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September 18, 2024

How to Make Your Dog Live Longer: Our Vets 6 Tips to Increase Your Pup’s Lifespan

The post How to Make Your Dog Live Longer: Our Vets 6 Tips to Increase Your Pup’s Lifespan by Dr. Joe Mallat DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The good news for any new dog owner is that our dogs are living longer than they ever have! This is largely due to three things: the uptake of preventative care and vaccinations; advances in canine nutrition and veterinary medicine; and an increase in owner commitment to their pet family members.

If you’ve recently taken on a puppy, or if you’re looking after a senior dog, you might be wondering what you can do to ensure they live the longest, happiest life possible. Read on to find out!

The 6 Tips to Make Your Dog Live Longer

1. A High-Quality, Balanced Diet

We care a lot about the food we put in our bodies, and the same should be true for our dogs. Most dogs love their food and will eat whatever you put in front of them. Perhaps this is why it’s easy to overlook the importance of a good diet and settle for the cheap stuff. But food is fuel, and dogs have very similar metabolic demands to us.

All dog foods are not created equal: some lack protein and contain too much fat, while others may contain allergens and poorly balanced minerals. Additionally, puppies have different nutritional requirements to adult dogs, and geriatric dogs have different nutritional requirements to middle-aged dogs.

When it comes to choosing dog food, I recommend three things. Firstly, discuss with your veterinarian which are the most suitable foods for your dog, within your budget. Second, find something that your dog likes and stick to it. Mixing it up can cause gut upsets and make it hard to know how much food you should be feeding.

Third, I generally recommend steering clear of grain-free diets and raw-meat diets: the former can cause heart disease, and the latter can be contaminated.

dog eating in a food bowl — Image Credit: dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock

2. Maintain a Good Body Weight

In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. It is estimated that more than 50% of dogs are overweight. Obesity is an accumulation of excess body fat, and while this might seem relatively harmless, it is known to reduce a dog’s lifespan.

Fat does not just sit in the body; it is a biologically active tissue that releases inflammatory chemicals and contributes to the formation of several diseases. Dogs that are overweight are at increased risk of diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and more.

Your veterinary healthcare team will help identify your dog’s ideal weight; they can also help you develop a weight-loss plan for your dog if needed. In the simplest terms, keeping your dog at a good body weight depends on two things: the right amount of food, and the right amount of exercise.

3. Mental Enrichment

When it comes to the brain, the saying “use it or lose it” might be applicable to dogs, as well as people. Mental enrichment should start when your dog is a puppy, to help them keep busy, prevent boredom, and reduce anxiety. Senior or geriatric dogs also benefit from daily training sessions.

Teaching your dog new tricks and skills is one approach. Several enrichment products are also available, including food puzzles, lick mats, and snuffle toys.

Dog playing with puzzles — Image Credit: baldoespmeg, Shutterstock

4. Regular Vet Visits

Yearly visits to the veterinarian are a good idea. As your dog ages, six-monthly visits are warranted. This allows us to stay “on top” of the aging process, and to be proactive with medical care. Veterinarians will discuss all aspects of your dog’s healthcare, including their diet, exercise, sleep, and vaccinations.

They will perform a thorough physical examination, assessing your dog from nose to tail. Routine bloodwork is also helpful to monitor health and organ function but is not essential. As with people, early detection and intervention leads to the best health outcomes. Regular vet visits enable your dog’s normal baseline to be established so that any changes can be promptly addressed.

Never underestimate the value of regular and proactive vet care.

5. Dental Care

While many people consider bad breath and plaque to be “normal” for dogs, this is not the case. Dental disease is very common in dogs. More specifically, we are referring to periodontal disease. Indeed, more than 80% of dogs older than 3 have some degree of periodontal disease.

This is inflammation of the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth, as a result of plaque accumulation and bacterial infection. Whereas cavities and tooth decay are the most common dental issues in people, periodontal disease, and fractured teeth are most common in our canine friends. Tooth-brushing at home is the best way to keep your dog’s teeth in good nick.

Find a suitable dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste and proceed with patience. Dental chews are also a beneficial way to minimize plaque accumulation. Many dogs benefit from a scale and polish procedure, performed under general anesthetic at the vet clinic.

Owner brushing teeth of cute golden retriever — Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

6. Use Supplements as Indicated

Veterinary medicine is improving rapidly, and our dogs are better off for it. As part of this knowledge expansion, research is emerging on certain supplements in dogs. Products such as fish oil, turmeric, glucosamine, green-lipped mussels, and probiotics are being used more and more.

