaned and totally rowdy for a couple of weeks already.  You'll notice instead of Thor's green eyes and brown nose, they both have black eyes and black noses.  Both are very striking looks.  Of course, I could be a little prejudiced.
     Before puppies leave Dogwood Dachshunds, they always get one last once over checklist to make sure they are healthy and fit.  One thing is they always get one last "puppy manicure".  New puppies' nails grow fast, and since the first few weeks are not spent running around and wearing their nails down, they grow into little "hooks", and are very sharp.  I trim the little nails at around 4-5 weeks, and then again before they "go home" at 8 weeks.  This is a very important time to begin teaching your puppy that nail trimming is necessary and not something to be feared.  From this point on, I encourage new puppy owners to keep nail trimmers handy, and to quite often take the trimmers and let the puppy smell them, rub them on the puppy's feet, in between their toes, and actually squeeze the trimmers close to their ears as if you were actually clipping, so they can hear the little sound it makes.  All this will then seem "everyday and natural" to your puppy as he grows older, and so should be comfortable with you handling his feet.  Otherwise, you may wind up having to go to the Vet or groomer just to have nails trimmed.  Dogs with light colored nails are easier to work with, because the vein can usually be seen through the nail itself, so you can avoid clipping too far into the "quick".  It is very painful to the dog to cut too far, and the nail will bleed a lot.  It is advisable to have on hand a product to stop the bleeding, called "styptic powder".  You can find it in the pet store in the medical section.  The brand name I most often have seen is "Kwik Stop".  I call it the "yellow stuff" ('cause it's yellow).  If you do cut too short, and the toenail is bleeding, simply apply some of the yellow powder directly to the nail, and it should stop the bleeding.
     I hope everyone is having a safe and happy beginning to their summer.  Remember to not let your dogs overheat.  We'll discuss heat exhaustion here soon, as it can be very dangerous for your dog.  If this is your first visit, welcome!  Please go to the top of the page and sign up to "follow", or "subscribe", so you'll get automatic updates. And recommend us to your friends to follow, as well.  You can also checkout my website at www.dogwooddachshunds.com.  And if you have a comment or question, please use the comment section below.  If I don't know the answer to your question, I will do my best to find it for you!
     Thanks for stopping by, and as we always say,
                                    "HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!"

       

Raising a Happy, Friendly, and Confident Puppy

     Who doesn't love a puppy?  And if you have a new one, you have a great opportunity to start him off right, and raise a happy dog, who is friendly and respectful.
     One thing to ALWAYS remember, is that you puppy is a dog, not a human.  Lots of people like to say, "Oh, they are like my own children to me."  And I know they believe that.  The thing is, puppy is NOT human.  Puppy doesn't THINK like human, doesn't respond to things in the same way.  On the other hand, there are some similarities in the ways we CAN treat Puppy as you would a child.  One thing is to be consistent.  Physical punishment does not work with puppies; it only makes them a scared puppy whenever you raise your hand.  What you CAN do, is lightly "poke" the puppy with a finger and make that sound mothers do to kids, like Ah! Ah!. That takes his attention away from the bad behaviour and you can then direct him to a better choice to occupy his time.  Also--and, this is big; DO NOT rub your puppy's nose in his poop if he has an accident.  Yes, YOU would hate it if someone did that to YOU.  But Puppy will not understand you intention.  Did you know that dogs EAT their own poop sometimes.  So you are not accomplishing your goal, which is to have Puppy go poop in the correct location.  When you see him sniffing the floor, turning around in circles, or pacing back and forth, grab him and take him to the pee pad, or outside in the grass wherever you designate for him to go.  After he has done it in the right place tell him how good he is, and play with him for a bit.  If Puppy is very young and still in training, he should not be unsupervised in areas where he could have accidents and perhaps damage carpet or flooring.  Crate training is great for this purpose.  Dogs actually learn to love the crate, as they are den animals and feel safe and secure in their "den".  Don't get one too large, though, because he will make his bed in the back, and poop in the front.  It needs to be large enough that he can stand up without his head touching the ceiling, and plenty of room for him to turn around.
     Puppy should be introduced to new people slowly.  Especially if they are children.  Children should be shown how to approach the puppy slowly from the front or side of the dog, and offer a hand near or under the puppy's mouth to be sniffed.  This certainly applies to older dogs as well.
     Your puppy should be introduced to people and situations in order to become confident around all kinds of people, things, and situations.  But I will caution you:  I don't recommend you take your dog or puppy to public places, especially dog parks, until all preventative vaccinations have been completed, with the last one being given at least two weeks past.
     Abnormal behaviors include being fearful or easily startled, constant crying or yelping, biting to guard food or toys, and extreme nervousness or destructive behavior.  These can be quite serious problems and may require professional help or formal training.
     Remember that with a puppy, "out of sight" usually means "Into trouble".  So pay attention to what Puppy is doing, and how he interacts with his environment.  Keep appropriate toys to keep him interested and stimulated, and provide safe "down" time, especially for young puppies as they do require frequent naps.  Also, remember, waking up from a nap is one of the times you always should expect him to go potty; after he finishes eating is another time you always want to give him a chance to go potty.
     Hopefully, you've found something here that might help with your dog or new puppy.  We, here at Dogwood Dachshunds (shameless plug) are always here to help if we can.  We actually have a litter of Cream puppies, of which there are still three available--a male and two females.  You may contact me by the email here if you're interested in them.

