Question by just truth: What can you tell me about a Blue Tick Coon Hound MIX?
I am looking to adopt a Blue Tick Coon Hound mix. About 6 year old adult Male.

Unfortunately I do not know what he is a mix of, but the Hound is obviously very strong in him.
I am looking for a dog that I can take camping with me during the summer for time from 3 days to one week (and I live in a rocky mountain state), now I have heard that the blue tick coon hound is bred for hunting trips like this and a ton of exercise, but this being a mix (and again I don’t know with what, he almost looks pure hound if not for the mostly white body and blue black specks all over the back and slightly smaller ears), an adult, and previously a city house pet not trained to hunt or be in the mountains, would it be too late or extremely hard to get him used to it now? I want to know if he will still be up for several hours hiking a day a couple times a month, and even though up to this point hasn’t had any prior training or experience, will know enough to let me know if he smells bear, cougar, or some other large predator and give me a heads up about it (we have a lot of them in my area).

Also, just about what to expect with a mix of this breed, in anything? How should I start to train him (if you recommend I get him) at this age, and what should I be aware of?

How should I look for infections in his ears? How to do is and what exactly am I looking for?

I have heard blue ticks are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and krabbes disease. Could you tell me a little about these diseases, what exactly they are, how serious, signs, how common to be with an adopted adult, and costs?

Best answer:

Answer by Brian Konkler
It would easier if you knew what the other breed was and you could research each breed and their traits and behaviors.

You could do a DNA test to determine the dominant breeds.

The Bluetick Coonhound has a broad head with a domed skull. The muzzle is square in profile, long, broad and deep, with a predominant stop. The round eyes are dark brown, large and wide set. The ears are thin and are set low. The legs are straight from the elbows to the feet. The tail is carried high tapering to a point. The hind legs are long and muscular. Dewclaws are generally removed. The feet are compact with well arched toes. The smooth, glossy coat is short and dense and feels a bit coarse to the touch. The coat color is dark blue, with a thickly mottled body, spotted by various shaped black spots on back, ears and sides, tricolor coat has a uniquely speckled-blue look to it. Its heavy ticking is actually composed of black-colored hairs on a white background, creating a bluing effect. The head and ears are predominantly black. The dog can come with or without tan markings, when they do appear they should be over eyes, on cheeks, chest and below tail, and will have and red ticking on feet and lower legs. AKC standard prefers more blue than black on body. There should be more blue ticking than white.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by Mike: Tips on preventing common problems with English Bulldogs?
I am very interested in buying an English Bulldog pup. I know a lot about the breed and all the diseases the breed is prone to- hip dysplasia, skin infections, arthritis, etc… What I would like to know is if there are any precautions/tips/hints any of you bully owners could offer me that would help prevent these common problems. I don’t want to buy a $ 3,000 dog and end up putting another $ 1,000 every year in vet bills.

I have researched Victorian Bulldogs and have found that they are a lot healthier and aren’t as likely to run in to the common health risks as the English. But if there are effective methods in preventing the common health risks, I would really prefer to get the English.

10 points to Best Answer. Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Julie D.
Well, first of all the Victorian Bulldog is a MUTT. Second of all, the Bulldog is just registered as a Bulldog, not an English Bulldog. Here’s a few tips. If a breeder calls the breed an English Bulldog, run far, far away. Purchase a pup from a show breeder who does genetic health testing, and you will more than likely get a healthier puppy. Keep the excess weight off, keep the skin folds/wrinkles clean and dry, and don’t subject the dog to extreme heat or cold. Put the pup on a quality ADULT dog food. High proteins can all sorts of growth problems, especially in a breed that has joint and hip issues. That’s all that comes to mind at the moment.
http://www.thebca.org/breedref.html

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by Tiffany: Canine ‘wrist’ joint treatment past 1.5 years old?
My 18-month old AKC English Lab has serious joint issues. Yes, his parents hold all the health clearances, nevertheless, he has genetic joint issues. Specifically, he has issues with his knees (back legs), hips (hip dysplasia is forming) and arthritic wrists (front legs). There are treatments including but not limited to surgery for the back part of the body. However, I am told that after age 1, there is no surgery to repair his wrists. And ultimately, the wrist issues will lead to a shortened life span.

So, does anyone out there know of an experimental treatment to correct wrist problems in a large breed dog over 1 year old (he will be two in March)?

Our family loves him very much and we do not want to see him in pain. Plus, we want him to have a long and fun life, not a short one with joint pain.

Best answer:

Answer by Jon
We have been giving our Golden glucosamine with breakfast and dinner, and it has help a great deal. I know this doesn’t answer your question as you asked, but, thought it might help.

Give your answer to this question below!