While these are not necessary in all dogs, at all stages of life, they can be a handy way to improve your dog’s quality of life, and possibly their lifespan too. The use of supplements should be guided by your veterinarian.

Conclusion

It’s hard for us to admit that our canine companions age faster than we do. However, being proactive and dedicated to the health of our dogs can reduce the risk of diseases, improve their quality of life, and ensure they’re around for as long as possible.

Stay on top of nutrition, weight management, mental enrichment, vet visits, and dental hygiene. Try using supplements, if they’re indicated. You can be assured it will go a long way.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock

September 18, 2024

Porcelaine Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

The post Porcelaine Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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The Porcelaine isn’t likely to be a dog breed you’ve heard of before, but if you’re looking for an incredible family dog that’s loving, loyal, and healthy, you need to learn more about them. These pups are born and bred hunters, but their fantastic personalities can make them suitable for family life, too.

Breed Overview

Height:

22–23 inches

Weight:

55–62 pounds

Lifespan:

12–13 years

Colors:

White and orange

Suitable for:

Hunters, families with older children, families with securely fenced-in yards, active families

Temperament:

Independent, energetic, powerful, affectionate

The Porcelaine isn’t a very common dog breed, especially not in North America, where their population is in the low hundreds. However, their elegance, energy, and commitment to work make them a fantastic companion suitable to life as a hunting partner or lovable family dog.

Porcelaine Breed Puppies

Porcelaine dog running in the grass — Image Credit: GerryP, Shutterstock

Porcelaine pups are born and bred hunting dogs. They need to be socialized from a young age to ensure they’ll grow up to be good family companions (if that’s what you’re looking for). Thankfully, even as puppies, Porcelaines are pretty intelligent, so training and socializing shouldn’t be too difficult.

Porcelaine dogs are extremely rare, with a minimal number of pups found living outside of their home country of France. So, if you have your heart set on adopting one of these rare scent hounds, you might have your work cut out for you. There are no Porcelaine breeders listed on the American Kennel Club Marketplace, and we were only able to find one or two breeders located in America and the same number in the United Kingdom. That doesn’t mean that other breeders don’t exist; it just may mean you’ll need to do a little more digging to find the right one.

Porcelaine Breed Origin & History

The Porcelaine was first developed in France and was initially called the Briquet Franc-Comtois after the Franche-Comte region in eastern France. This breed is thought to be a descendant of several dog breeds. In their DNA is the English Harrier, a medium-sized dog first bred in medieval England to chase hares, and the Montembeouf, a now-extinct French breed created for hunting board in packs. Like the parent breeds, the Porcelaine was developed to flush out and hunt hare, deer, and wild boar.

This breed is believed to be the oldest French scent hound in existence. Records show the Porcelaine existed in France and Switzerland as far back as the 1700s.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Porcelaine

Despite their history as hunters, Porcelaines are gentle and pretty easy to handle. They’re very affectionate and known to bond tightly with their human family members, old and young. These pups are very friendly and calm and relatively easy to train, thanks to their eagerness to please their humans.

Porcelaine pups are happy to live out their days alongside their humans as companion pets or keeping busy doing the hunting work they were born to do.

These dogs are outgoing and never shy. They’re eager to please their owners and will do almost anything for a good head pat or hug. Their sweet disposition can make them great medical alert dogs, and they can even thrive in search and rescue.

Though pack dogs like the Porcelaine typically communicate with one another via barking, whining, growling, and yipping, this isn’t a particularly vocal breed. Porcelaine definitely aren’t nuisance barkers, but they do have a beautiful baying call they’ll use occasionally.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The friendly and sociable nature of the Porcelaine can make them great family companions, but they may not be suitable for every family. They are generally quite tolerant and patient with children but should always be supervised when around young kids or children who haven’t yet had much exposure to dogs.

Close up portrait of Porceliane dog — Image Credit: GerryP, Shutterstock

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Porcelain is a pack hound and was initially bred to live and work alongside other dogs. For this reason, they can get along swimmingly with other pups, especially if they’re raised together.

However, with their hunting history, these dogs have an extremely high prey drive and, therefore, have an instinctual desire to stalk, capture, and prey upon other animals they deem food sources. They may not be an appropriate breed to bring into your home if you have cats or other small animals afoot.

Things to Know When Owning a Porcelaine

Food & Diet Requirements

The Porcelaine should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food formulated specifically for their life stage. Owners may also wish to look into foods designed for active dog breeds if their pups live the physically demanding lifestyle they’re designed to live.