      So, thanks for stopping by.  I hope you'll go to the tab at  and as we always say,
                           Happy Tails, Everyone!!!!!!

Christmas Puppies--Yea!

     Today, on Christmas Eve 2011, the last of this year's Christmas puppies have gone to their new homes.  It was bittersweet, because we had gotten so attached to them as we had kept them a few extra weeks while waiting for Christmas.  The first puppy was a complete surprise to the little girl shown here holding her puppy, who she immediately named Chloe.  Her parents had led her to believe they were coming to a friend's house to look at a four wheeler for sale.  Then she found out that a puppy was about to be put in her arms; one of her very own that she had been asking for the past two years.

     The next puppy was picked up by some more sneaky parents, whose little girl is waiting at home with relatives standing by with video cameras.  This little girl has also been patiently (or maybe IMpatiently) waiting for a dachshund puppy for the past approximately two years.  This little puppy, Louie, is shown here with the little girl's mom.  (I'm not sure, but I'm kinda thinking they may have to come back and get another puppy; there may not be enough of this one for all to share.  :)

 
   Christmas puppies are a wonderful treat for the whole family.  But we must also be very realistic about the responsibility that comes along with it.  Both these lucky dogs were well planned for in advance.  They've been reserved here at Dogwood Dachshunds (shameless plug)  for weeks, in anticipation of Christmas.  And all arrangements have been made for their arrival at home.  It is much more difficult for those who make a spur of the moment decision to run out and find a puppy for Christmas, especially if you have never had a puppy or dog before and really don't realize what all is required for a successful addition to the family.
     One family just couldn't wait until Christmas to take their puppy home, and he is shown here, a beautiful black/tan fellow named Bandit.  He is visiting Santa Claus for the first time.  Wonder what he's telling Santa he wants?

     Adding a puppy to the family is just that; you are actually adding a living, breathing family member who must be housed, fed, taken to the doctor when he or she is sick, and considered whenever a trip is made or company is over.  All this is doable, it simply takes planning.  Finding out everything you can about care and feeding, and buying necessary supplies ahead of time will greatly reduce stress on yourself and in turn, the puppy.  Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you prepare for your puppy, whether at Christmas or any other time.
      1.   Try to feed the puppy the same food he was eating at the Breeder's home, and if you want to change, gradually transition to the new food by mixing the original food and the new food by about half/half for at least a week.  His stomach doesn't need any additional shock to go along with the stress of moving away from all his siblings and familiar surroundings.  It is not unusual for him to experience loose stools the first day or two at a new home, simply from stress.
     2.   Confine your new puppy to small areas of the home, and introduce him to new areas/rooms slowly.  It's all new to him, and you must keep him where you can watch him constantly for his safety as well as the constant necessity of potty training.  When you're not actively watching or playing with puppy, I would suggest he be placed in his crate with a soft blanket.  He's still a baby, and will need to nap often, anyway.  Crates are a very good tool, and appreciated by dogs as they are "den animals"; they feel safe in their den.
         I hope if you got a new puppy for Christmas, maybe you saw something here that may help you.  If you have questions you'd like to ask, please do, and I will answer as soon as I can.  And if I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you! 
     Please subscribe to my blog, and recommend it to your other dog lovers, dachshund or otherwise.  Thanks for stopping by, and as always .  .  .  . 
                                         HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!

    

Puppies going out the door!

     Well, the current litter of puppies were evidently "magical" in their appeal to people who are in search for their "new best friend".  They were all (5) reserved with paid deposit by 2-5 weeks of age.  Actually, one is reserved by myself.  You met her in my last post.  She's going to stay here at Dogwood Kennel (shameless plug).   I don't let my puppies go until they are 8 weeks, so this has been nice, knowing for these past few weeks that they all already had homes with people who are so anxious for their new baby to come to their home.
     I have even had several people who would ask to be allowed to just come and see the puppies anyway, even though they were already sold, then they asked if I could possibly break the contract the the other people so they could buy a particular one.  I, of course, wouldn't think of doing that.  But I did think it was especially telling of how remarkable, beautiful, and spunky these little ones are.  So, we are handing out lots of business cards, and promising to call people when we have "puppies on the ground".

