The Standard Poodle - Sharp Intelligence and Playful Loving Behavior

Standard Poodles are some of the most popular dogs among breeders and pet owners. These elegant animals are believed to have originated in France, but some experts believe that the breed may have roots in Russia. However, it is commonly agreed that the French are responsible for developing the modern breed. In this article, we’ll discuss the care of Poodles and the health challenges that they may face.

The Poodle dog group encompasses miniature Poodles, tiny toy Poodles, teacup Poodles and lastly the French Poodles, which are also known as the standard Poodle. They are available in a variety of colors including black, white, red, apricot, silver and brown. Poodles are perhaps the most easily recognizable dogs in the world thanks to their distinct clips, but extensive grooming is needed, even for the standard variation. They must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The ears should be checked regularly for mites and the ear hair should be pulled out if necessary. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming, while protecting the joints and major organs from cold, but many owners opt for the plain lamb clip, which is the same length all over, because it is easier and more economical to maintain. The teeth need regular scaling. The standard variety sheds little to no hair and is a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Because of their sharp intelligence, standard Poodles used to be used as hunting dogs by French royalty. Poodle breeders prefer that they have a build that is neither too heavy nor too thin and the dog should carry itself proudly. Poodles are very easy to train, and consequently, they are very popular at circuses and dog shows. However, they are known to be extremely energetic, so regular exercise is a must. Without walks and play, they can get restless and bored. It’s best to train your Poodle well and make sure he gets plenty of physical activity. They like other dogs and cats, and they get along well with children.

With proper care and nutrition, many Poodles can live well into their teens. The most common serious health issues that the Poodle dog faces include Addison’s disease, gastric dilatation volvulus, thyroid issues, epilepsy, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia and cancer. The most common issue is ear infections but this can easily be dealt with if it’s caught early and treated immediately.

Standard Poodles make great pets because of their intelligence and playful nature. However, it is the animal’s loving nature that makes it so popular with pet owners. While the dog does require extensive care, it’s a labor of love for owners who dote on their canines. After all, a dog is a man’s, and woman’s best friend.

Steve Evans is a regular contributor of dog breed related articles at the Dog Breeds Compendium.

There are more essential details for the poodle dog breed and many others at The Dog Breeds Compendium.

We also thoroughly recommend the Dog and Puppy News blog site for its regular Newsletter articles to which you can subscribe for free. (Just add your email to the Subscribe box at the blog.)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Evans

Posted in Dogs, Poodle | No Comments »

False Pregnancy in Dogs

Maturity is occurring at an earlier age in our domestic dogs because of selective breeding. Additionally, domestic bitches (except African breeds) have twice as many seasons as wild wolves. This article discusses the physiology of pregnancy and false pregnancy (pseudocyesis), and ways of helping bitches with false pregnancies.

The Oestrus Cycle: Bitches’ seasons occur every 8-9 months. During proestrus they will have a blood stained discharge and show an interest in males. In the second phase, Oestrus, ovulation occurs, and the female is most fertile. The next phase, dioestrus, is when the bitch is hormonally pregnant. The corpus luteum, formed at ovulation in the ovary, matures and produces female hormones. These then stimulate prolactin secretion from the anterior lobe of the pituitary, which stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.

False pregnancy: The hormonal cycle of the bitch assumes that pregnancy has occurred after every cycle, whether or not mating has taken place. She will therefore experience the physiological changes of pregnancy over the next 2 months. She will have an increase in progesterone production, milk production and an increase in appetite. She may even go into mild labour.

The caregiver may notice physical and emotional changes, particularly 8-9 weeks after her last season. She may exhibit a change in preferred diet to blander food, fluid retention, and a wish not to take her usual amount of exercise, and she may hoard toys and treat them as puppies.

There may be restlessness, lack of appetite, panting, trembling, whining and nest-building at the time she would have given birth. She may be slightly more aggressive than usual. Things will usually return to normal after 2-3 weeks, equivalent to 48hrs after the birth would have occurred.

How we can help: As this is a physiological occurrence which settles over 2-3 weeks, treatment is rarely needed. If possible try to reduce stimulation of the mammary glands, by reducing stroking and wiping, and not allowing the bitch to lick excessively, as these will increase prolactin release and further milk production.

Occasionally the bitch may become ill, by producing excessive milk, or other problems. She may need treatment to reduce milk production, such as diuretics or hormone treatment. Although some advocate reduced fluid intake to induce dehydration and reduce milk production, others feel that this may be unsafe.

It is rare (but not unknown) for bitches who are spayed (ovariohysterectomised), to exhibit these changes. Although the majority of the hormones are being produced by the ovaries, some are produced in the adrenal glands.

Complementary Therapies: Pulsatilla from health food shops has been used with good effect. It can also be used just after a season in a bitch with a history of false pregnancies.

Spiritual healing and Reiki can help the dog accept and work with its hormonal state, and help restore self-healing and homeostasis. It can be supplemented with crystals such as chrysophase, moonstone and blue lace agate.

Aromatics that may prove useful include rose, fennel (to dry up lactation) and vanilla. Of the Bach flower remedies, vine, chicory, red chestnut & mustard may be helpful.

In this article, I have discussed the physiology of false pregnancy, and suggested ways in which we can help bitches to cope with the pressures involved. Surprisingly, spaying does not necessarily prevent recurrent false pregnancies. Fundamentally, false pregnancy is a natural occurrence in bitches, and usually needs no treatment.

Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer with a website that helps to inform the public about complementary animal therapies while connecting animal therapists worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Grimston http://EzineArticles.com/?False-Pregnancy-in-Dogs&id=82624

Posted in Dogs | No Comments »