High-performance dog foods are tailored for athletic and working dogs that need to be alert and active over long periods. They’re focused on helping to build and maintain muscle and sustain energy levels throughout the day. Most high-performance foods are higher in protein, calories, and fat than traditional dog food. If your Porcelaine is only moderately active and not performing any work duties, they probably won’t need a high-performance diet. Feeding them such a diet when their bodies don’t require more fuel can cause obesity.

Porcelaine Hound dog sniffing the grass — Image Credit: : S. Birkelbach, Shutterstock

Exercise

Porcelaines are born and bred working dogs, so they have a fair amount of energy. As scent hounds, they also have a strong instinct to follow their nose. For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure your yard is securely fenced to prevent escapes. Just as important, your pup must be leashed when you’re going outside for walks. If you want to do some off-leash work, be sure to invest in a GPS-tracking collar so you can keep tabs on your pup if they wander away.

As active dogs, Porcelaines require a lot of exercise. This can look like several walks spread throughout the day, playing in your fenced yard, swimming, hiking, and training for dog sports. Because of their need for physical activity to channel their excess energy, they aren’t generally recommended for apartments.

Training

Early socialization and training are crucial and just as necessary for the Porcelaine as for any other dog breed. These pups are intelligent and trainable, but the sooner you can begin training, the better. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, so make sure you have tasty rewards on hand and are generous with the praise.

Grooming

Thanks to their short, dense coats, the Porcelaine doesn’t have any demanding grooming requirements. They’ll need the occasional bath to keep them clean, and nail trimmings should be done regularly to avoid overgrowth. Owners should be extra diligent about checking and cleaning their pup’s ears due to their low-hanging design, but other than that, this is a pretty low-maintenance breed.

Porcelaine hound rsting head on the bed — Image Credit: S. Birkelbach, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions

The Porcelaine breed is shockingly free from many of the common health conditions seen in the modern dog. However, as with most medium-sized breeds, they can develop hip dysplasia. As with other dog breeds, the Porcelaine may develop skin allergies and ear infections.

Minor Conditions

Ear infections
Skin allergies

Serious Conditions

Hip dysplasia

Male vs Female

There is very little difference between male and female Porcelaine dogs. Males may be slightly taller and heavier than their female counterparts. Males may exhibit stereotypical behaviors associated with their gender, like mounting, roaming, and scent marking.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Porcelaine

1. The Porcelaine was once thought to be extinct.

The modern-day Porcelaine is very rare, but this breed’s numbers were once so low that they were believed to be extinct. Porcelaines disappeared after the French Revolution but were thankfully reconstructed by devoted breeders.

2. The Porcelaine is a very rare breed.

Though they were brought back from the brink of extinction, the Porcelaine’s numbers are still meager to this day. There are thought to be less than 300 individuals in all of North America.

3. The Porcelaine has recently been introduced to North America.

Porcelaines are found in moderate numbers throughout France and Italy. There are fewer of them in Europe and the United Kingdom. However, the breed wasn’t imported into the United States until 2009.

Porcelaine Hound dog running in the snow — Image Credit: GerryP, Shutterstock

Final Thoughts

The Porcelaine is a fantastic dual-purpose dog breed that makes an excellent companion and skilled hunting dog. These pups are patient, affectionate, and loyal, all traits that lend themselves well to families with children. They can get along well with other household pets, particularly dogs; however, their high prey drive may make living alongside cats and other smaller animals difficult.

The Porcelaine is a highly active pup that genuinely enjoys physical activity. Their ideal family prioritizes time outside and plans on taking their dog with them on all their adventures.

This breed’s hunting roots mean they need a fair amount of space to run outside, so they’re best suited for families who have yards. Their scent hound DNA does make them a bit of a flight risk, however. Owners should make a point of double (and triple) checking their fencing to keep their pups safe and escape-free.

Porcelianes require their humans to have a fairly substantial commitment to training, socializing, and exercising. But in return, you’ll get an incredible companion that’ll shower you with love and affection for their entire lives.

Featured Image Credit: S. Birkelbach, Shutterstock

September 18, 2024

Karakachan (Bulgarian Shepherd): Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

The post Karakachan (Bulgarian Shepherd): Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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The Karakachan, also sometimes called the Bulgarian Shepherd, is a striking animal with a history that places them with the ancient breeds. It is a livestock guardian dog that is well-developed for this work, but there is far more to know about these dogs if you’re considering bringing one home, such as how much exercise they require, their temperament, and more.

