Edna Said:

dog health problems plzzz help?

We Answered:

in my experience the health issue lists for breeds are just a guide line to go by like a warning the issues may not actually be a problem with the animal its just to make you keep an eye on the pet

Jack Said:

I want a small indoor dog, one with little health problems and isnt hard to train have any ideas?

We Answered:

lol. I don't mean to laugh, but this is a difficult one. The only thing that may fit your needs is a Maltese. Small dogs tend to have potty issues. Some never ever learn.

And, because they have been bred as companion dogs, they can be VERY difficult to train. They often times just don't care.

Health problems run rampant in little dogs - mostly because of those horrid backyard breeders and puppy mills. However, if you buy a dog whose parents have been fully screened for genetic problems in their breed, then the chances are much less likely that you'll encounter problems down the road.

And, small dogs are quite breakable. Even the best bred dog can get into the chocolate or the rat poison or decide he can fly. Then, $2000 vet bill.

If you don't want toy sized, then a smaller Sheltie may work. They are wonderful at learning training, often HATE to dirty the house, and are wonderful companions. However, they need alot of coat maintenance and a TON of exercise/work.


Your best bet may be to visit http://www/petfinder.com and see if anything interests you. With an older dog (even 7-8 months), you should know if its potty trained (or if it has the potential to be).

If you decide that you want to buy a puppy from a breeder, be sure to visit http://www.akc.org and follow the links to the dog's breed club. They'll give you lots of info as far as what to expect and hopefully, how to find a good breeder.

Be sure a breeder follow EACH AND EVERY guideline from the AKC: http://www.akc.org/breeders/resources/gu…

and from their breed club. If they don't, they are overbreeding and just want your money. NEVER buy from a person like this.

Terry Said:

What kind of health problems will an American Eskimo Dog face?

We Answered:

It's generally a pretty healthy breed, but you'd want to see testing done on parents, grandparents, etc., and on your pup at the appropriate ages, for the following:

Progressive Retinal Apathy (PRA)
Luxating Patella
Hip dysplasia

They are prone to tear staining with their white coats, which is really more of a cosmetic issue than a health problem. They can also be prone to allergies and weight gain, although you can manage the dog's weight with careful and appropriate feeding.

Also more prone than average to cataracts.


http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/164

Cynthia Said:

Do health problems arise from dog sleeping in room with newborn?

We Answered:

It's actually believed to be the opposite now. The presence of allergens and bacteria that dogs carry are considered beneficial to young children in preventing allergies. The fact is they can't figure out what causes allergies, only how to mildly suppress most of them. Allergies are caused when the immune system attacks allergens as though they were harmful to the body when in fact they are not. Your body will change its allergies from time to time based on your exposure and other unknown factors. They range from normal, milder reactions like pollens, dust and animals to more severe like the peanut or seafood allergies.

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/2003…

If the concern is because of the behavior of your dog then that is different. Based on his size and temperament. Will he be jealous? Will he mess with the baby in the bassinet? These are valid concerns and have to do with the personality and relationships involved. Most of the time the dogs will accept the new baby as part of the family, but you still have to keep close watch on them. Many families contain pets and babies.

I think your situation sounds fine, when the time comes if any problems should arise you can address them then, but it doesn't sound like there is any reason for concern yet.

Stella Said:

Will a severe overbite cause health problems in a dog when he gets older?

We Answered:

It shouldn't, but there's no way of knowing. My dog has a minor under bite that doesn't effect her at all, but I don't know about a severe over bite. Take him to a vet to get x-rays, because that should show how is teeth are going to come in. That's the only way of knowing.