Allergy Sufferer? Don’t Say No to Having a Dog Yet, Read This First…..

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Victoria

I am a dog trainer and yes, I suffer from pet allergies (all pets, including farm animals) and yes, I have lived with all sorts of pets such as; horses, goats, chickens, cats and dogs.  Being a young girl, I grew up in a household of cats and dogs and can never imagine my life without a loving furry friend with me.

So let’s talk pet allergies…..the first thing to understand about pet allergies is how they are triggered.  Contrary to popular belief there is NO such thing as a Hypoallergenic dog, yes, let me repeat this, there is no such thing as a Hypoallergenic dog.  So before you drop thousands of dollars on a dog that a “breeder” is claiming to be Hypoallergenic and allergy-free, think twice before writing that check.

So what is the catch?  Different breeds can be much easier on allergy sufferers than others.  But it isn’t the shedding of the fur you need to worry about it is the skin dander.  That is why even a dog that doesn’t shed fur can trigger an allergy flare-up.  Just like humans, all animals shed an enourmous amount of skin dander throughout the day, which easily gets on furniture, bedding, clothes and the obvious our hands.  However, the more shedding of fur a dog has, the more the skin dander is prominent in those areas.

It is believed that certain breeds have genetic variations that help make their dander less prone to affect allergies in humans.  So when you are looking into a dog that is classified as a Hypoallergenic dog (NOTE:  NO DOG can be guaranteed Hypoallergenic or allergy-free), prior to purchasing that dog, spend time with the adult dogs of this breed for an hour or so.  A breeder’s home is full of the skin dander from their breed, this will also help you to find out if you have a bad reaction to this particular breed.  Puppies can take up to 6 months for their skin dander to build up, so if you have a reaction to the adult dog, you should reconsider purchasing that breed and continue looking.

How To Lessen The Allergy Problem?

I have done allergy shots (20 years), take daily (sometimes twice a day) antihistamines, nasal sprays, I am a TRUE clean freak, keeping up with regular pet grooming and bathing and I faithfully replace our furnace’s air filters 4 times a year and our house is all wood floors!  Does that sound a bit extreme?  Maybe, but it is all worth it to me and the joy I have sharing my life with our two cats and two dogs is well worth my time and money to be comfortable and breathe more easier when living with them.

A quick recap:

  • No such thing as a Hypoallergenic or Allergy-Free Dog
  • It isn’t the Shedding of Fur that is the issue, it is the Skin Dander
  • Breeds to Consider that are thought to be better for allergy sufferers
    • American Hairless Terrier
    • Airedale Terrier
    • Basenji
    • Bedlington Terrier
    • Bergamasco
    • Bichon Frise
    • Bolognese
    • Border Terrier
    • Bouvier des Flandres
    • Cairn terrier
    • Cavachon
    • Chacy Ranior
    • Chinese Crested (Hairless)
    • Coton De Tulear
    • airless Khala
    • Havanese
    • Irish Water Spaniel
    • Kerry Blue Terrier
    • Lagotto Romagnolo
    • Lowchen
    • Maltese
    • Poodles (all sizes)
    • Native American Indian Dog
    • Peruvian Inca Orchid
    • Polish Owczarek Nizinny
    • Portuguese Water dog
    • Puli
    • Shih – Tzu
    • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
    • Spanish Water Dog
    • Schnauzer (all sizes)
    • Tibetan Terrier
    • West Highland White Terrier
    • Wirehaired Fox Terrier
    • Xoloitzcuintle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Certain Designer Breeds To Consider
    • Cavachon (King Charles Cavalier/Bichon Frise)
    • Borkie (Bichon Frise/Yorkie)
    • Shichon (Bichon Frise /Shih-Tzu)
    • Poodle Mixes such as; Labradoodle (Labrador/Poodle), Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle), Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle), Shepadoodle (German Sheperd/Poodle), Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle), Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle)
    • Note About Designer Breeds; be selective and work closely with your breeder to make sure you have the desirable traits of the non-shedding breed
  • Protection From Your Allergies
    • Allergy Shots
    • Antihistamine
    • Nasal Spray
    • Clean House (Vaccum and Dust Daily)
    • Keep Your Pet Groomed and Bathed
    • Quality Air Filters in Each Room (HEPA preferred)
    • Change your air filters regularly
    • Remove Carpeting and Upholstered Furniture
    • Wash Your Hands after petting an animal

Even with all the precautions you might take, some individuals are highly allergic to animals and therefore just can’t live with them.   According to the American College of Allergy, Ashtma & Immunology approximately 10 percent of Americans are considered allergic to animals.  So if you are in that 10 percent category like myself, I hope with the tips and breeds I provided will give you the opportunity to enjoy your years with a furry buddy that offers so much in return!

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Cat or Cats – Are Two Better Than One

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Victoria

Best Friends!!!

