Just how cold do dogs get in the fall and winter months? Many people believe that dogs are naturally protected from the elements. While certain breeds are biologically equipped for winter conditions - Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and Bernese Mountain Dogs to name a few - most dogs are just as sensitive to the cold as we are.
As a rule of thumb, if it is too cold for you to be outside, then it is too cold for your pup. Hairless or short-coated dogs with no undercoat, toy breeds, dogs with low body fat, and dogs with short legs are most vulnerable and can easily get hypothermia if left outside in freezing temperatures.
Puppies, older dogs, and those with ailing health should also be bundled up in the winter months. The cold can exacerbate existing medical conditions including arthritis. Lastly, dogs that were raised in warm climates - even mountain dogs and huskies - may not do well in extreme cold.
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The decision to get a new puppy is incredibly exciting. Unfortunately, finding a healthy puppy from a reputable source is not as easy as it should be. Puppy mills, online and offline pet stores, and backyard breeders churn out puppies for quick cash and accept anybody with a check or credit card.
On the other hand, responsible breeders screen new homes, provide guidance after you take your puppy home, and are willing to take back any dog they have produced. In other words, responsible breeders deeply care. But how do you find a responsible breeder, and how do you know that they are honest?
In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we share how to find a responsible dog breeder and the most important questions you should ask them.
Congenital heart disease refers to heart defects that are congenital, or present from birth. Although fewer than 1% of dogs are affected by congenital heart disease, congenital heart defects can lead to irreversible heart damage and heart failure if not diagnosed and treated successfully. With this in mind, it is is important for all dog owners, new and experienced, to be aware of congenital heart defects and their symptoms.
What congenital heart defects are most common, and what are their symptoms? What dog breeds are most at risk of congenital heart defects, and how might they affect life expectancy? Can dogs with congenital heart defects be successfully treated, and how much does treatment cost? Is there any way to prevent these heart defects in dogs?
Here is everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart disease in dogs.