     This little one had absolutely no trouble picking his new family for Christmas.  How could anyone resist a face, and regal demeanor as this?  This little boy actually is from a previous litter; his name is Roscoe, and is living happily in a Doxie house in which a couple of humans are allowed to occupy parts of their space.  When the grown children are home with THEIR Dachshunds, I believe the house is completely overtaken by a total of 6 Wiener Dogs holding their own version of the Wiener Dog Races at Sam Houston Race Park.  (Robinson Family, you know I'm talking about you!)  :)
      But Christmas is not necessarily a given for being able to see all the puppies into new homes as presents.  I have experienced both situations, as above, where I had people literally trying to cheat others out of their reserved puppies, and other times where I couldn't even get answers to ads.  I haven't found a golden rule.  It just seems that either it's a "puppy Christmas", or it's not.  But all the puppies find their homes eventually, even if it's not by Christmas Eve. 
      I did fine one puppy that will, hopefully, be with me for a long time; I think I'll name him Sparky.  He started out as an outside dog, and I'll show a picture of him there.  But he wound up inside, as I live out in the country and I was afraid all the wild critters might mess with him at night.  But he's given everyone who has seen him a lot of smiles.  What do you think?  Actually, a lot of my friends have his littermates!

     Sparky has brought lots of positive comments from all who meet him.  This brings me to my tip for the day; and that is to be extra vigilant in your watchfulness over you dogs and especially puppies during the Christmas Season while we have decorations both inside and outside the house.  From experience, I can tell you (and so can Popeye), that having a puppy chew through an electrical cord is a very dangerous, painful, and scary thing!  And that was just for ME!  Seriously, be very mindful of your Christmas decorations that might be attractive to your dogs and puppies to chew on and possibly swallow.  Not only could it possibly make them very sick and/or endanger their lives, it could be very costly veterinary bills for you.  Many things dogs eat will not "pass naturally", and must be surgically removed.  Thankfully, Sparky has his own electrical cord that he is very "attached to" and has no inclination to chew on it. 
     If you have a topic you'd like to see addressed here on the blog, please leave me a comment and I will do my best to address it.  If necessary, I'll do some research to be able to give you a more educated answer than just my own "wild guess", if it's something I'm not sure about. 
     As always, I'd ask you please recommend the blog to your friends, any dog lovers you know (dachshund or otherwise), and ask them to follow (makes me feel good!).  And if you have a good Doxie story, or a question and/or comment, please leave that here.  I will answer as soon as I can, and if I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you.  And so, in the meantime,
                                    HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!

Just a little "dappled" announcement . . . . . . . . .

       As you know, if you follow this blog very much, I continuously make shameless plugs here for my Dogwood Dachshund Kennel.  So, I am shamelessly making this whole entire post about the Kennel and our new addition, because I'm pretty excited about her.
      Meet -- oh, wait, I haven't actually given her a name yet.  So we're still working on that.  I know it's coming to me, I can feel it.  But it has to be just right.  I'll definitely let you know when I get it.  This little girl is the daughter of Bonnie and Samson, who can be seen on my website, www.dogwooddachshunds.com.  They both have such sweet dispositions, and Bonnie has always been such a good mother, I thought it would be a good thing to save one of her female puppies to add to the Kennel.  Then, along came THIS little beauty.  She is funny; she is regal; she is rough and tumble with her brothers and sisters.  I expect her to be a great addition.  But until the time she becomes a mommy (probably about a year and a half from now), we will be having some puppy magic around the Kennel.  Somehow, I think she may get just a little spoiled.  Everyone already thinks she is very special.

      You will probably be bombarded with updates on her progress from time to time.  We are super excited about her--you'd think we were getting our very first puppy!  I'd be open to suggestions on names over the next couple of weeks.  So, if you'd like to leave a comment  with a name suggestion, please do.  And until then, as always . . . . . . .
                                     HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!

Guard Dogs, Short Legs, Waggy Tails

     Miniature Dachshunds have to be some of the best guard dogs you could ever ask for.  Of course, it could depend on what you really want from your guard dog.  If you want the trespasser taken down, dragged back out the front gate, with some very satisfying chewing going on all the while, a dachshund might not be your first choice.  But if you want a guard dog to alert you to the fact that something or someone, somewhere, on, in, or near your property MOVED, then a dachshund will suit your purposes mightily!  They will let you know if a squirrel is in your yard or one of the neighbors' 40 cats is crouching outside your window as it stalks the birds you're trying to provide a nice feed and water station during a sever drought.  The mighty dachshund will let you know if the UPS truck is outside, and oh, how excited we all are as the driver actually has the nerve to approach the door and leave a package outside. 
     So, you may ask, "What if a person actually comes in the house?"  All I can tell you is what happens at my house with Popeye.  First, he sounds the "bugle call" to Missy (another dachshund) and Sissy (a Lab mix, with old age hips, but young lungs).  So then it sounds like a virtual animal shelter that is under some sort of attack by terrorists, as the girls join in on the Call to Arms.  Then, when we let in our guests,  all canines are transformed into wiggly, waggly, short legged, (and long legged but limping) whines and whimpers, joyful barks and yelps as they welcome whoever has decided to come see us.  Now, it could still be a terrorist.  But Popeye and the gang are still happy to see them. 
      I'm working on at least getting them to stop the madness once we have determined that it is not a terrorist at the door.  So far it's not working.  But, in all fairness, I have been pretty busy with other things and not been very consistent.  So, it's one of the things we are working on here at Dogwood Dachshunds (shameless plug).  A well disciplined dog is a beautiful sight.  A calm, consistent  master (or actually it is "pack leader") is a real key and necessary component to training a well mannered dog. 
      So here is a tip for today on training:
            #1.  When attempting to stop unwanted behavior, do NOT yell the dog's name.  Simply make a disapproving sound, such as "Ehhh!!"  He should hear his name only in positive situations.  Be consistent in the reprimand, giving the sound each time the dogs does the unwanted behavior.
     I hope you are having a great time with your Doxie.  Or if you are considering a Doxie as a new companion and would like to ask some questions about the breed, feel free to leave a comment here.  I will be happy to answer questions, and if I don't know the answer I will find it for you.   And as this little girl below is doing, stop and smell the flowers!