Breed Overview

Height:

24–30 inches

Weight:

65–120 pounds

Lifespan:

8–12 years

Colors:

White, black, brown, brindle

Suitable for:

Experienced pet owners looking for a guardian dog

Temperament:

Loyal, courageous, intelligent

The Karakachan is a hard-working dog, displaying devotion and courage, especially while on the job. They are lesser-known members of a group of livestock guardian animals called Molossers. One of their defining features is a massive skull with a medium-sized muzzle that adds to their bite force. Enthusiasts selectively bred other brachycephalic dogs, like Mastiffs, for fighting because of this trait.

It’s hard to imagine a tougher dog than the Karakachan. Like many livestock guardians, they aren’t vocal animals. When they speak, you’d be well-advised to pay attention to their warning. They aren’t herders like vocal Border Collies, though. This breed has a loyal following but is not recognized by national dog registries.

However, the Bulgarian Republican Federation of Cynology has given the breed this status, but it’s no longer a part of the International Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). That complicates issues with pedigrees and finding a puppy. The Serbian Cinology Association now issues pedigrees for Karakachan pups. The survival of the breed is a testament to the dog’s value and endearing qualities.

Karakachan Puppies

Karakachan bulgarian shepherd puppies — Image Credit: NEVENA TSVETKOVA, Shutterstock

Finding a Karakachan puppy is very challenging, given the breed’s status and lack of official recognition. The history of the dog speaks to a lesser-known use. There’s also a lot of competition in that field from other livestock guardians, such as the Great Pyrenees. The Karakachan fills a narrow niche, which accounts for the dog’s rarity.

Speculating on the cost is difficult. The chances are you’ll find pet-quality animals at more affordable prices than dogs from lines with a proven track record of superior performance in the field. Our advice is to be patient if you’re set on getting a Karakachan puppy. The International Karakachan Dog Association (MAKK) and the American Karakachan Dog Association (AKDA) are excellent places to start.

The good news is that the breed is well-conserved by enthusiasts who want the dog to remain true to their roots. The Karakachan is not a part of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). This organization provides recommended testing information for conditions associated with specific breeds and is an official repository of this information. That puts the onus on you to research sellers.

Understanding your commitment to pet ownership is imperative, especially with a Karakachan. This breed’s role encouraged problem-solving skills and independence. These dogs require dedicated and engaged individuals to train and socialize these animals. They are work-focused and won’t transition from the field to the couch well.

Karakachan Breed Origin & History

The Karakachan is an old European breed. It’s an example of the function dogs initially served for humans. This dog wasn’t a family pet but a working member of the farm. The breed’s name comes from the shepherds of the area. The breed’s history goes back thousands of years to 5 BC and the Thracians of Southeast Europe.

Their nomadic nature and the environmental demands of the area helped shape the breed into what we know today. These dogs still guard flocks in their native land. Enthusiasts encourage the traits that define them and help them in these roles. Their usefulness is well-known in the continent, with people using them for similar work in Macedonia and Greece.

Interestingly, the Bulgarian government didn’t officially recognize them until 2005. That may explain the lack of other official recognition worldwide. Historically, the Karakachan was one tough animal. This pup didn’t back down from the challenges of formidable predators like wolves and bears. This history accounts for many traits we see in these pets today. It also validates our advice about training and socialization.

a couple of karakachan shepherd dogs lying on the ground — Image Credit: graphic_bg, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Karakachan

Dogs that work independently develop excellent problem-solving skills. The Karakachan is no exception. It’s underscored by the nomadic nature of the people who selectively bred this canine. A pup would have to use these skills in new places to do their job properly. That’s a great thing if you need a reliable livestock guardian. However, it can be challenging for novice pet owners.

The Karakachan is an adaptable dog but needs a fenced yard, which they will guard tenaciously and fiercely. They are very loyal to their family and are wary of strangers.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Karakachan isn’t an aggressive dog, despite the breed’s history. However, aggression is normal canine behavior if an animal feels threatened. We don’t recommend this dog in households with small children. They will tolerate older kids who respect their space, but this pooch can be intense during playtime. Therefore, we suggest supervising time with the children.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Karakachans have a strong prey drive because of their jobs historically. That makes them instinctively on guard with other animals. They are territorial. We don’t recommend this breed in households with other pets. This dog will likely give chase to a cat or dog running away from them. They may tolerate animals raised together with them. However, we’d err on the side of caution.

Things to Know When Owning a Karakachan

The Karakachan needs an experienced pet owner who understands the challenges of dealing with these kinds of dogs. We mentioned this pup’s fierce loyalty. That can make them sensitive to harsh words or punishment. The intelligence of this animal means you must give your pooch something to do to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Food & Diet Requirements

Giving your pet a diet suitable for their size and life stage is vital for proper growth and development. Large dogs like the Karakachan mature more slowly than small pups like terriers. You should feed your puppy three to four times daily, keeping them on a schedule to monitor their intake. We don’t recommend free feeding, as this breed is moderately prone to weight gain.