I have never lived in a household with only one cat.  Growing up my childhood family always had two cats and currently we have two cats, Oliver and Casey.

So the question is, is it really better to have two cats or one?

Personally, I just feel there are too many good reasons to have two cats versus one, read on to find out what those are.

One or Two

First, if you are adopting your cat, why not save two?  The benefits and joy of saving two lives will definitely outweigh the extra toys, bedding, and food and yes the vet bill will be doubled, but cats are really inexpensive.  If you decide to adopt two adult cats, consider looking for a pair that has come into the rescue together, they will know each other and their comfort level with each other has already been established.  Of course, adopting kittens from the same litter is easy-breezy as they are already siblings, they will just naturally grow up being best buds!

Keeping Company

I have always thought that two cats are better than one just in the sense of keeping each other company.  Loneliness even for pets can be a difficult thing.  So making sure your fur buddies have each other for company and playmates are a wonderful thing for them.  If you work all day, your two kitties will be happy to keep each other company all day long.

Too Old To Take On a Youngin’?

Do you currently have one cat and are thinking about adding another?  First, consider your first cat’s age.  If your current cat is older and enjoying their quiet afternoons, this would not be a good time to introduce a young kitten that is rambunctious and full of energy.  Your older cat will resent your new addition and may not take kindly to the little bugger.  Instead consider adopting two kittens that can keep each other entertained and leave your “retired” kitty alone and happy.

One + One = Too Much Fun to Watch

Watching two kittens is just plan ol’ fun and entertaining.  As they roll and romp around the house chasing each other over and under furniture is truly quite entertaining.  It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Dinner Time

Two will be happy to share the same food which will help ward off picky eaters.  Feeding them the same type of food will help ensure a healthy balance for both kitties and ward off any bad behaviors of one kitty wanting what the other kitty is eating if it isn’t the same type of food.

Growing Old Together

Having two cats enjoying each other throughout the years is comforting.  They will be best friends, they will sleep together, play together, groom each other and yes every now and then they will even have a spat (Casey and Oliver have their spats and then quickly are best buddies again, never missing an opportunity to sleep in the same warm spot on my daughter’s bed together).  They will always have each other as they grow old together.

Watching Two Best Friends grow up together and truly enjoying each other’s company is the best thing you can give to your cats.  So in my humble opinion, Two Are Better Than One!

 

 

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“Purebred Star” – German Shepherd

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Victoria

Welcome to Purebred Star, the weekly blog exploring the wide diversity of dogs out there!

In my last “Purebred Star” blog I talked about the “Labrador Retriever“.

This week: German Shepherd

German Shepherd

Originates From:  Well the name says it all!  The German Shepherd is from Germany and is a herding breed.  Also known as Deutscher Schaferhund (literally meaning German Shepherd Dog) or GSD; the German Shepherd continues to soar in popularity!

Bred For:  The GSD is used mainly for herding and guarding sheep.  However, this breed is used for many other purposes such as; police and military use, guide dog, search and rescue, and a therapy dog.  Interesting Fact:  The German Shepherd is listed as NUMBER TWO as the most popular purebred of 2011 and has only been around since 1899!!!  Best known for its role on TV as Rin Tin Tin and its service in World War I, the breed’s popularity took off from there.

Build: The GSD height is from 22 – 26 inches and can weigh about 60 – 140 pounds.  They are a large and muscular dog and can be very powerful.

Appearance:  The large prick ears and black mask on their face is a strong physical feature of the GSD.  They come in a variety of colors but are best known for their tan/black or red/black markings.  The White GSD is sometimes considered a fault in the gene line and can be disqualified by some standards.  They have a double coat that sheds all year round, so daily brushings (sometimes a 2-3 times a day) will be required to help maintain their beautiful coat.

Personality: The GSD is extremely intelligent (ranked third most intelligent breed behind the Border Collie and Poodle) and highly trainable.  They are very self-confident, affectionate and playful with friends and family.  However, this breed can have difficulties accepting strangers but with proper early socialization with different people, they will learn to quickly warm up to them.  The GSD is fantastic with children and other animals!

Activity Level:  Their activity level is high, making them a breed that enjoys a good job outside.  This breed lives to “serve” people, so some type of “job” or competitive sportsmanship with the GSD will be required to keep them mentally healthy and happy!   A 30 minute walk twice to three times a day will be a must for this breed.  This will help prevent behavioral problems that can develop from boredom, therefore this breed does NOT make for a good apartment dweller or left home alone for many hours.  They enjoy being outdoors and will need access to a backyard on a regular basis.