    
           If you enjoy Dachshunds or dogs in general, I hope you'll follow my blog, and recommend it to friends.  Become a follower, and you'll receive notice each time a new entry is made.  I love to hear stories about your adventures with your little short legged, waggy tailed friends, so please leave me a comment.  In the meantime,
                                            HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!
        

Beautiful AKC Miniature Dachshunds - Classified Ad

Beautiful AKC Miniature Dachshunds - Classified Ad

Beautiful Miniature Dachshund Puppies - Classified Ad

Beautiful Miniature Dachshund Puppies - Classified Ad

These beautiful Mini-Dachshund puppies were born August 9, 2011, and will be ready for their new homes by October 4, 2011 when they are 8 weeks old. Potty training will have begun,and they will be started on their shots and worming schedule. They are: one wild boar male and one wild boar female; one chocolate dapple male, and one red dapple female; one black/tan female. In another litter, one red male who will be ready October 15 2011. AKC papers are in hand and ready for you. Just call or email if you have questions or want to come see these babies. I'm northwest of Houston right off Hwy 290.
832-741-8848 www.dogwooddachshunds.com

Beware the Pooped Out Pup!

     We  love our dogs and want them to feel their best.  But sometimes they do get sick, just as we all do.
     One of the best things you can do for your dog is to simply pay attention and be observant of his behaviour as it relates to his overall health.  Several things can give you clues and indication of a problem.  A dog usually runs a normal temperature of around 101 degrees.  You can check this yourself with a rectal thermometer--not as in the photoshopped picture below.  ;)

     First, simply notice how he is acting.  If he is especially lethargic, and is not of very advanced age and is of a healthy weight, you might consider some possibilities of what could be ailing him. In general, lethargy can be considered a reduction in activity. A lethargic dog might get tired more easily, sleep a lot, have decreased interest in activities that he used to enjoy doing, and not eat or use the bathroom as often. You might even notice that your dog is having more accidents as a result of his reluctance to be taken out for walks.  Some possible causes might be infectious diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, diabetes, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, as well as pain.  If it hurts to get up and down, the dog is going to avoid unnecessary movement. While lethargy in itself isn’t always serious, it could be a sign of something more serious. If you notice that your dog has trouble breathing, has a decrease in appetite, is avoiding contact with people, has tremors, appears weak, has a fever, or is listless then you should definitely pay a visit to your vet to rule out any other medical condition.
     Another very easy way to discern a possible problem with your dog's health is to, uh, "know your poop".  Your dog's poop, that is.  Normal dog poop is going to be a bit smelly, can be small or large, sometimes depending on the type of food he is consuming.  Especially horrible smelling poop can be a signal of either a bit of a health problem, or simply that he has eaten something different than normal.  A yearly "poop exam" should be done at your veterinarian to be sure he doesn't have parasites.  However some, like tapeworms which appear in the poop as small grains of rice, must be actually seen.  So follow your dog around sometimes, and check it out.  Generally a dog's stool will be brown. In the course of a month, the color may vary slightly from brown to variations of yellow, mostly depending on what the dog ingested. Causes for concern are:
         ** Tarry black poop which could indicate the presence of blood being digested, for instance from a bleeding ulcer or other malady.
        **  Red blood in the stool could indicate undigested bone, fissures, intestinal bleeding and even cancer.
        **  Yellow stools may indicate giardia, tiny parasites that have invaded the intestine, usually through something the dog ate or drank such as water from a puddle in the woods, or horse poop, bunny poop or other excrement. It results in not only a yellow stool, but yellow diarrhea and is contagious, a cause for immediate attention from a veterinarian.
        **Diarrhea in colors from mustard yellow to green to dark brown indicates something wrong in the dog's system. It could be as simple as eating something nasty to the start of severe health problems.

        So, to keep your dog as healthy and alert as Popeye, here, be watchful of both your pet's general behaviour as well as his poop.  These are some very important tools to keeping your dog healthy.  If you see some of the above described conditions, you should take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
     Thank you all for stopping by today.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them here, and I will answer as best I can.  If I don't know the answer, I'll get it for you.  If you're not already a "follower" of my blog, please go to the top of the page and click on the follow tab.  And, as always,
                                      Happy Tails, Everyone!!!!!!!

    

Don't forget the Dental!

