PLEASE I really need to figure out a way to keep up my hosting credits. Since I am brain dead about computers, school, relationships, sports, games, etc, would really like to see more activity in this pet catagory. I got my first dog when I was less than 1 year old. And since I have now passed the 1/2 century mark, I think I may of learned a thing or 2 about dogs. So ask me anything. Really. I probably know it. Help me out here.

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

i'll jump in to your request for dog questions. although i never really am much that into pets myself (dog, cat, anything), but i just wonder how come chocolate can be harmful for dogs. i saw an old episode of a tv series wherein a pet dog consumed chocolate without the owner's knowledge, and the dog just sort of got in a "depressed mood" where it just lay down beside the bits of the leftover chocolate and its wrapper like someone going to the guillotine (sorry for the description, it's just how i remembered it ). after the owner came home, and after seeing the dog in this state, he had to rush the dog to a veterinarian. is it really bad for dogs to consume chocolates or for that matter a substantial amount of sweets? or was it just a made-up-for-tv scenario?

and another, do sheepdogs bleat/baa? (just kidding!)

 

 

 

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

No, it was not made up for television, chocolate is bad for dogs. Though it is bad in varring degrees. Theobromine, (I think that's about how it's spelled) is the culprit that is the actual poison. It is found in higher amounts in the dark, bitter sweet type chocolates. Bakers chocolate is especially bad. Milk chocolate has lesser amounts, and many dogs can eat a bit of it and not be bothered at all. Some dogs are less tolerant though, and may become ill with just a few bites of sweet chocolate, others can eat a whole candy bar and show no ill effects whatsoever.

So not knowing for sure on your dog, it would just be best to not tempt fate and keep the chocolate where only you can reach it.

As far as having a sweet tooth, most dogs don't care that much for sweets, but you will find the occasional individual that does like candy, but a lot of that has to do with the dogs owner. I've seen a lot of dogs that will eat whatever they see their owner eat, wether they like it or not.

And another thing besides chocolate that should remain off the dogs dinner plates are grapes. They can also be toxic to dogs.

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

Theobromine sounds right, something like a distant cousin to caffeine. i checked wikipedia about it and seems to act as a poison for dogs because of their slow metabolism. it looks deadly enough for dogs even at small quantities (50mg for smaller dogs, 400mg for bigger dogs). there's the tolerance level which you account for each dog, as you seem to note that some can eat a whole candy bar with no ill effects. but of course, chocolate is still something to keep out of a dog's reach, that's for sure if only to keep the dog out of harms way especially if the dogs are loved pets by their owners. thanks for the info.

what's the deal with grapes as toxic for dogs when ingested though? that's a new one for me. theobromine still in the works here?

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

I had to do a little digging on the grape/raison thing, as I couldnt' remember for sure the toxin involved, and I discovered I didn't know because it has not yet exactly been figured out as to why grapes do poison dogs. (raisons do too) They cause kidney failure, symptoms are vomitting and weakness, among several others. It only takes a few grapes to do a real number on a dog.

Funny because a few years ago before this got started around on the internet about grapes, I had a standard schnauzer pet dog that would eat anything she saw me eat. Except grapes. Those were the only thing she wouldn't touch. I knew that dog was smart!

So, to be on the safe side, keep those grapes and raisons safely out of your pets reach. And call your vet immediatly if your dog should sneak a few grapes.

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

I also had not heard of the grape/raison issue with dogs. But I had a wonderful Boston Terrier that enjoyed eating the ones I rejected after they 'seasoned' a few days. My lifestyle had changed (a divorce) and being single I didn't always eat them as fast as was necessary and my dog began to get a regular treat of grapes. I am aware now that no one seems to know why, just that they are harmful. One thing I do know, my pet's kidneys failed and I know it was my own fault that it happened. I urge you to believe what they say ... "Grapes/raisons will cause kidney failure in dogs and it is irreversable".

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

Dogs are not the only ones with problems with chocolates and grapes, Cats have the same problems!

But cats will surely die if they eat chocolate!

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

no, i've given cats chocolate and it hasn't died.
My question is this...
My parents want a dog as a pet, but they've never had any experience with owning a dog. So can you please give some suggestions on breeds of dogs that won't be too loud, big or something like that...

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

well ive given my dogs grapes before they love them and they havent died yet they eat everything ive never given them chocolate though but ive also heard that onions were toxic but mine eat them too.

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)

There are so many things to take into consideration when gettting a dog, especially when it is a first time down owner. But with over 400 recognized pure breeds of dogs, there are plenty of options.

You have allready decided on small and not barky. And since they are first time dog owners, I would highly recomend picking a breed that is agreeable, and not too hard headed. For example, Lhasa Apso's are popular, friendly, reasonably intelligent, not barky, but if not handled firmly, they can become holly terrors if not made to mind. One of those breeds that if you give them an inch they will take a mile.

How small are you thinking? Chihuahua's and Yorkshire Terriers are the smallest, but in some cases they are too small, in homes where there are young children they may not be suitable. And while Yorkies are very popular, they are about the hardest of all terriers to house break. Chihuahua's can be ornery little snots too sometimes. They often tend to be one person dogs. We have an adorable little blue and white long haired male Chihuahua, cute as a bug but he is SO funny, he snuggles up to whoever is holding him, and will try to bite anyone who trys to touch him when someone is holding him. Doesn't matter who, if I'm holding him he will snap at my hired girl if she tries to touch him, but if she's holding him he will do the same to me.

There are a lot of terriers in the 15-20lb range (which I personally consider to be small) that might be good options. Cairns, West Highland Whites, mini shcnauzers all might work, providing you find one that is not barky, some are. Wire fox terriers are not real barky, but they are dynomite in small packages, love people but are fearless and will go looking for fights with the neighbors Rottie if it happens to wander into the Wire's home turf.

What about hair coat? How much grooming do your folks want to put up with? And shedding? (note here, just because a dog has short hair does not mean it doesn't shed.) If you can keep one brushed out, a Shih Tzu may be a good choise. They are pretty mellow and easy going.

Poodles come in all sizes and colors, they are very smart, and don't shed, but some are barkers. They also can spoil easily and think they are royality if they are overly catered to. But they might be a good option too.

Think about some of the other things you would like to have in your pet and maybe I can give you some more ideas.

Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)