My Training Experience:  I truly get overly excited when I get an opportunity to work with a German Shepherd.  Their intelligence soars off the marks for picking up on commands and hand signals.  They are not only a quick learner, but eager to learn and please you.  As a trainer, I have also seen the other side of the GSD when they are not worked with, trained or exercised properly, which can make this breed miserable to be around.  Not to their fault, they weren’t bred to lie around all day and be a couch potato, so they will be happy to entertain themselves and can be very destructive and aggressive if not properly socialized.  It saddens me when I meet a GSD that is narcotic (pacing back and forth) or has severe anxiety issues due to lack of mental stimulation and exercise.  I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a GSD and look forward to continue doing so.

Health Concerns: This breed has issues with Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (inability to properly digest food due to a lack of digestive enzymes made by the pancreas) and Bloat (an abundance of Air, Fluid or Foam in the stomach).

Rescue First

Germa Shepherd Puppies

Did you grow up watching Rin Tin Tin and long to have a GSD as part of your life?  The German Shepherd is a wonderful all-around active and loyal dog to have.  They truly can do it all!  If this breed sounds like a breed that would fit well into your family’s lifestyle, then start your search today.  They are a beautiful and regal purebred!  Just remember they require a lot of training and exercise.

Consider looking into a rescue organization for a purebred, there are many out there and this will give you the chance to “Save a Life” by adopting.  NEVER purchase any dog from a pet store, unfortunately, those puppies come from puppy mills, instead look for a reputable breeder to work with.

As for all animals, it is important to spay and neuter your puppy by 6 months old to have a healthy and happy pet for many years to come!

 

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Where Do Dogs Come From?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Victoria

A frequently misunderstood question, so I am here to provide you some understanding of why your dog might have certain traits that is in their DNA.  The DNA of all domesticated dogs is almost identical with all of their relatives listed below.    All domesticated dogs and their relatives share a 63 day gestation period as well as 42 teeth and many more identical traits.

Although there are several disputes in the scientific world of the domesticated dogs relatives and gene pool, one thing remains for sure with the domestication; they are trainable and depend on us humans to survive.  It is agreed in the scientific world that our domesticated dogs descend from some type of wild dog listed below, but which one doesn’t really matter as our relationship, how we interact and work with them is what matters.

The Domesticated Dog is believed to come from one or more of the 6 different types of “wild” relatives listed below.  Let’s explore each one!

 

Wolf

The Wolf

The most common conception is that all dogs come from the wolf, not so, but the wolf does play a huge role in our current domesticated dog’s gene pool.   There are two types of wolves that dogs are thought to be derived from, the Gray and Red Wolf.  The Gray Wolf is the largest, sometimes averaging about 175 pounds.  Typically found in North America with their cousin the Red Wolf weighing up to 80 pounds but found in only two states; Tennessee and North Carolina.  Some arguments have been made that the Red Wolf is a coyote-wolf hybrid.

The Dingo

Dingo

The Dingo has been around for thousands of years and lives in Australia.    They are a wild dog that is thought to come from the Aboriginal people and are sometimes kept as pets by the natives.  They are different then their domesticated partner by having longer muzzles, larger molars and longer canine teeth.  They also have a very deep chested body for long-distance running.

 

Coyote

The Coyote

One of the most adaptable wild dogs and shares some of the same genus as the Gray Wolf and domesticated dog.  The Coyote is found from Alaska to Costa Rica and lives in every US state except Hawaii.  Known for their high pitch howl, they have 10 other distinct sounds they communicate with.  Small game is their preferred diet, however, they do hunt in packs for larger game such as; elk and deer.

The Fox

Fox

The Fox is considered one of the most distant related to the domesticated dog.  With over 21 species of the fox throughout the world, the most common known ones are; Red Fox, Gray Fox, Arctic Fox and the Bat-Eared Fox.  Foxes are lone hunters usually preferring small game, but they are happy to snack on wild fruits, berries and insects too.  They do live in groups and communicate by yapping, howling, barking and whimpering.

 

Jackal

The Jackal

Only four species of the Jackal exist; Side-Striped Jackal, Black or Silver – Backed Jackal, Golden Jackal and the rate Simien Jackal.  Typically found in Africa, however the Golden Jackal is from the Balkans to Burma.  The Jackals vocabulary consists of yips, growls and hisses to communicate.  Much of their behavior is very similar to the domesticated dog such as; using submissive to aggressive body language to communicate who’s in charge.  They are known best for being a scavenger but are a predator as well.  They are happy to clean up after a lion’s meal, so they are known to follow lions throughout Africa.

The Wild Dog

Wild Dog

Two endangered species holds this term; the African Wild Dog and the Dhole of Asia.  The African Wild Dog is almost extinct.  Both species are pack animals, living in groups of 8 – 15 dogs.  They hunt together and the African Wild Dog is one of few mammals that care for its old, sick and disabled pack members.  They average up to 70 pounds.

Although our domesticated dogs have descended from one of the “wild” dogs listed above, it remains without saying, “Dog is truly Man’s Best Friend”.

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