     One thing that we always need keep an eye on for our canine friends is the condition of their teeth.  There are many products on the market to help accomplish dental health in dogs.  But not all may be the best for your own little one.  The one good way to know if it is working is to have his teeth examined each year when he's in the vet's office for his boosters or regular checkups.  If the teeth are deteriorating, maybe you should change or add something to your routine.  Just as in people, healthy teeth are vital to a healthy body.  All kinds of ills can stem from an unhealthy mouth.  Another thing to consider is that if your dog has a really bad tooth, he can't actually "tell" you he's in pain from it.  So yearly exams are important.
     There are special treats at the Pet Stores that are designed to help clean teeth, as well as specially designed tooth brushes and canine toothpaste.  One of the most effective tools is something that is like a rubber finger tip with small nubs or "bristles" which you fit over your finger and you actually rub your dog's teeth and gums with it along with some yummy dog toothpaste.  Most dogs tolerate it pretty well.  I will say that Chihuahuas don't much like you messing with their mouths, so maybe this will be a good method of care if that's your canine of choice. 
     If you are lucky enough to have your dog to live to a nice old age, it is important to keep up with his dental care.  Otherwise, he may have suddenly have several teeth pulled at once, which can greatly affect his diet and ability to eat.

     I haven't been on here for a while because of some "extreme busy-ness".  But I'm glad to be back with you.  I'm inserting here a picture from a current litter of puppies.  His name is Oz, and he is about to travel to New Jersey to begin a new life with his forever family.  Oz is large and in charge, and feels very important among his three sisters.  I feel certain he is going to enjoy his life from here on.
     Thanks for stopping by.  Feel free to leave comments or ask questions; I'll get right back to you.  If I don't know the answer, I will definitely get it for you.  If you're not a regular follower, please go to the top of the page and click on "follow", then continue with the steps .  (I'm a secret "Follower hoarder".)  Seriously, I'd love for you to be an official follower of the blog, and suggest it to your friends and other dog lovers everywhere.  Have a great day, and as always, Happy Tails, Everyone!

Welcome the new baby with Puppy Shower!

     A few years ago I sold a puppy to a young woman who works in New York City.  I never did find out exactly what her job was, but it was in one of those big tall New York type buildings.  She had looked at my website, www.dogwooddachshunds.com, then called to see if I had any puppies.  I emailed pictures of the puppies I had available, and she chose a beautiful black/tan female who would not be ready to travel for a few weeks.
     This extra wait time proved to heighten the excitement for this new owner, as well as her co-workers.  She called about once a week to see how her puppy was doing, and asked questions about her care.   It seems that by the time her puppy arrived from Houston, Texas to New York, New York, much preparation had been made.  A huge celebration took place a few days after the puppy arrived, complete with gifts, food, and lots of friends with well-wishes and admiration.  She had told me her co-workers were planning a "Puppy Shower" for her, and I thought it was the cutest idea ever.  Since that time, I have heard of other people being given showers for their new pet.
     Of course, etiquette would probably require that your friends actually sponsor and give the shower for you, if you're getting a new puppy.  But nothing would prevent you from simply inviting some friends over to meet your new family member.  Simple food and fellowship, some oooos and ahhhhhhs over the new puppy, and it's a great party.
     You could have your party with or without canine guests.  One would want to be sure that any dogs invited are "dog friendly".  In other words, they should be able to socialize and get along with other dogs.  It could turn into a stressful situation, otherwise.  If you have a large yard for running and playing, that is all the better.  You could have some toys and games for everyone, and of course special treats for both canine and human guests!  If you don't have a yard large enough to play in, or live in an apartment, you probably would want to limit the number of invited guests, or simply not include the "canine escort".
     A few little hints for a successful and safe party would be:
          **In the interest of safety--no balloons.  Dogs love to pop them, and can swallow bits.  Also, other dangerous edibles, such as chocolate and grapes.
          **Have lots of water bowls handy, as excited dogs who are running and playing will most certainly need a drink of water.
          **Be sure to have a camera handy.  There are bound to be some adorable scenes and situations that you will want to record.  If you have a friend who wouldn't mind helping out, let her take lots of candid shots of all the guests, especially including YOU and your NEW BEST FRIEND!!!  
          **If you're giving your party outside in the summer heat, be sure to watch for overheating.  A great way to prevent that is to have a kiddie pool filled with nice cool water where the pooches can cool off.  Of course, you'll need to provide plenty of towels.  Or you would advise your guests in the invitation that it's a "pool party" and they should bring their own doggie beach towel.
     If you have a party for your dog or attend one for someone else, I'd love to hear about it, and any new ideas you may have.  Please post a comment here on the blog.  And take a minute to go to the top of the page, click on FOLLOW, and become a follower of my blog, and please, share it with your friends.
     If you have a comment, or a question regarding about caring for your dog I will answer as soon as I can.  If I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you!  And, as always,
                             Happy Tails, Everyone!!!!!!!!

Do you have a 'ruff' time giving your dog a pill?

