Health Matters

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Health Matters

We are lucky in that the Silky Terrier is a pretty healthy breed overall. That is not to say no problems ever occur, but there is nothing major running through the breed that affects the breed in general.

Dental care is very important for the Silky. Toy breeds in general seem to have a much greater problem with tartar build-up and teeth loosening than the larger breeds do. In part this may be attributed to the owners, who insist of feeding moist (tinned) foods instead of good quality dry kibble. All the table scraps that toy breeds receive isn't helpful either - for their overall health and weight as well as their teeth. Dogs need to have the dry kibble as their primary diet to help keep their teeth clean. Dog biscuits also help - just be sure to reduce the amount of regular kibble your dog gets if you give more than a couple of biscuits a day. Biscuits have calories too you know! Also ask your butcher to save you some solid beef bones for your dog to chew. Feed these raw - NEVER give your dog cooked bones of any type. Tearing at the raw meat left on the bone as well as chewing on the bone itself, will also help to keep the teeth clean and healthy... and your dog will love it. You can also buy a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste and clean your pets teeth daily. NEVER use people toothpaste!

Patella Luxation is another condition that affects many toy breeds. Basically it is a loose kneecap so that when the dog moves quickly the kneecap will catch and the dog will go on 3 legs for a stride or two and then it will pop back. Although this eliminates a dog for the show ring, the condition usually can be ignored in a pet unless it appears to be painful to the dog or causing undue difficulties, in which case it can be surgically corrected. Generally, the dog just skips occasionally.

Legges Calves Perthes is a condition that affects the dogs ability to walk normally. It is similar to hip dysplasia (such as in German Shepherds) except that the hip itself is not affected, it is the ball joint of the leg where it connects to the hip that is. The cause is unknown. There have been lengthy studies done but the medical journals think there may be a hereditary factor, although none of the studies have been able to prove this. It is also believed that stress to the area (such as a puppy falling or jumping off a sofa) and certain dietary deficiencies can also be blamed for the condition occurring. Regardless of the cause, the joint starts to deteriorate and the puppy starts losing muscle tone on that leg and starts to limp. An x-ray will determine the result (but not the cause). Some vets have reported success in reversing the problems if it is caught early enough. Otherwise it is surgically correctable. It affects puppies, usually between the ages of 6 months to a year. Again, it only occurs occasionally, but using common sense about allowing your puppy access to the sofa or to steep stairs is always a good idea anyway.

Other conditions are shared with most animals, 4-legged and 2-legged, on the planet.

Cataracts, cancers, cysts, loss of hearing and the list of "possibilities" goes on. Most of those listed are age-related regardless of the breed (or mutt) that you own.

Of course, to help ensure your pets ongoing good health, it is important to keep up-to-date with all of its' inncoculations. In rural areas especially, not having proof that your dog has had it's rabies vaccine can result in your dog being destroyed if rabid skunks or other animals have been found on your property. (The authorities do NOT need to prove your pet was in contact with the affected animal.) And you are not able to take your pet across the border without proof it has had its' shots, or board in it any reputable kennel.

You should also talk to your vet about preventative medications. Such as whether your dog is at risk for Heartworm in your area. If so, there are medications for this. Also, during the summer check your dog regularly for fleas and/or ticks. If found, they need to be dealt with immediately. Untreated they can make your dog ill and, in extreme cases, even cause death. Don't pull ticks out yourself unless your vet has shown you how to do it properly. If you don't remove the entire tick (including parts under the skin) the area can become infected.

Everyday Products

How many of the products that you use daily around the house are actually harmful to your pet? More than you think! Sheila Dunn of Double "D" Bulldogs has researched an incredibly comprehensive article on the subject, and offers some really great alternatives that are safe to use around your pets. She has kindly agreed to be linked to our site so that you can share in this wealth of information. This is definitely worth the time it takes to check it out!

http://www.rainyday.net/cbc/products.shtml

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