Question by Angry: If a great pyrenees is shaved, is there a possibility that their coat will not come back?
I have always had my pyrenees groomed. Recently a new groomer at the place of which I will not name, decided he was to matted to be brushed and she shaved him. This was in August of this year. It is now November and all he has for a coat is a bunch of thin fuzz. I was so angry that they did this to him but I am concerned that his coat will not return. Be aware of groomers who do not want to make an effort. She shaved him because she didnt want to take the time to brush him. He is routinely groomed and there was no need to shave him. A good brush out and bath would have done the trick but she admitted she thought it would be faster, then corrected herself with easier to which things only became worse. Now I have a sweetheart of a dog that looks so hideous. He looks as he has the mange or something..I just want to know if it will ever come back. He is 9 years old with sever hip dysplasia. I am concerned that this may be his last year since his coat isnt there to help keep his hips warm from the cold. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best answer:

Answer by ladystang
yes

Give your answer to this question below!

Question by Cold Wind Blows -: Mixed breeds are healthier?
Okie so, my friend keeps telling me that mixed breeds are healthier because the different breeds in the dog would “throw off” the dog’s chances of getting a genetic illness.
For example, she told me that a Labrador mixed with ANY breed would be straight up healthier than a purebred Lab (she got a Lab/GSD mix puppy from a BYB…claims he’s healthier than most purebreds…)

I don’t get it though.
Labradors and German Shepherds are both prone to hip dysplasia, no?
So if you bred a Lab and a GSD, WITHOUT any health testing done… wouldn’t that put the entire litter at a HIGHER risk of getting hip dysplasia…??

I’m confused ><

Best answer:

Answer by Tasha
No, no, no. Your friend is WRONG.

Lets say you have one breed of dog, that is un-tested, and has genetic illnesses, and then another breed that is prone to/has some too, if you breed them together that gives you MORE of a chance that the dog will develope THOSE genetic illnesses. It’s common sense.

If your friend did proper research on genetics, she’d know that.

Mixed breeds are not healthier than pure breds.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by Tink: I need advice from those who use reiki for animals in distress?
Yesterday my dog wasn’t acting right – he was acting scared and shaking, and wasn’t interested in his favorite things – and that wasn’t like him – so we took him to the vet, and by evening he was doped up on heavy duty narcotics, and on the floor shaking and whining in pain, and couldn’t even get up to eat, drink, etc. We took him back to the vet today, and had x-rays done, etc. Turns out he has a moderate case of dysplasia, arthritis and really bad bone spurs in the hips. Now the vet has no idea how the poor guy could have gone from being in such good shape to such bad shape literally overnight – thinks he might have pulled a muscle or something along those lines that just tipped him over the edge…

But anyhow, he’s still sleeping off the effects of sedation – he’s under the care of a vet, but he’s not doing well emotionally because of all this – and I’d like to do everything that I can to make him more comfortable.

Now I don’t know very much about Reiki except the basic principles – but I know a lot of people who claim to have been helped by it. And I know there are a number of folks on here who use it on animals who are in serious distress: shelter workers, those who foster animals, etc.

I have to assume that there can’t be any hurt in me giving it a whirl.
But for someone who is “giving it a whirl” – what advice might you have?

Thanks

[btw - this pic of "Zeke the Spotted Wonder Dog" was taken last week when he was a happy-go-lucky-ball-chasing-kinda dog.
http://de.tinypic.com/view.php?pic=mjxuo4&s=5
Hope that works -
If you have a couple of moments to send him some universal love, it would be much appreciated.]

Thanks again – Be well all

Best answer:

Answer by dvdclarke
see a vet

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by Tink: I need advice from the Reiki Masters about a dog in distress?
Yesterday my dog wasn’t acting right – he was acting scared and shaking, and wasn’t interested in his favorite things – and that wasn’t like him – so we took him to the vet, and by evening he was doped up on heavy duty narcotics, and on the floor shaking and whining in pain, and couldn’t even get up to eat, drink, etc. We took him back to the vet today, and had x-rays done, etc. Turns out he has a moderate case of dysplasia, arthritis and really bad bone spurs in the hips. Now the vet has no idea how the poor guy could have gone from being in such good shape to such bad shape literally overnight – thinks he might have pulled a muscle or something along those lines that just tipped him over the edge…

But anyhow, he’s still reasonable sedated from doing the x-rays, and laying under my massage table. He’s not doing well emotionally because of all this – and I’d like to do everything that I can to make him more comfortable.

Now I don’t know very much about Reiki except the basic principles – but I know a lot of people who claim to have been helped by it. So I have to assume that there can’t be any hurt in me giving it a whirl.