     Some dogs will gulp down anything you hold out in your hand that they think is even remotely something to eat.  Others have to sniff it, maybe lick it, and then if they're lucky, they can turn and walk away to their hidey place.
     Most of us have to give our dogs medicine in the form of a pill sometimes.  In the summer months, most veterinarians will recommend a heart worm preventative pill be taken once a month.  Heart worms go through several stages of development, and are spread by mosquitoes that bite an infected animal, then bite your precious pet, thereby spreading the worms where they grow inside your dog.  Here in Texas, it is best to simply plan keeping your dog on heart worm preventative all year.  All we need is a warm spell in December with a rain, and mosquitoes come out in full force.  But unfortunately not all dogs enjoy taking their pills.
     As I've said before, I have a kennel with a number of Miniature Dachshunds (I'll save the shameless plug for later).  Most of them think I've brought them a piece of candy when I offer their tiny little heart worm pill.  Others, however, look at me like I have just called them a bad name.
     There are a few different ways to administer the pill if you meet resistance, and it needn't be traumatic for either of you.  My dogs know what to expect, and don't resist at all.  But this is my technique for them:   Place your hand over the top of his muzzle and with your thumb on one side, fingers on the other side, push his lips against his teeth until he opens his mouth wide.  Drop the pill as far back into his mouth as possible; if it lands closer out on his tongue, you may need to push it a little further to the back of his throat.  Then allow him to close his mouth, but hold it shut and blow into his face and nostrils to make him swallow.  I also rub their throat to encourage swallowing.  This may sound complicated, but it is really very easy.  And for the dog who can discover a pill inside any kind of treat you may try to hide it in, it is good to know.
     Speaking of treats.  Many people have good luck giving their dog a pill by burying it inside a dab of peanut butter.  Peanut butter is sticky, but they love it, and will work it all around in their mouth, trying to get every tiny taste.  This is usually better than wrapping inside a piece of bread or cheese; my experience with that is that they roll it around in their mouth, and spit out the pill, wag their tail and look at you for another piece of cheese!
     If your dog is talented enough to catch treats that are tossed to him, and he usually just gulps them down, you might be able to wrap the pill in a treat and toss it to him with no problem.  I would toss a couple of treats first, then toss the loaded one. 
     Many types of pills, vitamins, Canine aspirin and these sorts of things are made with tasty ingredients that dogs usually are happy to take, and want more.  However, for those hard cases, I hope I've bee able to give you a few ideas here to help next time you have Ole Blue pinned down on the floor, with a plunger, trying to get a pill down his throat!

     The picture shown here are just a few things I keep on hand; Canine Aspirin is nice to have if you have an old dog like Sissy.  She's a 9 year old Lab mix who is pretty stiff in her joints, and sometimes she's in pain if she has walked a lot or tried to run. 
     If you have questions or comments, please leave them and I'll get back to you very soon.  If I don't know the answer, I know a good old Texas A&M Vet who does, and I will find out and let you know.  Please go up to the top of the page, and click to "follow" my blog.  And pass it on to others dog lovers you might know.  And now for the shameless plug:  www.dogwooddachshunds.com.  As always, thanks for stopping by, and . . . .
                                  Happy Tails, Everyone!!!!!!!!

Thinking of traveling with your dog? Or is boarding an option?

     In families that include dogs, there is always the question of where do they go while you go on vacation or any other trip that is overnight or even several days?  Many people have very strong feelings, pro and con, about leaving their dog at a boarding kennel.  The problem is, you just can't always take your dog(s) with you on trips.  Either they are not "welcome" where you're going, they don't travel well, you can't find hotels that welcome dogs, etc. 
     If you are considering a boarding kennel for the first time, there are some things you should consider.  There is actually the American Boarding Kennels Association, which sets certain standards.  But don't rule out a kennel if they are not a member. You should contact several kennels and ask lots of questions.  Do they require proof of immunization?  Is it temperature controlled?  Do they have access to outside for walks?  Are they kept on wire? (How would you like to walk on wire for days in your bare feet?  Many puppy mills utilize these wire cages.)  Is there adequate light? 
     Then I would visit the boarding kennel to see the operation.  Does it seem clean enough, is the smell overpowering, is there supervision for the animals? 
     If you dog has never been kennelled before, you might want to do a trial run of an afternoon stay; then an overnight stay.  This will prepare him and let him know he has not been abandoned forever, when you go on a week's vacation and leave him there.  I personally believe in talking to my dogs, and telling them what's going on.  I'm not absolutely SURE they understand me, but I guess it makes ME feel better!
     On the other hand, maybe you want to take your dog with you on your trip.  We actually did that a few weeks ago, and it was certainly an adventure!  A 9 year old Lab mix (who has never enjoyed riding, because it either means going to the vet or the beauty shop), and two miniature dachshunds.  All dogs react differently.  Some absolutely LOVE to ride.  (If you enjoy taking your dog around town with you on errands, etc., I'd suggest you start when he's too small to know what's going on.)  So anyway . . . Sissy, the Lab, took up most of the back seat, and panted for the first two hours.  Popeye was OK, but Missy trembled and shook for the first two hours.  Then we stopped for gas and to let them out (on leashes, of course--oh, and if your dog is not trained to the lease, do that before going on a road trip!  Just sayin'.).  So they got some MAJOR relief out in the grass, if you know what I mean.  They drank some water --  essential when you traveling --  we got back into the truck and they all laid down and went to sleep.  Missy had to be covered up, but they all slept another two hours till we got to our destination.
     If you will be staying in hotels, check ahead of time to see if your dog is welcome.  Surprisingly, several hotels are dog friendly.  Much better than when we first moved to Texas in the 80's, and had to throw a blanket over our Cocker Spaniel's head and carry her in through the hotel lobby,pretending she was a baby.
     Traveling with your dog can be hard, and if yours is nervous in the car, I would suggest you speak with your veterinarian prior to the trip about medications that could help.  We have given Dramamine to our dogs in the past for motion sickness.  There are also special treats you can give your dog for a calming effect. They have natural ingredients that help the dog to stay calm.  I give these to my dogs at times like the 4th of July.  They are very scared of fireworks and their sound effects.  They're also scared of thunderstorms, and the treats seem to help some then as well.  There are a few different brands.  You can get them from pet stores or order from a pet supply.  I have some called Ultra Calm Biscuits that I got through www.DrsFosterSmith.com .
     Bring your dog's regular food and water bowls so he's comfortable at mealtime.  He will also need his own bed or special blanket (Popeye!) and/or toy.
     And if you decide to take your dog on a trip or vacation with you, remember that he's there!  He is on vacation, too, and needs to be played with just as he would at home. 
   

