Havanese Health Problems: How You Can Prevent Them

Title: Havanese Health Problems: How You Can Prevent Them
Author: Fiona A Kelly

The Havanese is a rare and fine animal. Havanese health
problems can be kept to a minimum by utilizing the utmost in
preventative care, namely regular cleaning of eyes, ears and
teeth and regular visits to a veterinarian. Keeping your
Havanese from ingesting foods that are harmless to humans but
poisonous to dogs (e.g., chocolate) is another everyday
preventative measure. Hereditary Havanese health problems can,
in some cases, be prevented before an animal is born. Havanese
are prone to vision, hearing, knee and hip problems. Breeders
are starting to test their Havanese for these problems and then
not breeding the afflicted animals. Additionally, national
registries maintain databases on these hereditary problems.
Prevention may not always be enough to ward away Havanese health
problems. Sometimes you may need to find emergency care for your
Havanese. If you have an established relationship with a
veterinarian, this will help. He or she will probably have
previously given you instructions about how to contact his or
her office in an emergency.

You either have welcomed or will shortly welcome your new
Havanese puppy into your home. She will adore you completely.
You will be a hero simply for coming home from work. More
importantly, your new Havanese puppy will trust you completely.
Her wellbeing is entirely in your hands. In addition to
providing her with food, water and attention, you know you want
to do whatever it takes to keep her happy and healthy. Some
health promotion measures are things you would want to do for
any puppy. Other health promotion measures come with the extra
fur on the Havanese.

You will want very much to learn about common puppy health
problems in general and common Havanese health problems in
particular. You should also know about arranging regular
veterinary care for your Havanese puppy as well as how to
arrange emergency care for your Havanese. Havanese care is a new
adventure in your life.

Some health problems are common to any breed of dog. You
should keep your Havanese's eyes and ears clean to prevent
infection or infestation with ear mites. Also, many puppies
develop internal parasites, such as worms. Regularly check your
pet's coat for ticks and fleas. Even indoor animals can get
them. Your veterinarian can provide treatments for worms and can
provide you with the best treatments for fleas.

Some Havanese health problems are genetic. Problems such as
knee and hip dysplasia (dislocation), early onset cataracts,
retinal atrophy and genetic deafness tend to run in the Havanese
breed. These problems are not fatal, but might affect the
quality of life for your Havanese. For instance, eye problems
can lead to blindness. You will want to make sure that your
breeder has tested the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the
puppy you wish to purchase. Breeders should remove animals with
eye or joint problems from their breeding stock.

Prevention is worth many ounces of cure when it comes to
Havanese health problems. You can prevent ear parasites by
cleaning your Havanese's ears once a week. (Ear mites are a
particular problem for all floppy eared dog breeds—the Havanese
included). You can prevent eye infections by cleaning your
Havanese's eyes once a week. Be sure that your Havanese does
not ingest common foods that you enjoy but that are poisonous to
all dogs. These foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes and
raisins, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chives, nutmeg, and walnuts.

Some pet owners forget to take their pet for regular veterinary
checkups. Don't do this to your new Havanese. Additionally, be
sure to keep your veterinarians contact information handy in
case you need emergency care for your Havanese. You can also
take your Havanese to the nearest emergency pet clinic.
Additionally, many pet supply super stores have an on site
veterinarian

About The Author: Fiona Kelly is a lifelong animal lover with a
special interest in hereditary health problems facing purebred
dogs. Health care is a vital component of
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese_Care/ Havanese
care. The health problems that might trouble a Havanese are
discussed in this article. Obtaining
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese_Care/Havanese_diet_and_nutrition/
emergency care for your Havanese is also covered.

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