But for someone who is “giving it a whirl” – what advice might you have?

Thanks

[This pic of "Zeke the Spotted Wonder Dog" was taken last week when he was a happy-go-lucky-ball-chasing- kinda dog.
http://de.tinypic.com/view.php?pic=mjxuo4&s=5
If you have a couple of moments to send him some universal love, it would be much appreciated.]

Thanks again – Be well all

Best answer:

Answer by Alakina
The kids and I have already started sending Zeke some Reiki….. Basically, If you haven’t had a Reiki Attunement, you probably can’t do Reikik yourself, but some people do have the natural ability…. I am a Reiki Master, and even tho I suspect that my grandkids have the natural ability, I still give them attunements. Blessings on you and Zeke, please e-mail me and let us know how he’s doing !!! Best of luck!!! P.S. One way to tell if you have any ability is to hold your hands together over someone, with the intention to send Reiki, and if they can feel heat from your hands, well, you do !!! (about 6 inches away )

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by miaugh: How many responsible breeders would advertise here?
Just a question, in reference to a question recently deleted. Someone was looking for a rottweiler stud, and appeared to have all the answers. Titled and shown, parents were titled and shown, OFA, hip & elbow dysplasia tests, brucellosis, the whole nine yards. Apparently the studs recommended by this person’s mentor were not avaible, so the asker was looking for studs here. There seems to be a spate of questions here where people have the right answers, but do you trust that information is not just parroted back from what they’ve read–or have they “done their homework”?

So the question is:
How likely is it that a breeder of caliber would search for a dog to be bred with theirs on YA?

Thanks for the answers, that’s what I thought. The asker seemed to have it all together–if so, why would they look here? Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t being overly suspicious
Lol dreamer, yes it was a short-lived question. As soon as the responses questioned them, the question was gone.
Rosalie- agreed! It did all sound good, but it does serve as an example to show not everyone is as they seem.

Best answer:

Answer by Kip’s Mom ***WFM***
About as likely as me winning America’s Top Model.

Give your answer to this question below!

Question by Schmemdog loves fields!: What are signs to look out for for genetic diseases in labradors?
I’ve adopted a 1 1/2 year old, male, neutered chocolate lab from the humane society and I’m wondering about what to watch out for. He’s been amazing; affectionate, laid back, not hyper at all and very handsome. I know the breed is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, CPRA and other eye problems and seizures. Is there anything I should look for now? Is there any way to see or feel for dysplasia? He’s a very athletic dog and appears sound, but I’d like to know if anyone has experience and could point out warning signs.

Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Bansheese7
Congratulations on your new Lab. They are an amazing breed.
He is still too young to develop any characteristic involving a genetic disorder. He seems very healthy in what you describe. If you haven’t noticed any strange behavior please don’t worry. You can always take it to the vet and they would do a general checkup to ensure he is fine. I’m an expert with Golden retrievers, which are similar to labs.
Best of luck.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by A: Is it safe to breed a dog after miscarriage on her next heat cycle?
Hi, just after some more opinions on this subject. My 3yr old Golden Retriever miscarried her litter a couple of weeks ago at 7 & half weeks gone. This was a planned pregnancy & she has had all her health tests including hip & elbow dysplasia & eye tests all af which were either clear or better than breed standard. As did my stud dog, so please don’t think that I am any kind of back yard breeder.
She was of course seen by a vet the moment I noticed something was wrong & has been on antibiotics for a few weeks. The vet advised that it would be safe to try breeding her again on her next heat cycle which is likely to be in about a years time but I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this & could offer some advice? I just want the best for my girl & am unsure whether to go ahead with plans for breeding on her next cycle – she was expecting 8 puppies from the lost litter all of which already had loving homes waiting for them & the same people are happy to wait for her next litter.
Just to clear up a few things:
-ALL her health tests were done including Brucellosis and a full blood work for any inherited diseases. All were clear.
-Both Hips, Elbows & eyes were scored. Eyes were unaffected & hips & Elbows were both below the breed average score.
-I have bred pups before so I do have experience however this is the first miscarriage I have dealt with, so no I am not a back yard breeder.
-My dog was seen by a vet on more than one occasion qualified to deal with uterine issues.

While I understand some comments made which are quite frankly mean & unhelpfull I hope you can see that I obviously have my dogs best interests in the fore front of my mind otherwise I wouldnt be asking for advice on breeding after miscarriage – I have not experienced this before and neither has my dogs breeder either. Vets can give good advice as mine has, but it can’t hurt to hear from others who have actually gone through this too.

Best answer:

Answer by JenVT
Lots of people do, but it depends some on how far along in the pregnancy she was (ie how much of her resource reserves did she use)

Add your own answer in the comments!