    
    The goal here is to have a successful trip, a relaxing vacation for you AND your pet.  As always, if you have a thought, helpful hint, a question, please leave a comment, and I will get back to you.  And PLEASE  go to the top of the page, click on "Follow", and register to follow my blog.  Once again, thanks for stopping by; Happy Tails, Everyone!!!!!!
 

Why should I microchip my pet?

      Most of us have a general idea about microchips, but maybe not what they really are, what they do, or how they can be beneficial to you and your pet.  As I've stated here before, I have a kennel and raise Miniature Dachshunds (another shameless plug, www.dogwooddachshunds.com).  I have decided that I will offer microchip service to new parents of my puppies.  So I bought the equipment (whew! not cheap!), and will soon send out a mailing informing everyone on my mailing  list of available service.  I will be doing microchips for my puppy customers and others as well.
      A microchip is a tiny capsule that is actually injected under the skin on the dog's back.  Inside that capsule is encoded information which is registered to the pet owner.  I will be using the AKC Companion Animal Recovery (CAR) system.  When a lost or stolen dog is taken to a shelter or veterinarian, they will be scanned for the presence of a microchip.  The information retained by AKC CAR will trace the dog, not only back to the owners, but to the person who administered the microchip.  Many dogs have found their way back home through the use of microchips, to the extreme joy of both dogs and owners.
      To find someone to microchip your dog or cat, simply call your own veterinarian, as it's quite possible they will provide the service.  The cost varies widely, from as little as $45 to $165.  Some are pre-registered with CAR (probably the more expensive ones), and some will give you paperwork that you will mail in to CAR with a small one-time fee that will keep your pet registered with them for life.
      It is definitely something to think about.  A small cost that could save heartache later.  If you have a comment or question about this subject, or any other we've discussed here, please leave it in the comment section and I will get back to you as quickly as possible.  As always, if I don't know the answer, I'll find out for you. 
      Thanks for stopping by, and as always, Happy Tails, Everyone!!!!

Pets with Pets

      Today, while on patrol duty around the house, Popeye evidently rooted around under a bed, behind a desk or other fixed and rarely moved object (no judgements here!).  There he found what is actually a Christmas ornament.  It is a tiny red bag that held two out of date coupons for a Chic-fil-A sandwich, and a "Eat More Chicken" cow attached to the top, and the usual loop of string to attach it to the Christmas tree.  He was so excited, and would alternately shake it, growl at it, and lick it.  When he got tired, he pulled it over underneath his chin and went to sleep with his new "baby".
      Most dogs do love to play with toys.  Sometimes they seem to only want to see how fast they can destroy it.  Popeye is an expert at removing a squeaker from any type of stuffed toy.  So those are off limits around here!  Dachshunds are particularly known to become especially attached to a certain toy or object.  Popeye's toy obsession has always been tennis balls, and he will become wild over the small soccer ball that you can get at PetSmart (which has a squeaker).  He doesn't try to remove the squeaker, but seems to be trying to play tunes with it.  So that stays put away most of the time.  But his other love and obsession has been his blanket.  He rolls on it, bites it, shakes it, growls, and eventually burrows under it to go to sleep.  So the addition of this new "baby" is especially cute.
      Suitable toys are an important part of a dog's day.  Most dogs love to chew, and will get great satisfaction from various chew toys that can be obtained from the pet store.  Real bones, especially from chicken, turkey, and some pork bones are not advised as they can splinter and injure the dog's mouth and intestines if swallowed.  Large dogs with especially powerful jaws can break surprisingly large bones.  Caution is also advised when offering rawhide chews to your dogs, as they can cause blockage if swallowed.  They can also get stuck in the dog's throat and cause choking.  I provide the hard rubber Kong, and the very hard "nylabone" for the house dogs as well as all the dogs in the kennel.  (Shameless plug:  www.dogwooddachshunds.com)  Most dogs also love the braided and knotted ropes available at pet stores, and they are great fun.  But when you see that they are getting frayed with long loose strings, you should remove and discard them.  The dogs will obsessively pull at the strings and eventually swallow them, where they can get tangled in their intestines and may not pass. 
       So as you can see, toys are fun and an important part of a dog's life.  But it's our responsibility to see that they are not only fun, but safe as well. 
       Thanks for stopping by; leave a comment just to say "Hi", and/or tell me about your pets, whatever they may be!  And sign up to follow the blog--it's free!  And  .  .  .  Happy Tails, Everyone!!!