You should switch to an adult maintenance diet once your pet has reached sexual maturity. We suggest discussing your dog’s food intake with your vet to ensure the animal’s nutritional needs are met. We recommend a high-quality commercial product formulated for large and giant breeds. Puppies need a diet with 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat for good health. You should ensure fresh water is always available.

karakachan puppy running — Image Credit: Nataliya Nazarova, Shutterstock

Exercise

Daily exercise is imperative for the Karakachan. That will safeguard the animal’s physical and mental well-being. Time outside will provide welcome enrichment and opportunities to introduce your pet to novel experiences to prevent fearfulness. This dog will act aggressively against potential threats. An active social life removes the unknown element that can trigger negative reactions.

We don’t recommend taking your Karakachan to dog parks unless you socialize your pet with other dogs while young. Brisk walks will provide the necessary exercise and time to hone your pet’s leash manners. You should aim for at least an hour of daily activity to keep your pup healthy. Regular interaction with your pet will provide enrichment and mental stimulation.

Training

The Karakachan requires an owner committed to training and socializing their dog. That should begin on day one. Consistency is critical for success. We recommend a Nothing-in-Life-Is-Free (NILIF) approach to prevent dominance issues, often a concern with independent animals. Using treats as training aids for positive reinforcement is an excellent way to achieve this goal.

Grooming

You’ll find short-haired and long-haired Karakachans, each with a thick undercoat. We recommend brushing your pet a couple of times weekly to prevent mats. This breed is a heavy shedder, making this task necessary to cut down on the hair. They also have a moderate tendency to drool.

You should also check your pup’s ears for signs of an infection, which is sometimes a problem with animals with dense coats. Trim your dog’s nails as necessary. We suggest touching your pooch’s paws and ears to get them used to being handled. Occasional baths will also keep your pet looking their best.

Karakachan Bulgarian Shepherd Dog on the snow — Image Credit: Nataliya Nazarova, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions

The Karakachan is generally a healthy dog. That’s one benefit of being off the radar. Hip dysplasia is always a concern with large breeds. One study found that working dogs were more likely to develop this condition. We recommend buying only from sellers who conduct pre-breeding screening on their dogs to prevent it from being passed onto their offspring.

Only get a puppy from a breeder who offers a health guarantee since some issues appear later in the animal’s life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, given the unclear pedigree situation with this breed. Request to see the mother and littermates. We recommend getting a puppy at least 8 weeks old or preferably 12 weeks.

Minor Conditions

Ear infections

Serious Conditions

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Bloat

Male vs. Female

The sexual dimorphism between males and females is significant if size is an issue, as males tend to be larger. However, either sex will make a delightful pet, but upbringing and the environment are the most important influences on the dog’s temperament.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Karakachan

1. A Karakachan Puppy Helped Solidify an Important Deal

Negotiations in 2010 for a pipeline to supply gas to Europe hit a snag until Bulgaria presented Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin with a Karakachan puppy. What else can you give someone who has everything, including a Siberian Tiger cub?

2. The Karakachan Has a Global Influence

Vladimir Putin wasn’t the only foreign dignitary to receive a Karakachan puppy. The country also gave one to US President George W. Bush in 2003. The Bulgarians knew what a treasure the country had in their adorable pups.

3. Being Overly Aggressive or Shy Are Faults

The official standard for the breed is specific about the expected behavior of the Karakachan. It also dings being too unemotional or disinterested. After all, a livestock guardian must be alert and responsive.

karakachan bulgarian shepherd puppy — Image Credit: Nataliya Nazarova, Shutterstock

Does the Karakachan Make a Good Pet?

The Karakachan is a loyal pet that will protect their family against danger. They take their jobs seriously. They are independent animals with a keen prey drive and wanderlust potential. Their focus is their charges and tracking down threats. This pup has the stamina and brawn for the task. While they are admirable traits, they may not be the best choice for households looking for a family pet.

However, the Karakachan is an affectionate dog and will get attached to family members. They are eager to please yet sensitive to punishment. This dog needs an attentive owner who will spend time training and exercising their pet. This breed is challenging to train, making an experienced individual critical for success.

Conclusion

The Karakachan is an ancient breed with a long history of loyalty and courage. This dog is adaptable and intelligent, traits vital for their work. However, they aren’t for everyone. They require a commitment to ongoing training and socialization. Perhaps that’s part of their desirability. It undoubtedly will forge a strong bond between the dog and their owner that some people want in a pet.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Jennifer Kramer, Shutterstock