You are serious about learning more about how to care for the Havanese puppy you wish to purchase. It may have been many years since a dog has been in your home, or perhaps this will be the first do you have ever owned, or perhaps you have never spent much time with small breeds.
What questions will you want to ask your Havanese breeder before you commit to the purchase of a particular animal? What simple, regular routines will you undertake to ensure your Havense’s continued good health? What are the signs of health problems in any dog? What are the signs of particular Havanese health problems?
No one likes to think about it, but sometimes our beloved pets are injured-hit by a car or bicycle. Many dog owners are unprepared for emergencies, don’t know how to find emergency care for their pet, and may not even have a regular veterinarian. Arranging emergency care for your Havanese, should it ever be needed, need not take you by surprise.
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.
Poodle-eye is a harmless brown staining in the corners of the eyes. Havanese breeders are making the effort to maintain databases on the health defects of their dogs and to remove dogs with eye and knee problems from their breeding lines.
Many Havanese health problems are not inevitable. You, your Havanese’s best friend and protector, are the first line of defense. Watch for changes in your Havanese’s actions or appearance. Is your previously playful Havanese, now just lying around all day? Is your Havanese keeping the same bowel and bladder habits? Is your Havanese eating? A change in any of these may signal illness.
You are the first line of defense against Havanese health problems. You should keep an eye on your Havanese and notice any changes in behavior or appearance. An animal that is usually lively and playful who becomes dull and listless may be unwell. A loss of appetite or weight may also signal illness. Regularly check your Havanese’s coat for fleas and ticks. A mass under the skin may be a sign of an abscessed wound and should receive prompt veterinary care.
Keep your veterinarian’s phone number readily available in case you need to arrange emergency care for your Havanese. If you need to transport your Havanese to the veterinarian, be sure to do the following. Muzzle the animal, because injured animals may bite even their owners. If you suspect a limb is broken, wrap the limb in a towel and loosely tape it. Do not splint the limb. You can lift small dogs directly under their belly. For small dogs with a suspected neck, back or hip injury, lift the dog on a board. Lift large dogs on a board.