Be alert to burrowing Dachshunds . . .

     In case you don't know, Dachshunds are digging, burrowing dogs that were originally bred to dig into badger holes or other such animals.  But now in our modern world we don't do too much badger hunting around these parts of Texas.  But that doesn't take the instinct away.
     My little Missy, an 8 lb. red Mini-Doxie who is retired from the kennel, now has a life a luxury here in the house where she sleeps most of the time.  However, just a little while ago we found her up on the bed, where she had gotten herself trapped inside a pillow case.  In her quest to burrow just a little deeper, get a little further inside whatever imaginary wild animal den she was in, she managed to get stuck.  It was actually very funny, but Missy is a pretty serious little dog.  She is mostly about work and sleep.  So I'm sure she was very embarrassed with her predicament.

     If you have a Dachshund who is athletic and likes to work, you might consider participating in the Earth Dog Competitions.  This is great fun for the dogs because they get to "tunnel" through a course in order to get to the prize at the end.  If you're interested in learning more about this popular activity to participate in with your dog, check the AKC website (www.akc.org) or Earth Dog Trials.  It's a great way for people to enter their dogs into competitions other than the standard dog show most of us are familiar with. 
     I've included here a picture of Popeye and Missy on a day when they had been especially adventurous and found a rabbit's nest.  I have spared you the picture I took of Missy holding two newborn bunnies in her mouth with only feet sticking out!  She is truly a great hunter, and will not be deterred from her quest once she has locked in on something.  Popeye will tag along with her tohelp dig; his main job is to tear grass away, then she digs.  But in all reality, Popeye would really rather be stretched out in my lap! 
     I hope you've enjoyed this little peek into my "day to day".  Happy Tails, Everyone!

We ALL must watch our weight!

      As I sit here munching on a Mountain Trail Mix (sounds healthy, but it has M&Ms in it, REALLY?), I'm struck by the absolute control we must exercise over the food intake and weight of our pets.  It is so easy for pets to gain weight, and like us, the older they get, the more diligent we must be to watch their diet.
      Dachshunds in particular must be held at a healthy weight because it is very hard on their backs to carry excess weight.  They are by nature very active and love to run around outside to play fetch or dig for some real or imagined vermin.  It is when their weight gets out of control that we must worry.   When they get excited, they don't understand that they should not jump from high places.  But this is very dangerous for all dachshunds, but especially so for overweight ones.
      It is sometimes hard to resist those begging eyes and the absolute cuteness of these little guys when they are asking for a handout, a bite off your plate, or an extra treat.  But remember:  calories add up.  Their bodies are tiny compared to ours, and their correct amount of food should reflect that difference.  One or two treats per day should be plenty, and I would suggest they "earn" it by performing a trick, going potty outside, or willingly going into their crate.  
       All breeds can have a variance of acceptable weight from one individual to another.  At maturity (1 1/2 to 2 years) a Miniature Dachshund can weigh anywhere from 7 pounds to 15 pounds.  (Show quality dogs must be 11 pounds or less).  A good way to judge if your dog is at a good weight is to look at him straight down from above when he is standing on all fours.  If you can see a "waist" indention just in front of his hips, he is probably at a good weight.  You should be able to feel his ribs under the skin, but not see them.  On long haired varieties of any dog, you may have to resort to feel to determine if you think you dog is overweight.  Most high quality dog foods have a weight control variety.  But if you will read the directions on the bag to see the correct amount to feed your dog, and stick to it, he will probably stabilize at a healthy weight.
      One trick I like to use with my dogs is to break a treat into tiny little pieces.  They really don't "get" the concept that they have a big treat, and so should not expect another.  They will snarf that down and dance around, looking for another. 
       You can also give your dog healthy treats out of your fridge. Carrot chips appeal to lots of dogs, as well as bits of apple.  Careful, though.  There are many things that are harmful to dogs, like grapes, onions, chocolate, and many types plants; way too many to list here.  Google "plants harmful to dogs" and you will find listings that will be helpful.
      As always, questions or comments are welcome.  If you haven't signed up to follow me, please do!  Happy tails, everyone!